Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Teams Room are two of the most popular collaboration tools that have taken the business world by storm. While they share some similarities, there are some significant differences between the two platforms that are worth exploring.

Microsoft Teams is a chat-based collaboration platform that allows users to share files, conduct video meetings, and collaborate on projects. It is designed for desktop and mobile devices and is available as a standalone application or as part of the Microsoft Office 365 suite. Microsoft Teams is a popular choice for businesses of all sizes because it allows users to work together in real-time, no matter where they are.

Microsoft Teams Room, on the other hand, is a meeting room solution that is designed to work with Microsoft Teams. It is essentially a hardware device that can be used to transform any meeting space into a Teams-enabled video conferencing room. Microsoft Teams Room is ideal for businesses that need to host large-scale video meetings and presentations, and it comes equipped with a range of features to help users get the most out of their meetings.

One of the most significant differences between Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Teams Room is the way they are used. Microsoft Teams is primarily used for collaboration, while Microsoft Teams Room is designed for video conferencing. Microsoft Teams can be used by individuals and teams to share files, collaborate on documents, and communicate with one another in real-time. On the other hand, Microsoft Teams Room is designed for use in a meeting room setting, where it can be used to conduct video meetings, share presentations, and collaborate with remote team members.

Another significant difference between Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Teams Room is the way they are priced. Microsoft Teams is available as part of the Microsoft Office 365 suite, which is priced on a per-user basis. This means that businesses can purchase licenses for each user and pay a set fee for each license. Microsoft Teams Room, on the other hand, is priced on a per-room basis. This means that businesses can purchase a license for each meeting room and pay a set fee for each room.

Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Teams Room also differ in terms of the features they offer. Microsoft Teams offers a range of collaboration tools, including real-time messaging, video conferencing, screen sharing, and file sharing. Microsoft Teams Room, on the other hand, is designed specifically for use in a meeting room setting, and it comes equipped with features like high-quality video and audio, multiple camera support, and screen sharing.

Another difference between Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Teams Room is the hardware that is required to use them. Microsoft Teams can be used on any desktop or mobile device, and it can be accessed via the web or through a standalone application. Microsoft Teams Room, on the other hand, requires specialised hardware, including a computer, camera, microphone, and speakers, in order to function properly. This means that businesses that want to use Microsoft Teams Room will need to invest in additional hardware, which can add to the overall cost of the solution.

Strive work with a number of Teams Room hardware providers including Crestron, Yealink, Logitech, Poly and Neat. Get in touch today for a demo.