Tutorial / Cram Notes
Coexistence modes, also known as ‘interoperability modes’ or ‘migration modes,’ are designed to determine how Teams and Skype for Business can operate alongside each other. They cover scenarios where an organization might be transitioning gradually, running both systems side by side, or maintaining a Skype for Business environment for specific purposes or users. The available modes are:
- Islands: This default mode allows users to operate Teams and Skype for Business independently of each other. Users can initiate and receive calls and chats in both services.
- Skype for Business Only: In this mode, users remain on Skype for Business for chat, calling, and scheduling meetings. Teams is limited to collaboration features like Teams and channels.
- Skype for Business with Teams Collaboration: Users continue to use Skype for Business for chat, calling, and meetings, but they also use Teams for group collaboration, including Teams and channels and file collaboration.
- Skype for Business with Teams Collaboration and Meetings (Meetings First): Similar to the previous mode but with an emphasis on using Teams for meetings. This mode is ideal where the main goal is to introduce Teams as a meetings platform alongside Skype for Business.
- Teams Only (Upgrade): When a user is in Teams Only mode, they use Teams for chat, calls, and meetings. Skype for Business is only used to join meetings that others have scheduled in it.
Choosing the Appropriate Coexistence Mode
Selecting the right coexistence mode depends on multiple factors including the current deployment of Skype for Business (on-premises, online, or hybrid), the readiness of the organization’s network for Teams, user training and adoption programs, and the organization’s timelines and goals for migrating to Teams.
Here’s a brief guide to choosing the right mode:
| Factor | Recommended Mode | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| New deployment (no legacy systems) | Teams Only | Without any legacy systems to consider, it’s best to start with Teams to embrace the full capabilities of modern collaboration. |
| Gradual migration | Skype for Business with Teams Collaboration (and Meetings) | This approach allows users to start exploring collaboration features in Teams while maintaining their familiar Skype for Business environment for communication. |
| Focused on meetings upgrade | Meetings First | Organizations prioritizing superior meeting experiences can benefit from the advanced meetings features in Teams while keeping chat and calling on Skype for Business. |
| Complete transition | Teams Only | Once the organization is ready to make the full switch, migrating all users to Teams Only mode consolidates communication and collaboration in one platform. |
| Maintain Skype for Business for specific use | Skype for Business Only | In scenarios where certain users or departments have requirements that dictate maintaining Skype for Business, this mode ensures they can continue their operations unchanged. |
Example Scenario
Consider an educational institution migrating to Microsoft Teams from Skype for Business. They decided to start using Teams for professional development and faculty collaboration while gradually introducing it for student use.
- Initially, they might select the “Skype for Business with Teams Collaboration” mode to adopt Teams for collaboration while keeping teaching staff on Skype for Business for communication.
- Later, they transition to “Meetings First” to take advantage of better meeting features in Teams, particularly useful for remote classes.
- Finally, they opt for the “Teams Only” mode once the entire institution is ready, moving all communication and collaboration onto Teams.
Conclusion
In summary, each coexistence mode serves a purpose in the transition journey from Skype for Business to Microsoft Teams. Understanding these modes and their use cases is crucial for a successful migration plan. When selecting a mode, carefully consider your organization’s unique needs and readiness to ensure a smooth transition for all users. During the MS-700 exam, expect questions related to these modes and be prepared to recommend a mode based on given scenarios.
Practice Test with Explanation
True or False: Organizations need to choose a coexistence mode when operating with both Skype for Business and Microsoft Teams.
- True
Answer: True
Explanation: Organizations that use both Skype for Business and Microsoft Teams will need to select a coexistence mode that defines how the two systems will operate together.
Which of the following is NOT a coexistence mode in Microsoft Teams?
- A) Islands Mode
- B) Skype for Business Only Mode
- C) Teams Only Mode
- D) Legacy Mode
Answer: D) Legacy Mode
Explanation: Legacy Mode is not a recognized coexistence mode in Microsoft Teams. The modes include Islands, Skype for Business Only, and Teams Only modes among others.
True or False: In Teams Only mode, users can still initiate calls and schedule meetings using Skype for Business.
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: In Teams Only mode, users are expected to utilize Teams for all calling, chatting, and meeting scheduling, and they cannot use Skype for Business for these functions.
Which coexistence mode is suitable for organizations that are ready to use Teams for all communications and collaboration needs?
- A) Islands Mode
- B) Teams Only Mode
- C) Skype for Business with Teams Collaboration Mode
- D) Skype for Business with Teams Collaboration and Meetings Mode
Answer: B) Teams Only Mode
Explanation: Teams Only mode is designed for organizations that are ready to fully transition to Microsoft Teams for all their communication and collaboration.
True or False: It is required to disable Skype for Business in order to operate in Teams Only mode.
- True
Answer: True
Explanation: When an organization moves to Teams Only mode, it has essentially completed the transition from Skype for Business to Teams, and Skype for Business is disabled for users.
In which mode do users primarily use Skype for Business for calling and meetings, but use Teams for group collaboration?
- A) Collaboration Mode
- B) Meetings Mode
- C) Collaboration and Meetings Mode
- D) Islands Mode
Answer: A) Collaboration Mode
Explanation: Collaboration Mode, also known as “Skype for Business with Teams Collaboration,” is where users primarily utilize Skype for Business for calls and meetings but can use Teams for group collaboration projects.
