Mark Herbert (https://www.linkedin.com/in/herbertmark/), co-founder of Call2Teams (at Qunifi, acquired by Dstny) and now launching Haptap Call Manager, explores how partners are enabling Microsoft Teams Phone for SMB and mid-market.

Mark shares industry insights from his Teams journey and working with UCaaS vendors and partners to bridge SIP trunks into Teams. He gives a demo of Haptap Call Manager (https://www.haptap.com/), a cloud-hosted management tool for simplified management of Microsoft Teams phone services.

• The evolving Teams Phone opportunity in SMB and mid-market • How AI and Copilot are driving interest in Teams Phone
• The challenges partners face managing voice at scale
• Haptap’s approach to multi-tenant Teams Phone management
• Why Dstny backed Haptap as an innovation-led startup within the group

Dave Hatz, VP of Machine Intelligence at CTI, a major AV integrator and events company, shares his journey from AV programming into AI leadership.

• How AI is reshaping the AV integrator’s role, from hardware-centric deployments to software-driven, experience-focused solutions
• The shift from complex, bespoke AV setups to scalable, software-upgradable Microsoft Teams Rooms and how this enables sustainability and innovation
• The growing importance of AI features like intelligent cameras, transcription, and meeting recap, and how AV professionals can support these capabilities
• From personal productivity tools to organisational workflows, Dave discusses how CTI helps clients integrate AI

Thanks to Neat for sponsoring this podcast episode and for their ongoing support. 

Callum Moore is an Enterprise Product Manager for Microsoft Teams at a global organisation supporting nearly 400,000 users. Drawing on his experience across professional services, healthcare, retail, and banking, Callum shares practical insights into managing Teams at scale.

• Client Health and Admin Tools: New Teams Admin Center dashboards are available for monitoring client version compliance, crashes, and update failures. These tools offer a more accessible way to identify issues that may otherwise go unreported and influence user perception.

• User Experience and Communication: The benefits of promoting smaller, user-focused features—such as keyboard shortcuts—and using tools like Viva Engage or Copilot to support internal communications. Callum encourages creating informal spaces for users to explore features at their own pace.

• AI and Copilot Integration: The conversation touches on how AI is influencing product management and organisational structures. Callum notes the growing need for concise, actionable information to keep pace with Microsoft’s evolving roadmap.

• Feedback and Community: Emphasising the importance of two-way dialogue, Callum encourages organisations to share feedback with Microsoft and engage with peers to surface common challenges and influence product direction.

• Troubleshooting and Network Testing: The episode also explores upcoming features like silent test calls and remote log collection

Thanks to Landis for sponsoring this podcast episode and for their ongoing support. 

Microsoft Teams Monthly Update - July 2025

• Microsoft FY26
• Skype for Business Server Subscription Edition GA
• Summarise transferred calls in Teams with Copilot
• Teams client health dashboard
• Teams client Silent Test Calls
• Teams Rooms Pro Portal Al
• Researcher and Analyst Agents GA
• Real-time voice is coming in M365 Copilot Events

Thanks to Pure IP, this month's benefactor, for your support of Empowering.Cloud and the community.

Note that this is an audio-only version of the update, so if you would like to see the accompanying slides, please watch the video version on Empowering.Cloud

Mary Jo Foley, celebrated tech journalist and current Editor in Chief at Directions on Microsoft, joins the podcast to delve into the rise of AI and Copilot at Microsoft and the ever-increasing pace of change.

• Mary Jo's journey from tech journalism to leading content strategy at Directions on Microsoft
• Insights into how enterprise organizations are navigating Microsoft's swift AI advancements
• The impact and challenges of Microsoft's Copilot and agent offerings on enterprise licensing and strategy
• Challenges understanding the complexities of Microsoft's pricing and licensing models, particularly regarding new AI services

Thanks to AudioCodes, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support.

David Renfree, Manager of UC Sales Specialists at Colt Technology Services, and Jason Wyatt, EMEA Marketing Director at AudioCodes, discuss evolving operator services and how Colt is innovating in enterprise connectivity through their partnership with AudioCodes.

