In this episode, we’re joined by Greg Baribault, who leads the HP business and brings a 26-year legacy from Microsoft, offering unique insights into the evolution and future of collaborative technology.

• Greg reflects on his transition from Microsoft, where he worked across Exchange Server, Skype for Business, and Microsoft Teams, to leading hardware innovation at HP.
• He discusses the evolution of Skype Room Systems to Microsoft Teams Rooms and the importance of seamless, instant meeting starts.
• Greg shares how HP is integrating technologies from Polycom, Plantronics, HP, and now Vyoppta to create a cohesive, user-friendly experience in both physical and virtual meeting spaces.

Thanks to Landis, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support and for helping to make content like this possible

Scott Plette, Partner Group Program Manager for Teams Calling and Premium shares his insights into how the Queues app is offering new capabilities and value to customers. 

• How Queues App is enhancing team collaboration, managing customer calls, and providing reporting and insights
• Upcoming features include shared call history, integration with Microsoft Shifts, and enhanced mobile capabilities
• How the integration of AI, including Copilot features, will provide intelligent insights, automate call recaps, and enhance customer interaction analytics.
• Advanced call monitoring features coming soon include barge, whisper, and monitor functionalities

Thanks to Ribbon, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support and for helping to make content like this possible

Microsoft Teams Monthly Update - Enterprise Connect Special - March 2025

• 10 Teams Client Updates
• Live Web Chat
• Interpreter Agent Demo
• 8 Meetings and Events Updates
• Facilitator Agent on MTR
• 9 Teams Rooms and Places Updates
• Teams Phone Extensibility Explained
• 9 Teams Phone Updates
• Events

Thanks to Pure IP, this month's benefactor, for your support of Empowering.Cloud and the community.

Note that this is an audio-only version of the update, so if you would like to see the accompanying slides, please watch the video version on Empowering.Cloud

Tom Garland, Global Service Delivery Manager at Willis Towers Watson shares an insight to the journey from traditional PBX systems to Skype for Business, and then to Microsoft Teams.

• Key considerations and challenges in implementing such large-scale telephony changes across a diverse global workforce 
• The importance of aligning projects with business requirements and managing user expectations to prevent operational complications
• Specific regional challenges, and experience in implementing Operator Connect in countries like India
• The importance of adhering to compliance requirements through sophisticated call recording systems and practical approaches for managing call data efficiently

Thanks to Pure IP, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support.

Ally Ward, M365 Global Service Owner at a major legal firm, unravels the complexities of managing Microsoft 365 change, sharing effective strategies for handling frequent updates and ensuring seamless IT operations.

• Ally's role in managing Microsoft 365 changes, focusing on assessing the impact of updates and determining necessary actions for adoption or compliance
• How change information can be distributed through Teams channels and how to alert relevant subject matter experts to the appropriate information
• Balancing the need for awareness with the risk of information overload in terms of end-user communication
• The value of investing in resources to manage Microsoft 365 change effectively

Thanks to Ribbon, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support.

Sarah Miller, Senior Product Marketing Manager - Microsoft 365 Copilot at Microsoft, dives into practical applications of Microsoft Copilot Agents

• The concept of Copilots and the journey organisations take to adopt and integrate this AI technology effectively
• Real-world use cases, including how Pets at Home are using AI agents to improve operations and efficiency
• Importance of enterprise security in AI adoption
• The concept of AI agents, their functions and business value across different industries
• How Copilot Dashboard and Success Kit can assist organisations in measuring AI impact and managing AI deployment

Many thanks to Crestron, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support.

Matt Sheldrick, M365 Product Designer at Kingfisher, a multi-national retail group with renowned brands including B&Q and Screwfix, shares how the organisation has embraced Microsoft Teams to revolutionise collaboration.

• How Kingfisher deployed video capabilities in all meeting rooms and even stores
• The importance of quick, efficient and robust room setups
• The transition to Teams Phone and streamlining communication, focusing on flexibility and local presence
• AI adoption and automation enhancing productivity

Thanks to Logitech, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support.

Mansoor Malik, Principal Group Product Manager - Microsoft Teams at Microsoft, explores the world of Microsoft Teams Premium, a significant focus for Microsoft in 2025. 

• Teams Premium enables organisations to better manage communications and advanced workloads efficiently in a hybrid workplace.
• Headline features include Intelligent Recap, Queues app and Microsoft Places
• Find out about lesser-known but still valuable features
• Realising the ROI for Teams Premium

Thanks to Logitech, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support.

Microsoft Teams Monthly Update - February 2025

• Microsoft Teams Rooms Express Install
• ISE News and New Devices
• MDEP – New OEMs and ODMs
• MTRoW Boards + Edge WebApps
• MTRoW Multiple Camera View
• Microsoft Teams Super Resolution
• New Teams Phone Mobile Provider
• Roadmap
• Events

Thanks to Ribbon, this month's benefactor, for your support of Empowering.Cloud and the community.

Note that this is an audio-only version of the update, so if you would like to see the accompanying slides, please watch the video version over on Empowering.Cloud

In a podcast crossover, Tom Arbuthnot joins friends Randy Chapman, Mark Vale, and Shawn Harry in episode 65 of the UC Status Podcast, where they discuss all things Microsoft Teams, AI, and future innovations.

• What were the big Microsoft Teams features of 2024, and a look at the Roadmap for 2025
• The impact of Teams Premium on user experiences and how businesses are leveraging its features, including branding, intelligent recaps and integration with external platforms
• The increasing support of BYOD rooms
• Copilot's future trajectory and how AI will impact contact center