Which mode is recommended for organizations that want to start using Microsoft Teams alongside Skype for Business?
- A) Teams Only Mode
- B) Skype for Business Only Mode
- C) Islands Mode
- D) Collaboration and Meetings Mode
Answer: C) Islands Mode
Explanation: Islands Mode is where both Skype for Business and Microsoft Teams run alongside each other, and users can begin using Teams while still having access to Skype for Business.
True or False: Once you select a coexistence mode, you cannot change it to another mode.
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Organizations can change their coexistence mode as their adoption of Teams evolves and their needs change.
True or False: Users in Teams Only mode can join meetings hosted on Skype for Business.
- True
Answer: True
Explanation: Even in Teams Only mode, users can join meetings hosted on Skype for Business by using the Skype for Business meeting join links.
In Skype for Business with Teams Collaboration and Meetings Mode, which application is used for chats and calls?
- A) Teams
- B) Skype for Business
- C) Both Teams and Skype for Business
- D) Neither
Answer: B) Skype for Business
Explanation: In this mode, users utilize Skype for Business for chats and calls, while Teams is used for collaboration and meeting experiences.
True or False: Islands Mode allows users to change their chat, calling, and meeting services between Skype for Business and Teams at any time.
- True
Answer: True
Explanation: In Islands Mode, users can toggle their chat, calling, and meeting service preference between Skype for Business and Teams based on personal or organizational requirements.
Which coexistence mode should an organization choose when starting their migration to Teams while still needing Skype for Business for some users?
- A) Teams Only Mode
- B) Skype for Business Only Mode
- C) Islands Mode
- D) Selective Mode
Answer: B) Skype for Business Only Mode
Explanation: Skype for Business Only Mode is suitable for organizations that are beginning their migration to Teams but still need to maintain Skype for Business functionality for some users.
Interview Questions
What is coexistence mode in Microsoft Teams?
Coexistence mode is a setting in Microsoft Teams that determines how the app interacts with Skype for Business during the migration process.
What are the different coexistence modes in Microsoft Teams?
The different coexistence modes in Microsoft Teams are Islands, Skype for Business with Teams collaboration and meetings, Skype for Business with Teams collaboration only, and Teams only.
What is the Islands mode in Microsoft Teams?
In the Islands mode, users can continue to use both Skype for Business and Teams. This mode enables communication between the two apps but keeps them separate.
What is the Skype for Business with Teams collaboration and meetings mode in Microsoft Teams?
In this mode, Skype for Business is still the primary communication tool, but users can schedule meetings and use other collaboration features from within Teams.
What is the Skype for Business with Teams collaboration only mode in Microsoft Teams?
In this mode, Skype for Business is still the primary communication tool, but users can collaborate on files and use other features from within Teams.
What is the Teams only mode in Microsoft Teams?
In the Teams only mode, all communication and collaboration occurs within Teams, and Skype for Business is no longer used.
How can you determine which coexistence mode is currently in use in your organization?
You can determine the coexistence mode currently in use in your organization by checking the Teams Upgrade settings in the Teams admin center.
How can you change the coexistence mode in Microsoft Teams?
You can change the coexistence mode in Microsoft Teams by using the Teams Upgrade settings in the Teams admin center.
What are some factors to consider when choosing a coexistence mode for Microsoft Teams?
Some factors to consider when choosing a coexistence mode for Microsoft Teams include the readiness of your organization for the change, the level of training required for users, and the impact on your current communication and collaboration workflows.
Can you change the coexistence mode in the middle of a migration process?
Yes, you can change the coexistence mode in the middle of a migration process. However, it is important to carefully plan and communicate any changes to users to minimize disruptions.
How can you prepare users for a change in coexistence mode?
To prepare users for a change in coexistence mode, it is important to provide training and communication about the new mode, including any changes to communication and collaboration workflows.
What are some best practices for managing coexistence mode in Microsoft Teams?
Some best practices for managing coexistence mode in Microsoft Teams include regular communication with users, providing training and resources, monitoring usage and adoption, and adjusting settings as needed to optimize the user experience.
How can you troubleshoot issues related to coexistence mode in Microsoft Teams?
To troubleshoot issues related to coexistence mode in Microsoft Teams, you can review logs and usage data, engage with support resources from Microsoft, and work with your IT team to identify and resolve any technical issues.
What are some common challenges associated with migrating from Skype for Business to Microsoft Teams?
Some common challenges associated with migrating from Skype for Business to Microsoft Teams include managing coexistence mode settings, adjusting communication and collaboration workflows, and addressing user training and adoption.
How can you ensure a smooth migration from Skype for Business to Microsoft Teams?
To ensure a smooth migration from Skype for Business to Microsoft Teams, it is important to carefully plan and communicate the change to users, provide training and resources, and monitor usage and adoption to make adjustments as needed. It is also important to engage with support resources from Microsoft and work closely with your IT team to manage any technical issues.
Can someone explain the differences between Teams-Only and Skype for Business with Teams Collaboration mode?
How do coexistence modes affect user experience during the transition period?
Has anyone faced issues with interop between Skype for Business and Teams?
What are the licensing requirements for running coexistence modes?
Does switching to Teams-Only mode affect existing Skype for Business meetings?
Thanks for this detailed explanation!
Our organization used Islands mode for a while, but it was chaos. Users were confused about which platform to use.
Can I switch back from Teams-Only mode to Islands mode if needed?