• Strategic Partnership: Colt utilizes AudioCodes Live Platform to enhance enterprise voice services and efficiency

• Award-Winning Cooperation: Colt recognised by AudioCodes for excellence as Live Platform and Service Provider of the Year

• Tailored Solutions: Offers flexible, multi-vendor integration to meet diverse enterprise requirements

• Advanced UC Management: Provides comprehensive service management for both cloud and on-premise environments

• AI and Business Impact: Focuses on AI-driven solutions for superior business outcomes beyond traditional telecom

Thanks to AudioCodes, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support

Mehryn Corrigan, Microsoft Global Channel Sales lead, Microsoft Teams Rooms, discusses the evolution of Teams Rooms and AI and the future of meeting spaces.

• AV and IT Convergence: Exploring the integration of AV and IT in meeting room setups and how partners are evolving their roles

• AI in Meeting Rooms: Enhancements such as speaker recognition, AI assistants, and Copilot are transforming meeting experiences

• Simplifying Room Deployments: Efforts to streamline setup and management are making modern meeting rooms more accessible

• Future Opportunities for Partners: With the addition of Microsoft Places and AI, partners are poised to expand their service offerings beyond hardware

Thanks to Jabra, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support.

Dan Root of ClickShare by Barco offers insights into their new Microsoft Teams Rooms solutions and use of Microsoft Devices Ecosystem Platform

• ClickShare's new Android-based modular compute systems supporting Microsoft Teams Rooms and BYOD experiences
• How ClickShare integrates with existing ecosystems, providing flexibility and compatibility for diverse meeting room needs
• Insights into the partnership with Microsoft using the MDEP platform and how it supports enhanced security and management
• Announcement of partnerships and certified bundles

Thanks to Dan Root for sharing his expertise and to Landis, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support

Olly Henderson, VP of Product at Jabra, discusses the evolution of meeting room technology and what Jabra is focused on based on customer feedback and insights.

• Launch of Panacast 40 VBS: A new Android bar for enhancing small huddle rooms with affordable, high-quality AV solutions.
• Role of Edge AI: Utilising edge AI for optimal performance and less cloud reliance in Jabra's video solutions.
• Future of BYOD: Jabra enables adaptable BYOD experiences, allowing easy upgrades to native conferencing systems.
• Strategic Collaborations: Leveraging MDEP integration and partnerships to enrich Jabra's enterprise solutions.
• Streamlined Deployment: Reducing costs with zero-touch setup and Jabra Plus management platform improvements.

Thanks to Jabra, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support.

Microsoft Teams Monthly Update - June 2025

• Microsoft 365 Leadership Changes
• New Microsoft Teams 'Thread" Layout for Channels
• Teams Phone extensibility - Public Preview
• Remote collection of diagnostic logs from users' Teams clients
• Operator Connect Updates
• Immediate SBA Upgrade Required
• Microsoft Retiring Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel
• Teams Devices News from InfoComm
• Events

Thanks to Landis, this month's benefactor, for your support of Empowering.Cloud and the community.

Note that this is an audio-only version of the update, so if you would like to see the accompanying slides, please watch the video version on Empowering.Cloud

Ritika Gupta, Microsoft Group Product Manager, delves into the power of AI in Microsoft Teams, focusing on recording, transcription, and intelligent  recap.

• Ritika highlights the shift of recording and transcription from convenience to essential for AI capabilities like intelligent recap and Copilot.
• Overcome language barriers with Interpreter Agent
• Real-time transcription challenges and AI improvements for more accurate language processing and cultural understanding.
• Compliance controls and policies for IT to ensure secure and effective use of recording and transcription.

Thanks to Luware, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support of Empowering.Cloud

Chris Johnson, Senior Director, Android Product & Engineering for MDEP at Microsoft, sheds light on the intricacies of Android and the Microsoft Devices Ecosystem Platform (MDEP)

• MDEP's objective to deliver a secure, manageable Android OS tailored for enterprise environments
• How Microsoft collaborates with chipset vendors and OEMs to support device innovation and reduce fragmentation
• The importance of regular updates and patches in maintaining security, and how long-term support works
• Looking ahead to new developments, including upcoming features in Android 15 and MDEP’s continued evolution

Thanks to Chris Johnson for offering great insight into MDEP and the devices landscape.

