MICROSOFT

Redmond giant wants to put teamwork in shape and launches Teams free version
The entire concept of Microsoft 365 is now geared towards collaboration and optimization of teamwork, using artificial intelligence and analytics tools to analyze data, give tips and evaluate employees' productivity, how they manage email and work meetings.It may seem scary but in fact the new work tools are designed to allow a better balance between work and leisure, and the ability to work anywhere in the world, managing the meetings and tasks associated with teams without the traditional "corsets" of a fixed time or place of work.The presentation of the news was led by Frank X. Shaw, Vice President of Microsoft Communications, in a session addressed to some guest journalists, but was witnessed by Satya Nadella, Microsoft CEO, who has long confessed to being a fan of the 365 and a heavy user.Among the shared news, including the creation of "smart events" and deepening analytical skills, the launch of a free version of Microsoft Teams, the collaboration tool that was launched last year for communication between teams, meetings, phone calls and connection to various applications, all in a workspace shared by the team. Starting today, Teams is available for free worldwide, supporting 40 languages, including Portuguese.The free version is now available for Windows 10 and will soon reach iOS and the Web, but anyone who wants can already start experimenting. Microsoft Teams outpaces Slack's competition, which has been gaining support in a number of ways, including the robustness and generosity of user and messaging support.The Microsoft tool allows up to 300 people to use it with unlimited chat and search messages, integrated audio and video calls to people and groups, and facilitates remote meetings. It also has 10 GB of file storage for the team, plus 2 GB for each person and is integrated with Office online but also with Adobe, Evernote and Trello.

Artificial Intelligence to Improve Team 
Habits"Habits can make or break a team." The phrase was used by Naomi Moneypenny, Microsoft product manager, in presenting the new features of 365 and specifically Microsoft Teams, and the analytics areas associated with team management.Based on Workplace analytics and artificial intelligence, Microsoft can measure email usage patterns, team and meeting productivity, and even quantify the costs of these behaviors. The Microsoft Graph experience puts all data together and shares recommendations and suggestions using MyAnalytics.Also added was the possibility of "notices" with nudges, based on Microsoft 365 MyAnalytics that is integrated with Outlook, alerting for example to the fact that you are sending emails to colleagues after hours or suggesting that you set aside time to work more closely.The idea is to help change habits, ensuring a better balance between work and personal life and time management, but it may seem too intrusive and even scary, as if you've always had the boss lurking over your shoulder.
The truth is that it will be something that everyone will have to get used to sooner or later. as they gather more information the systems are also better able to interpret and apply it to time management and team productivity. Just yesterday a report published by Bloomberg said that IBM already uses Watson to manage the teams and even the promotion suggestions.
The Inspire 2018 conference is Microsoft's premier event for partners and brings together more than 16,000 participants in Las Vegas. The event starts on the 15th and runs until July 19th.


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