Forum Discussion

HenryDog's avatar
HenryDog
Copper Contributor
Jan 12, 2024

Are There Any TRUE and SIMPLE Solutions For External Client Communication/Collaboration In Teams?

Hi there!

 

I mainly work with SMB clients, aiming for smooth client communication and file sharing.

 

We use Microsoft 365 (M365) for our operations. While some clients have their M365 subscription, most are fans of Gmail, Hotmail, and similar platforms.

 

I have a few questions, and I'd appreciate simple answers:

 

1. I like external guest access to Teams, but can we hide the General channel from external clients?

2. Is it possible to share files outside of Team channels, like in direct messages? Despite our limited allowed domains in Teams and Entra, I struggle to share files with people outside our domain.

3. How about Shared Channels? Could this be the solution I'm looking for?

 

I'd be grateful for any feedback!

 

Thanks a bunch!

 

(Cleaned up by ChatGPT)

Guest Access

3 Replies

  • LeonPavesic's avatar
    LeonPavesic
    Silver Contributor
    Jan 14, 2024

    Hi HenryDog,

    Here are some answers to your questions:

    1. General Channel Visibility for Guests:
      Unfortunately, hiding the General channel from external clients is not supported in Teams.
      While the General channel is accessible to all members, including guests, a suggested workaround involves using Private Channels for internal discussions. 
      Excluding Guest accounts in the General channel - Microsoft Community Hub

    2. Sharing Files Outside Channels:
      Yes, you can share files outside your team by sending them in a chat.
      For Office files, you can open them in their its Office apps and share from there.
      Share a file with someone outside your team in Microsoft Teams - Microsoft Support

    3. Shared Channels:
      Shared channels in Teams create collaborative spaces where you can invite individuals outside the team.
      Only shared channel owners or members can access it.
      While guests can’t be added to a shared channel directly, you can invite people outside your organization to participate in a shared channel by using Microsoft Entra B2B direct connect.
      Shared channels in Microsoft Teams - Microsoft Teams | Microsoft Learn

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    Kindest regards,


    Leon Pavesic
    (LinkedIn)

    • HenryDog's avatar
      HenryDog
      Copper Contributor
      Jan 16, 2024

      Thanks for the response Leon. So correct me if I'm wrong, can external guests send files in direct Teams messages to internal users? OR can they only send files when they are posting inside a Team? Here are some crude snippets from an external guest's view for example: 

       

      Teams Chat

       

      Teams Team

       

      LeonPavesic 

      • LeonPavesic's avatar
        LeonPavesic
        Silver Contributor
        Jan 16, 2024

        Hi HenryDog,

        thanks fpr your update.

        Here is an explenation to your question

        1. Direct Teams Messages:
          When it comes to sending files in direct Teams messages, external guests face limitations. They cannot use the paperclip attachment feature to send files directly to internal users. So generally, external guests cannot send files in direct Teams messages to internal users.

        2. Posting inside a Team:
          External guests, however, have the ability to send files when posting within a Team. This is because the guest user is added to the Members of the underlying Office 365 Group, granting access to the associated SharePoint teamsite, where all Team files are stored. 

        Use guest access and external access to collaborate with people outside your organization - Microsoft Teams | Microsoft Learn


        Please click Mark as Best Response & Like if my post helped you to solve your issue.
        This will help others to find the correct solution easily. It also closes the item.


        If the post was useful in other ways, please consider giving it Like.


        Kindest regards,


        Leon Pavesic
        (LinkedIn)