Virtual appointments have become increasingly popular since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic as remote working and online meetings have become the norm. Microsoft Teams is introducing a new feature that will make scheduling online meetings even easier: Virtual Appointments in MS Teams.
What are Virtual Appointments in MS Teams?
Virtual Appointments in MS Teams is a new feature that connects Microsoft Bookings with the Virtual Appointments feature in Teams. This integration allows businesses to use a scheduling calendar to book virtual appointments and meetings within the Teams platform.
Microsoft Bookings is a scheduling app that allows businesses to schedule and manage appointments with their customers. It integrates with other Microsoft applications (like Outlook and Teams) to make scheduling and organizing appointments easier.
The Virtual Appointments feature in Teams allows users to hold online meetings, webinars and video conferences. With the integration of Microsoft Bookings, businesses can now schedule and manage virtual appointments directly from Teams without needing to switch between multiple apps.
How does it work?
Businesses need to have both Microsoft Bookings and Teams. The integration of these two apps supports scheduling and managing appointments from within Teams.
The scheduling calendar in Bookings allows customers to view available appointments and book a time that works for them. When a customer books an appointment, it automatically appears in the Teams calendar and the host receives a notification.
When it is time for the appointment, the host and the customer can join the meeting from within Teams. The meeting can be held using video, audio or chat depending on the preferences of the host and the customer.
What are the Benefits of Virtual Appointments in MS Teams?
Virtual Appointments in MS Teams offer several benefits for businesses and customers including:
Streamlined Scheduling
Businesses can schedule and manage appointments directly from the Teams platform without needing to switch between multiple apps. This saves time and increases efficiency which makes scheduling appointments easier and more streamlined.
Improved Customer Experience
Virtual Appointments in MS Teams offer customers a seamless appointment scheduling and meeting experience. Customers can easily view available times and book appointments and they can join the meeting directly from Teams without needing to download any additional software.
Increased Productivity
Businesses can hold virtual appointments and meetings without needing to leave the Teams platform. This increases productivity and allows businesses to focus on what they do best.
More Flexibility
Virtual Appointments in MS Teams offer increased flexibility which makes it possible to schedule appointments and meetings from anywhere and at any time. This is especially important in today’s remote working environment where businesses need to be flexible and adaptable.
How Can I Get Started With Virtual Appointments in MS Teams?
You first need to have both Microsoft Bookings and Teams. The following steps will help you set it up and start scheduling appointments:
Create a Scheduling Calendar in Bookings
Create a scheduling calendar in Bookings. This will allow customers to view available times and book appointments.
Connect Bookings to Teams
To connect Bookings to Teams, go to the Teams Admin Center and select “App Catalog”. Then search for “Virtual Appointments.”
Install Virtual Appointments
Once the Virtual Appointments app is installed, you can configure it to work with your Bookings calendar.
Get Started With Virtual Appointments
The new Virtual Appointments feature makes it easier for businesses to schedule and manage virtual appointments and meetings directly from Teams. This integration offers several benefits from streamlined scheduling and improved customer experience to increased productivity and flexibility.
Virtual Appointments in MS Teams are particularly useful for businesses that rely on appointments and meetings to conduct their operations like healthcare providers, financial advisors and legal professionals. With the ability to hold virtual appointments and meetings directly from Teams, these businesses can continue to provide their services from anywhere.
Scheduling appointments and meetings remotely allows businesses to offer more flexibility to their customers. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty which provides a much-needed edge on the competition in today’s competitive business landscape.
As businesses continue to adapt to remote working and online meetings, Virtual Appointments in MS Teams offer a convenient and efficient way to schedule and manage virtual appointments and meetings. At Sound Computers, we specialize in helping our business clients integrate Microsoft Bookings with Teams to create a more efficient workflow.
Contact us to learn more about our comprehensive IT services and the benefits that you and your customers can experience with Virtual Appointments in MS Teams. Give us a call anytime at (870) 577-8060 to get started today!