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Coexistence modes, also known as ‘interoperability modes’ or ‘migration modes,’ are designed to determine how Teams and Skype for Business can operate alongside each other. They cover scenarios where an organization might be transitioning gradually, running both systems side by side, or maintaining a Skype for Business environment for specific purposes or users. The available modes are:
Selecting the right coexistence mode depends on multiple factors including the current deployment of Skype for Business (on-premises, online, or hybrid), the readiness of the organization’s network for Teams, user training and adoption programs, and the organization’s timelines and goals for migrating to Teams.
Here’s a brief guide to choosing the right mode:
Factor | Recommended Mode | Rationale |
---|---|---|
New deployment (no legacy systems) | Teams Only | Without any legacy systems to consider, it’s best to start with Teams to embrace the full capabilities of modern collaboration. |
Gradual migration | Skype for Business with Teams Collaboration (and Meetings) | This approach allows users to start exploring collaboration features in Teams while maintaining their familiar Skype for Business environment for communication. |
Focused on meetings upgrade | Meetings First | Organizations prioritizing superior meeting experiences can benefit from the advanced meetings features in Teams while keeping chat and calling on Skype for Business. |
Complete transition | Teams Only | Once the organization is ready to make the full switch, migrating all users to Teams Only mode consolidates communication and collaboration in one platform. |
Maintain Skype for Business for specific use | Skype for Business Only | In scenarios where certain users or departments have requirements that dictate maintaining Skype for Business, this mode ensures they can continue their operations unchanged. |
Consider an educational institution migrating to Microsoft Teams from Skype for Business. They decided to start using Teams for professional development and faculty collaboration while gradually introducing it for student use.
In summary, each coexistence mode serves a purpose in the transition journey from Skype for Business to Microsoft Teams. Understanding these modes and their use cases is crucial for a successful migration plan. When selecting a mode, carefully consider your organization’s unique needs and readiness to ensure a smooth transition for all users. During the MS-700 exam, expect questions related to these modes and be prepared to recommend a mode based on given scenarios.
Answer: True
Explanation: Organizations that use both Skype for Business and Microsoft Teams will need to select a coexistence mode that defines how the two systems will operate together.
Answer: D) Legacy Mode
Explanation: Legacy Mode is not a recognized coexistence mode in Microsoft Teams. The modes include Islands, Skype for Business Only, and Teams Only modes among others.
Answer: False
Explanation: In Teams Only mode, users are expected to utilize Teams for all calling, chatting, and meeting scheduling, and they cannot use Skype for Business for these functions.
Answer: B) Teams Only Mode
Explanation: Teams Only mode is designed for organizations that are ready to fully transition to Microsoft Teams for all their communication and collaboration.
Answer: True
Explanation: When an organization moves to Teams Only mode, it has essentially completed the transition from Skype for Business to Teams, and Skype for Business is disabled for users.
Answer: A) Collaboration Mode
Explanation: Collaboration Mode, also known as “Skype for Business with Teams Collaboration,” is where users primarily utilize Skype for Business for calls and meetings but can use Teams for group collaboration projects.
Answer: C) Islands Mode
Explanation: Islands Mode is where both Skype for Business and Microsoft Teams run alongside each other, and users can begin using Teams while still having access to Skype for Business.
Answer: False
Explanation: Organizations can change their coexistence mode as their adoption of Teams evolves and their needs change.
Answer: True
Explanation: Even in Teams Only mode, users can join meetings hosted on Skype for Business by using the Skype for Business meeting join links.
Answer: B) Skype for Business
Explanation: In this mode, users utilize Skype for Business for chats and calls, while Teams is used for collaboration and meeting experiences.
Answer: True
Explanation: In Islands Mode, users can toggle their chat, calling, and meeting service preference between Skype for Business and Teams based on personal or organizational requirements.
Answer: B) Skype for Business Only Mode
Explanation: Skype for Business Only Mode is suitable for organizations that are beginning their migration to Teams but still need to maintain Skype for Business functionality for some users.
Coexistence mode is a setting in Microsoft Teams that determines how the app interacts with Skype for Business during the migration process.
The different coexistence modes in Microsoft Teams are Islands, Skype for Business with Teams collaboration and meetings, Skype for Business with Teams collaboration only, and Teams only.
In the Islands mode, users can continue to use both Skype for Business and Teams. This mode enables communication between the two apps but keeps them separate.
In this mode, Skype for Business is still the primary communication tool, but users can schedule meetings and use other collaboration features from within Teams.
In this mode, Skype for Business is still the primary communication tool, but users can collaborate on files and use other features from within Teams.
In the Teams only mode, all communication and collaboration occurs within Teams, and Skype for Business is no longer used.
You can determine the coexistence mode currently in use in your organization by checking the Teams Upgrade settings in the Teams admin center.
You can change the coexistence mode in Microsoft Teams by using the Teams Upgrade settings in the Teams admin center.
Some factors to consider when choosing a coexistence mode for Microsoft Teams include the readiness of your organization for the change, the level of training required for users, and the impact on your current communication and collaboration workflows.
Yes, you can change the coexistence mode in the middle of a migration process. However, it is important to carefully plan and communicate any changes to users to minimize disruptions.
To prepare users for a change in coexistence mode, it is important to provide training and communication about the new mode, including any changes to communication and collaboration workflows.
Some best practices for managing coexistence mode in Microsoft Teams include regular communication with users, providing training and resources, monitoring usage and adoption, and adjusting settings as needed to optimize the user experience.
To troubleshoot issues related to coexistence mode in Microsoft Teams, you can review logs and usage data, engage with support resources from Microsoft, and work with your IT team to identify and resolve any technical issues.
Some common challenges associated with migrating from Skype for Business to Microsoft Teams include managing coexistence mode settings, adjusting communication and collaboration workflows, and addressing user training and adoption.
To ensure a smooth migration from Skype for Business to Microsoft Teams, it is important to carefully plan and communicate the change to users, provide training and resources, and monitor usage and adoption to make adjustments as needed. It is also important to engage with support resources from Microsoft and work closely with your IT team to manage any technical issues.
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