Microsoft Ignite 2021 was held November 2nd through the 4th, virtually for the second year in a row. This annual event focuses on announcements and innovations for customers leveraging Microsoft 365, Azure, Power Platform, and other Microsoft business applications and services. As a Microsoft Gold Partner focused on delivering collaboration solutions and services, we’re always interested in hearing about innovations in SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, and Power Platform. Here are my highlights from this year’s event.
Microsoft Teams Collaboration Cross-Org
Shared channels can be shared with individuals and teams across multiple organizations. To enable easy access, shared channels appear within each member’s Teams tenant, alongside other teams and channels. Users will be able to schedule a shared channel meeting, use Microsoft apps, and share each channel with up to 50 teams and as many organizations as needed. With cross-tenant access settings in Azure AD, admins can also configure granular and differentiated trust relationships for external collaboration with different organizations. This feature will be available in preview in early 2022.
Microsoft Teams for Virtual Events
Virtual events are here to stay, and attendee engagement and retention depend upon being able to deliver interactive, personalized experiences. New webinar and broadcasting capabilities in Microsoft Teams make it easy to set up and deliver professional, engaging experiences to internal and external audiences. Upcoming features include virtual green room, co-organizer, hosted Q&A, isolated audio feeds and Cvent integration.
Microsoft Viva
All Microsoft Viva modules are now generally available with the release of Viva Learning
Power Platform Integration with Microsoft Teams
Integration continues to evolve with the release of the Power BI App in Teams
New Power Apps Licensing Option
To simplify this and get apps into the user’s hands more quickly, developers can now connect a Microsoft Azure subscription to Power Apps and pay only for what they use. Pricing – Power Apps (microsoft.com)
Microsoft Loop – a new way to collaborate on content
Microsoft Loop consists of three core elements: Loop components (previously Fluid components), Loop pages, and Loop workspaces. These elements are built on the Fluid Framework open-source platform, providing real-time collaboration operating at a massive scale. Microsoft Loop components are rolling out in preview across Microsoft 365 apps, such as Microsoft Teams, Outlook, and OneNote in the coming months, with more Microsoft Loop functionality to follow.
Microsoft Loop | Flexible Canvas App
See the Microsoft Ignite 2021 Book of News for a summary of all the news and announcements.
Compass365, a Microsoft Gold Partner, delivers SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, and Power Platform solutions that help IT and Business leaders improve the way their organizations operate and how their employees work.
