As organizations shift towards hybrid working models, the way we utilize the office has transformed. Many employees no longer commute five times a week to work at the same desk. This increased flexibility and opportunity to work where we want has introduced the need for technology to power these new work scenarios.
Specifically, Microsoft Teams has evolved its software offerings to accommodate new workplace use cases and expanded device functionalities. One example is rebranding the existing Common Area Phone (CAP) license to the Teams Shared Device license to enable broader functionalities involving shared devices.
The Teams Shared Device license will continue to support the existing user experience for phones deployed in common areas including call queue and auto attendant support, call park and retrieve, cloud voicemail, and group pickup. However, this license also supports additional use cases for Microsoft Teams Displays and Microsoft Teams Panels to address the evolving use cases for shared and common spaces that do not require the full functionality of a Teams Rooms license. The Teams Shared Device license does not apply to Microsoft Teams Rooms deployments, and details about licenses that support Microsoft Teams Rooms can be found here.
This rebranded license is targeted to be available by the end of 2022 across all licensing channels and will be priced at USD 8 per device/month. The following sections outline the major use cases that will be addressed by this new SKU.
Teams Shared Device license on Microsoft Teams Display
The Teams Shared Device license on Teams Display offers a hotdesking experience. Hotdesking on Teams display makes finding a space to work easier by allowing employees to locate and reserve flexible workspaces. With the Teams Shared Device license, users can reserve a desk and make a call on Teams display. In addition to this, if users want to access their meetings, chats, and files, they can sign into the hotdesking device with their personal credentials.
Teams Shared Device license on Microsoft Teams Panels
The Teams Shared Device license on Teams Panels enables standalone Panels experiences. Standalone Teams Panels (which are not tied to a Microsoft Teams Room) are used to reserve a common space that does not require a Teams Rooms (i.e., Yoga room). As such, a Teams Shared Device license will be advised.
Teams Shared Device license on Teams Phone device
The Teams Shared Device license continues to support the Common Area Phone (CAP) experience on Teams Phone, which enables customers to use their Teams phone devices for calling capabilities. Call park and retrieve, cloud-based voicemail, call queues, and forwarding rules are just a few of many features that are supported by the Teams Shared Device license.
Customer Guidance
This Teams Shared Device license will be available to all channels by the end of this year. Until then, customers should speak with their Microsoft account executive to identify an appropriate licensing solution in the interim.