The Division of Information Technology will soon pilot using Microsoft Teams. The pilot will test the viability of Teams as a centralised platform for communication and chat for Charles Sturt University, which forms part of the broader Charles Sturt digital transformation to a modern workplace.
The project team is currently reviewing backend platform prior to releasing Teams to all DIT staff members. DIT will test and pilot as a proof of concept which is due for completion early Quarter 1 2022. The pilot will test the viability of using Teams, validate assumptions and start building the project plan for a broader organisation wide rollout.
With an initial goal of Quarter 3 2022, DIT will aim to roll Teams out across Charles Sturt, replacing Skype for Business and Slack channels. It will bring tighter integration with platforms such as Microsoft OneDrive and Microsoft 365, integrate employee calendars and replace the desktop phone system.
There are many benefits anticipated for moving to Teams
- Improved chat function, and for anyone involved in running a support desk, the ability to maintain chats;
- Set up of individual teams for projects and groups including across business units;
- Combine chats with ad hoc video meetings and improve collaboration options; and
- Longer term reduce expenditure relating to the telephony system.
Please note, Zoom will remain the conferencing platform for learning and teaching purposes. A detailed change management and communication program is planned to support all users as we migrate to Microsoft Teams and retire our current communications platforms.