Big thanks to Jabra for sponsoring the podcast

Exploring Teams Phone Mobile with Virgin Media O2's Duncan Finlay

• Duncan discusses his extensive telecom experience and current role at VMO2, sharing insights into the integration of fixed and mobile technologies.
• We explore the significant benefits of Teams Phone Mobile, focusing on its seamless integration with Microsoft ecosystems to enhance corporate communication strategies.
• The conversation highlights potential cost and operational efficiencies, offering a new vision for businesses tackling legacy technology transitions.
• We delve into VMO2's innovative deployment solutions with Microsoft and PingCo, which simplify the setup and management process for enterprises.

Thanks to Luware, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support and for helping to make content like this possible.

Microsoft Teams Monthly Update - May 2025

• Microsoft Earnings FY25 Q3 – M365 Highlights
• Microsoft 365 news from Microsoft Build
• Office 365 / Microsoft Teams EU antitrust update
• 9 Microsoft Teams Roadmap Highlights
• Operator Connect and Teams Phone Mobile updates
• Microsoft Teams Rooms on Android updates
• Teams Devices updates
• Events

Thanks to AudioCodes, this month's benefactor, for your support of Empowering.Cloud and the community.

Note that this is an audio-only version of the update, so if you would like to see the accompanying slides, please watch the video version on Empowering.Cloud

Kevin Kieller, EnableUC and Craig Durr, The Collab Collective, discuss their perspectives with Tom Arbuthnot live from Comms vNext, exploring how AI is reshaping workplace collaboration.

• Comparing AI developments across UCaaS platforms, Microsoft's Copilot, Zoom's AI companion, and Google's Gemini.
• How AI is evolving from a tool to a teammate, with discussion on platforms integrating AI to enhance meeting and workflow effectiveness.
• The role of trust in AI adoption and how reliable AI interactions can increase productivity and streamline work processes.
• Future AI developments including agent orchestration and the integration of multiple AI systems

Thanks to Kevin Kieller and Craig Durr for their insightful contributions and to SCB Global for sponsoring podcasts at Comms vNext

Patrick Burke from Gong shares insights on how they are using AI to maximise RevOps and how they use Numonix TRaaS to pull insights from Microsoft Teams meetings.

• Gong's evolution into a revenue AI platform,  how it helps sales teams improve performance by integrating insights directly into CRM systems.
• Integrations with platforms like Microsoft Teams, Salesforce, and HubSpot allow seamless data gathering and analysis to refine and support data-driven sales strategies.
• Media capture and compliance capabilities enabled by Gong's partnership with Numonix, ensuring secure and efficient use of call data for business insights.
• Patrick offers a glimpse into the future of AI in sales, including potential chat centric integrations 

Thanks to Patrick Burke for sharing his expertise and to Numonix for sponsoring this insightful discussion.

Tom Arbuthnot talks with Reto Schadegg, Global IT Infrastructure Manager at SCOR, about how they rolled out 200 Microsoft Teams Rooms across 35 countries in just 90 days.

• SCOR's delivered a rapid global deployment by leveraging prior standardization and planning.
• Neat Bar Pro was selected after hands-on testing, becoming the core device for most rooms.
• The rollout achieved a 40% reduction in operational costs and six-figure savings overall.
• A streamlined support model now manages 200 rooms with just 1.5 FTEs on second-line support.
• SCOR's shift to Teams Phone continues, aiming to phase out desk phones and reduce telecom costs.

Thanks to Neat, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support and for helping to make content like this possible

Tom Arbuthnot chats with Michael Levy, CEO of Numonix, about what it really takes to deliver compliance-grade recording in Microsoft Teams.

• Compliance recording is centrally managed, encrypted, and built to meet regulations like GDPR and MiFID II.
• Microsoft certification requires rigorous audits, financial commitment, and ongoing platform alignment.
• Vendors must continuously adapt to Teams updates to maintain compatibility and compliance.
• Numonix powers advanced features like filtered recording, native Teams app support, and AI integration.

Thanks for listening to this deep dive into compliance recording and how it’s evolving with Microsoft Teams.

Microsoft Teams Monthly Update - April 2025

• Teams clients older than 90 days will be blocked​
• General Channel is back​
• Detect sensitive content screen shared in meetings​
• Share PowerPoint control with all presenters​
• New Unify Contact Center to Microsoft Teams Integration model​
• Enforcement of Teams Phone license checks for Extend Contact Centres and Attendant Consoles​
• M365 Copilot Chat will be pinned by default in Teams and Outlook​
• Teams Devices Updates​
• Roadmap Watch​

Thanks to Neat, this month's benefactor, for your support of Empowering.Cloud and the community.

