Microsoft Teams is about to receive an update that will establish a whole new use case for the collaboration and video conferencing platform.
Microsoft Teams will soon support a new virtual appointment format, which is called virtual appointments. The aim of the virtual appointment program is to provide B2C businesses with a simple way to schedule consultations with their customers.
The guests will receive a meeting invitation which includes key information to make joining easier, explained Microsoft. They may join from any device - no need to install Teams - and have access to a comfortable pre-appointment virtual waiting room until youre ready to begin.
Not just for business
Microsoft Teams has seen a significant rise to prominence as the epidemic shifted to remote and hybrid working. According to latest statistics, more than 270 million people now use the platform every month.
Microsoft has invested heavily in developing use cases for individuals in an attempt to enhance the platform.
Microsoft provided the desktop client with a visual upgrade to make the platform more responsive to an ordinary business audience.
Separately, the company has now reduced the use of consumer and business accounts, permettant to corporate users to have conversations and meetings with clients and partners that may be used to their personal Teams login.
Microsoft has labeled the introduction of 3D avatars for Teams as a measure to enhance collaboration and immersion, but it also offers an option for non-professionals to use.
The decision to create a new type of meeting specifically for B2C appointments is the most significant step in this broadening process, implying that both businesses and consumers will benefit from the same familiarity platform. However, whether or not people will accept the idea as a result.
The virtual appointment feature is still in development, but it may reach all Teams users by the end of the year.