Connect and Collaborate
Welcome to Microsoft Teams

It is inevitable that technology will change, sometimes faster than we can keep up with and sometimes not fast enough!

At some point, you may have heard ITS staff mention that GroupWise messenger (aka Novell messenger) would be retiring. On July 31st, GroupWise messenger will end its long reign and pass the crown to a new resource in our growing Office 365 arsenal – Microsoft Teams. Whether or not you currently use GroupWise messenger, we are excited for you to see the Teams application and learn how it can work for you! While Microsoft Teams has a multitude of functions, we will only focus on its chat feature during the initial roll out. ITS already scheduled some training dates so you can come learn more about Teams and how to use it. If you would like to register for training, please click here and choose the session that works best for you.

In addition to providing training, we have compiled an initial FAQ below; this FAQ will grow as more questions arise. We highly recommend subscribing to this blog to receive notifications when new information posts.

If you have a question or concern that is not addressed in the FAQ, please email the Client Success Team at itscs@widener.edu.

 

FAQ’s

Q:  Why are we moving from GroupWise to Teams? 

A:As you may have heard, we are moving away from Novell and the physical server maintenance it requires. Thus, moving towards the cloud-based chat option that Office 365 offers.

 
Q:  Why are we moving to Teams instead of Skype for Business? 

A:Skype for business is at its end of life, therefore we need to move to a more sustainable solution.

Q:  Can I access my saved GroupWise message history?

A:Yes, but only before July 31. You will be able to access your saved message history, provided you have that function enabled.

Q:  Can I export my contact list out of GroupWise messenger

A:No. You are not able to export contact lists out of GroupWise.

Q:  Can I edit names? 

A:No, but you can hover your cursor over a name to see their contact information, you can chat, email or call them through the internet (with or without video).

 Q:  How do we create a Team?  

A:Although the ability to create a team is enabled, we are requesting that you do not create any Teams at this time. If you need a Team created, please open a quick ticket and ITS will assist you in the creation. http://quickticket.widener.edu/

Q:  Will anyone be able to see my status? 

A:Yes. Others will be able to tell if you are available, busy or in a meeting by looking at the icon by your name. Know that this same information has always been available through the Outlook scheduling assistant in your calendar.

Q:  Can you import your contacts into Teams? 

A:No. The applications are from two separate providers, there is no ability to import contact from GroupWise into Teams. However, if you have contacts in Skype they will transfer over to Teams.

Q:  How do I chat with my colleagues? 

A:Choose the chat option from the menu on the left margin, then type the contacts name in the command bar, once their name appears select it and you can start your conversation with them.

Q:  How do I create a chat including multiple colleagues? 

A:Choose the chat option from the menu on the left margin, then select the icon at the top of the page next to the command bar that looks like a pen and paper, this will allow you to select multiple contacts to have a conversation with.

Q:  Can I block from receiving chats from another colleague? 

A:No, but there is an option to mute them and hide them. This selection is found by clicking on the ellipsis (three dots) next to the contact name. This brings up more options. If you use this feature, you can change the option by searching the contact, select the ellipsis and then change the setting back.

 

 

Leave a Reply