Tutorial / Cram Notes
These capabilities are often enhanced through the integration of various apps that can make collaboration more efficient, seamless, and productive. Below are key ways that you can extend Microsoft Teams by using collaborative apps:
Integrated Microsoft Apps
Office 365 Applications: Teams integrates with Office 365 apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote, allowing for real-time co-authoring and collaboration on documents directly within a Teams channel.
SharePoint: SharePoint can be used within Teams to create a shared library for document storage, management, and collaboration.
Planner: Teams integrates with Microsoft Planner to manage tasks and assignments within a team, track progress, and collaborate on project-related activities.
Third-Party Apps and Services
Teams allow for the inclusion of a wide variety of third-party apps that can be added as tabs, bots, or connectors to enhance collaboration. Examples include Trello for task management, GitHub for development projects, and Asana for project tracking.
Custom Bots and Automation Tools
Power Automate: You can use Power Automate (formerly Microsoft Flow) to automate repetitive tasks and integrate workflows within Teams. This can include notifications, data collection, and complex process automation.
Custom Bots: Through the Microsoft Bot Framework, developers can create custom bots to automate routine inquiries, facilitate information retrieval, or assist with common tasks.
Meeting Extensions
Apps for Meetings: Teams supports apps specifically designed for use during meetings, such as Polly for real-time polling, or Whiteboard for collaborative drawing and ideation.
Tabs for Easy Access
You can integrate applications as tabs within Teams channels, providing easy access to frequently used apps and services without leaving the Teams environment. This can include dashboards, websites, or services specific to your organization’s workflow.
Connectors for Notifications and Updates
Connectors can be used to bring notifications and updates into Teams channels from a range of services. For example, a connector could be used to post updates from a CRM system or a news feed directly into a pertinent Teams channel.
Compliance and Security
Microsoft ensures that all apps within Teams conform to compliance and security standards, including those for data handling, privacy, and more. However, administrators have the ability to manage app permissions and set policies for external app usage.
The integration of these apps transforms Microsoft Teams from a simple communication tool into a rich, collaborative workspace where team members can handle projects, track progress, carry out complex workflows, and stay updated with the broader aspects of their work environment.
Below is a comparative illustration of different types of collaborative apps within Teams:
| Apps & Services | Usage | Example Integrations |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Apps | Document collaboration, Task management, File storage | Office 365 Suite, Planner, SharePoint |
| Third-Party Apps | Extend functionality, Task and project management, DevOps | Trello, GitHub, Asana |
| Custom Bots & Automation Tools | Workflow automation, Information retrieval, Custom assistance | Power Automate, Microsoft Bot Framework |
| Meeting Extensions | Enhanced meeting interaction, Real-time feedback, Collaborative spaces | Polly, Whiteboard |
| Tabs | Quick access to apps and services, Streamline workflows | Dashboards, External service tabs |
| Connectors | Automated notifications, Real-time updates | News feeds, CRM updates |
By integrating these apps, Teams enables an exceptional level of collaboration and productivity, ensuring that team members have access to the tools they need within a unified interface. Consequently, Teams stands out not only as a hub for teamwork but also as a platform that can be tailored to a wide variety of business and organizational needs.
Practice Test with Explanation
True or False: Apps in Microsoft Teams can only be accessed through the Teams desktop application.
- False
Apps in Microsoft Teams can be accessed through the Teams desktop application, web browser, and mobile app.
Multiple Select: Which of the following can be used to extend the functionality of Microsoft Teams? (Select all that apply)
- a) Third-party services
- b) Bots
- c) Tabs
- d) Customized backgrounds for video calls
Correct answers: a, b, c
Third-party services, bots, and tabs are all used to extend the functionality of Microsoft Teams. Customized backgrounds for video calls are a feature of Teams, but not an extension for collaboration.
True or False: You can integrate Microsoft Planner within Microsoft Teams for task management.
- True
Microsoft Planner can be integrated within Teams to help with managing tasks and projects directly within the Teams workspace.
Single Select: What feature can be used to integrate a third-party app into a channel in Microsoft Teams?
- a) Chat
- b) Calendar
- c) Tabs
- d) Calls
Correct answer: c
Tabs can be used to integrate third-party apps directly into a channel, providing easy access to services and tools without leaving Teams.
True or False: You need to be an administrator to install apps in Microsoft Teams.
- False
Team members can install apps in Microsoft Teams if the team admin or IT administrator has granted them permission to do so.
Multiple Select: What types of collaborative apps can you add to Microsoft Teams? (Select all that apply)
- a) Connectors
- b) Messaging extensions
- c) File storage services
- d) Databases
Correct answers: a, b, c
Connectors, messaging extensions, and file storage services are types of collaborative apps that can be added to Microsoft Teams to enhance user productivity and collaboration.
True or False: Only apps from the Microsoft app store can be added to Microsoft Teams.