Note that this is an audio-only version of the update, so if you would like to see the accompanying slides, please watch the video version on Empowering.Cloud

Tom Arbuthnot is joined by Microsoft’s Evie Grimshaw to dive into bookable desks in Microsoft Teams and how they fit into the broader solution with Microsoft Places.

• Bookable desks work with existing Teams devices and software—no new hardware or installs are needed.
• Bookable desks supports end-to-end booking, from remote reservations to automatic in-office check-ins.
• Employees maintain control over location visibility with flexible opt-in privacy settings.
• Admins get actionable insights into desk usage via integrated analytics in Teams and Places.
• Upcoming updates will expand desk booking options and enhance intelligent peripheral mapping for admins.

Thanks to Pure IP, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support and for helping to make content like this possible

Tom Arbuthnot speaks with Adam Holtby, a Principal Analyst at Omdia, about the evolving landscape of Teams Phone Mobile, mobile UCaaS integration and its strategic impact on organizations.

Discussion Points:

• Challenges: Tom and Adam discuss the slow adoption of mobile UCaaS, highlighting the need for better integration between cellular networks and collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams and Cisco WebEx
• Opportunity: The opportunity for telcos to become key integrators of advanced communication solutions, enhancing their business value.
• Strategic Benefits for Enterprises: A centralized approach to managing mobile and fixed collaboration tools can significantly reduce costs and improve operational efficiency for multinational companies
• Security and Compliance: Benefits for regulated industries like financial services, where secure and compliant communication is essential.

Thanks to Ribbon, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support and for helping to make content like this possible

Matt Peers, the Global COO of Pinsent Masons, shares his insights on the adoption of modern work technologies, particularly AI and Microsoft's Copilot, within the legal sector.

• Matt discusses his professional journey, including his experiences as both a CIO and COO in prominent legal and professional services firms. He focuses on how he's led efforts to modernize workplaces through technology.
• How the legal sector is embracing AI—not as a replacement for lawyers, but as a tool to augment their capabilities. AI enables legal professionals to deliver higher-quality work and respond to clients more quickly.
• How AI has become an important tool in legal operations, helping streamline tasks like meeting notes, summarizing conversations, and managing workloads more effectively.
• Matt highlights the importance of continuous training, storytelling, and leveraging early adopters to drive the adoption of Copilot and AI technologies within organizations.

Thanks to Pure IP, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support and for helping to make content like this possible.

In this episode, we’re joined by Greg Baribault, who leads the HP business and brings a 26-year legacy from Microsoft, offering unique insights into the evolution and future of collaborative technology.

• Greg reflects on his transition from Microsoft, where he worked across Exchange Server, Skype for Business, and Microsoft Teams, to leading hardware innovation at HP.
• He discusses the evolution of Skype Room Systems to Microsoft Teams Rooms and the importance of seamless, instant meeting starts.
• Greg shares how HP is integrating technologies from Polycom, Plantronics, HP, and now Vyoppta to create a cohesive, user-friendly experience in both physical and virtual meeting spaces.

Thanks to Landis, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support and for helping to make content like this possible

Scott Plette, Partner Group Program Manager for Teams Calling and Premium shares his insights into how the Queues app is offering new capabilities and value to customers. 

• How Queues App is enhancing team collaboration, managing customer calls, and providing reporting and insights
• Upcoming features include shared call history, integration with Microsoft Shifts, and enhanced mobile capabilities
• How the integration of AI, including Copilot features, will provide intelligent insights, automate call recaps, and enhance customer interaction analytics.
• Advanced call monitoring features coming soon include barge, whisper, and monitor functionalities

Thanks to Ribbon, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support and for helping to make content like this possible

Microsoft Teams Monthly Update - Enterprise Connect Special - March 2025

• 10 Teams Client Updates
• Live Web Chat
• Interpreter Agent Demo
• 8 Meetings and Events Updates
• Facilitator Agent on MTR
• 9 Teams Rooms and Places Updates
• Teams Phone Extensibility Explained
• 9 Teams Phone Updates
• Events

Thanks to Pure IP, this month's benefactor, for your support of Empowering.Cloud and the community.

Note that this is an audio-only version of the update, so if you would like to see the accompanying slides, please watch the video version on Empowering.Cloud