publish and configure a custom app to Microsoft Teams

Before publishing an app to Microsoft Teams, you must first develop it. Custom apps can be built using the Microsoft Teams Toolkit or independently using the Microsoft Teams SDKs. The app can be something simple, like a bot or messaging extension, or more complex, such as a tab that integrates with external services.

An app manifest file is a fundamental requirement when you build a Teams app. This JSON file describes the app’s functionalities, permissions, locations within Teams, and how it integrates within the Teams interface. Use the App Studio in Teams or the Teams Toolkit for Visual Studio Code to help create the app manifest easily.

Testing Your Custom App

Before publishing your custom app, it is imperative to test it extensively. Microsoft Teams provides the ability to upload a custom app for testing purposes. You can do this by navigating to the Teams admin center and uploading the app package (which includes the manifest and icons together with any necessary bots or tabs).

Publishing to Your Company’s App Catalog

1. Navigate to the Microsoft Teams admin center.
2. Go to the “Teams apps” section and then to “Manage apps”.
3. Click “Upload” and select the app package file.

Once the app is uploaded, it will be available in your organization’s app catalog, and you can manage its policies and settings from the admin center.

Setting Policies for the Custom App

App permission and setup policies are essential for controlling which apps are available to Teams users and the order in which they appear. The Microsoft Teams admin center enables you to manage these policies efficiently.

• App permission policies: Determine which apps are allowed or blocked within your organization. You can create custom policies and assign them to individual users, groups, or the entire organization.
• App setup policies: Control how apps are displayed within the Teams client. You can create policies to pin apps for easy access for your users.

To configure policies:

1. In the Microsoft Teams admin center, go to “Teams apps” and then select “Permission policies” or “Setup policies.”
2. Create a new policy or edit an existing one.
3. Configure the policy settings as needed.

Managing a Published Custom App

After your custom app is published, it’s important to monitor and manage it to ensure that it continues to meet organizational needs and compliance standards. This includes:

• Updating the app: Submit new versions of your app as needed to introduce new features or security updates.
• Monitoring app usage: Use analytic tools provided within the Teams admin center to monitor the usage of your custom app and ensure that it’s delivering the intended value.
• Addressing feedback: Collect and respond to user feedback to improve the app experience.

Example

Imagine your organization needs a custom app that allows users to access a customer relationship management (CRM) system directly from within Teams. The app would include a tab to display CRM data, a bot that answers queries about customer information, and messaging extensions that can insert CRM data into conversations.

Once developed and tested, you upload the app to your organization’s catalog, then define the appropriate permission policy to ensure all customer-facing teams have access while restricting it from other departments. You also adjust setup policies to pin the app on the side navigation bar for the sales team, ensuring quick access to the tool. As the app is in use, you would frequently review analytics to monitor adoption and gather user feedback to plan for improvements in subsequent releases.

Comparison Tables

By carefully following these steps, IT admins charged with the management of Microsoft Teams within their organization (as outlined in the MS-700 exam) can skillfully publish and configure custom apps, ensuring that they align with company policies and enhance workplace productivity and collaboration.