- False
While the Microsoft app store offers a wide range of apps for Teams, organizations can also develop and use custom apps specific to their needs.
Single Select: Which feature allows users to receive updates and notifications from other services within Microsoft Teams?
- a) Notifications
- b) Bots
- c) Activity Feed
- d) Connectors
Correct answer: d
Connectors are used to bring content and updates from various services right into the Teams channels, thereby allowing users to receive notifications and updates with ease.
True or False: The Q&A feature in Microsoft Teams Live Events is an example of a collaborative app.
- True
The Q&A feature in Live Events is a collaborative app that facilitates engagement and interaction during live streaming events within Teams.
True or False: Code snippets cannot be shared directly in Microsoft Teams.
- False
Code snippets can indeed be shared directly in Microsoft Teams chats and channels through formatting options or using specific apps like Visual Studio Code integration.
Single Select: Which collaborative app in Microsoft Teams can facilitate video conferencing in larger meetings or events?
- a) Microsoft Stream
- b) Microsoft Live Events
- c) Microsoft Word
- d) Microsoft Outlook
Correct answer: b
Microsoft Live Events is a feature in Teams that allows users to create video conferencing events for a large number of participants, facilitating broadcasting capabilities.
Multiple Select: Which of the following are developer platforms that allow for extending Microsoft Teams? (Select all that apply)
- a) SharePoint Framework
- b) Microsoft Graph API
- c) Azure DevOps
- d) Microsoft Power Platform
Correct answers: b, d
The Microsoft Graph API can be used to build apps that interact with the data of Microsoft 365 services, and the Microsoft Power Platform (which includes Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power BI) can be used to build custom solutions that extend Microsoft Teams functionalities.
Interview Questions
What are collaborative apps in Microsoft Teams?
Collaborative apps are third-party apps that can be integrated into Microsoft Teams. They allow you to extend the functionality of Teams to meet your specific needs. Examples of collaborative apps include Trello, Asana, and Salesforce.
How can you access collaborative apps in Teams?
To access collaborative apps in Teams, click on the Apps icon in the left-hand menu. This will take you to the app store, where you can browse and search for apps that you want to install.
What types of apps can you add to Teams?
You can add a wide range of apps to Teams, including project management tools, document editors, customer relationship management (CRM) software, and more.
How do you install an app in Teams?
To install an app in Teams, simply click on the app and follow the installation instructions. You may need to provide access to your Microsoft account or other credentials.
How do you use apps in Teams?
Once an app is installed in Teams, you can access it by clicking on the app icon in the left-hand menu. This will launch the app within Teams, allowing you to use it without leaving the platform.
How can collaborative apps improve productivity in Teams?
Collaborative apps can improve productivity in Teams by providing access to tools and services that are not available natively in the platform. This can help teams to work more efficiently and effectively.
How can collaborative apps help teams to collaborate better?
Collaborative apps can help teams to collaborate better by providing access to shared resources, such as files, tasks, and calendars. They can also enable real-time collaboration on documents and projects.
What is Power Apps?
Power Apps is a platform for building custom business apps that can be integrated into Teams. It allows users to create apps without the need for coding or technical expertise.
How can Power Apps be used in Teams?
Power Apps can be used to create custom apps for Teams that are tailored to specific business needs. These apps can be used to streamline workflows, automate tasks, and provide access to shared data.
What is Power Automate?
Power Automate is a platform for automating workflows across multiple apps and services. It allows users to create custom workflows that can be triggered by specific events or actions.
How can Power Automate be used in Teams?
Power Automate can be used to automate workflows in Teams, such as sending notifications when a new task is added to a project management app or creating new tasks in response to specific events.
What are some examples of collaborative apps that can be used in Teams?
Some examples of collaborative apps that can be used in Teams include Trello, Asana, Salesforce, Adobe Sign, and Zoom.
How can you discover new apps to use in Teams?
You can discover new apps to use in Teams by browsing the app store, checking out app recommendations from Microsoft, or searching for apps that meet specific business needs.
How can you manage the apps that are installed in Teams?
You can manage the apps that are installed in Teams by going to the Apps section in the left-hand menu and clicking on the Manage apps link. From here, you can install or uninstall apps and manage app permissions.
How can you ensure that the apps you use in Teams are secure?
To ensure that the apps you use in Teams are secure, make sure that you only install apps from trusted sources
Microsoft Teams allows integration with various collaborative apps like Trello and Asana to manage project tasks within Teams.
You can use Power Automate to create workflows that notify Teams channels of updates automatically.
Adding Polls and Forms in Teams meetings can gather real-time feedback from participants.
Thanks for the insights, very helpful!
Using OneNote in Teams helps in maintaining shared documentation.
Tabs can be added in a channel for direct access to files and tools like Excel.
Yammer integration in Teams boosts community engagement within an organization.
Integrating GitHub with Teams allows for tracking commits and pull requests right from Teams chat.