Coexistence modes, which are also referred to as ‘upgrade modes,’ are crucial in defining the user’s experience and features in Teams. The decision on the appropriate mode to use often hinges on the organization’s current usage of Skype for Business and the goal for Teams as part of your unified communications strategy.
There are five primary coexistence modes:
- Teams Only
- Islands
- Skype for Business with Teams Collaboration
- Skype for Business with Teams Collaboration and Meetings
- Skype for Business Only
Teams Only
As the name implies, Teams Only mode allows users to utilize Microsoft Teams for messaging, calls, and meetings. Meanwhile, incoming calls and chats from Skype for Business users automatically get routed to Teams.
Teams Only mode suits well for organizations aiming to make Teams the sole platform for intelligent communications quickly.
Islands Mode
In this mode, both Teams and Skype for Business run simultaneously, without any connection between the two. This mode is typically best for organizations in the early stages of transition from Skype for Business to Teams, allowing individual users or teams to start using Teams alongside Skype for Business.
However, this mode can also cause confusion since users’ chats and calls don’t cross over between Teams and Skype for Business, potentially resulting in missed messages.
Skype for Business with Teams Collaboration
This mode leaves Skype for Business as the default platform for calls and meetings. Meanwhile, Teams comes into play for group collaborations, which includes group chats and channel conversations. This mode benefits organizations looking to leverage Teams for its superior collaboration features, while maintaining Skype for Business for calls and meetings.
Skype for Business with Teams Collaboration and Meetings
This mode is similar to the Teams Collaboration mode, with the addition of the capability to host meetings via Teams. Skype for Business remains the primary tool for chats and calls, but Teams becomes the go-to for all team collaborations and meetings.
This mode is ideal for organizations seeking to shift meeting workloads to Teams while maintaining Skype for Business for direct chats and calls.
Skype for Business Only
Last in the lineup, the Skype for Business Only mode implies that Teams is utilized only for Teams collaboration features. Direct chats and calls, including ad-hoc 1:1 meetings, are routed only via Skype for Business.
This mode is beneficial for organizations that are just beginning their migration to Teams and want to keep using Skype for Business features.
Key Considerations in Choosing the right Coexistence Mode
Choosing the appropriate coexistence mode is primarily dependent on the organization’s readiness to transition to Teams entirely. It also involves considering other factors like feature requirements, IT readiness, user training, and change management process.
While in the early stages of transition, hybrid modes like ‘Skype for Business with Teams Collaboration’ or ‘Islands’ mode can be beneficial. As the organization becomes more confident and users are more trained in Teams, moving towards the ‘Teams Only’ coexistence mode would be the best way forward.
Keep in mind that the transition doesn’t have to happen all at once. Organizations can switch coexistence modes at the user level, allowing different modes for different users based on their readiness and needs. This flexibility ensures a smoother and more efficient transition process.
Remember, planning is key to a successful transition from Skype for Business to Teams. With careful consideration and strategic decision-making in selecting the coexistence mode, organizations can ensure a smooth and beneficial transition to Microsoft Teams.
Practice Test
Which of the following is not a coexistence mode in MS Teams?
- A. Teams Only
- B. Collaboration
- C. Islands
- D. Skype for Business Only
Answer: B. Collaboration
Explanation: Collaboration is not an existing coexistence mode. The existing coexistence modes include Teams Only, Islands, and Skype for Business Only.
True or False: The ‘Islands’ mode allows Teams and Skype for Business to run side by side.
Answer: True.
Explanation: The ‘Islands’ mode is used when both Teams and Skype for Business need to coexist. Within this mode, both services run independently.
What is the recommended coexistence mode once all users have been upgraded to Teams?
- A. Skype for Business Only
- B. Islands
- C. Teams Only
- D. Teams with Collaboration
Answer: C. Teams Only
Explanation: Once the organization has fully migrated to Teams, the ‘Teams Only’ mode is recommended. This means that all chats, calls, and meetings are handled in Teams.
Multiple Select: Which of the following coexistence modes require an on-premise Skype for Business Server?
- A. Skype for Business Only
- B. Islands
- C. Teams Only
- D. Skype for Business with Teams Collaboration
Answer: A. Skype for Business Only and D. Skype for Business with Teams Collaboration
Explanation: Both “Skype for Business Only” and “Skype for Business with Teams Collaboration” may require an on-premise Skype for Business Server depending on the configuration.
True or False: Teams Only mode supports interop communication with Skype for Business.
Answer: True.
Explanation: Teams Only mode does support interop communication with Skype for Business, ensuring compatibility between the two platforms for seamless communication.
Skype for Business with Teams collaboration is also referred to as _____ mode.
- A. Islands
- B. Teams Only
- C. Hybrid
- D. Collaborative
Answer: C. Hybrid
Explanation: Skype for Business with Teams Collaboration mode is often referred to as the Hybrid mode, in which Teams is used primarily for collaboration while Skype for Business is utilized for chats, calls, and meetings.
What is the coexistence mode where Skype for Business is used for chats and meetings and Teams is used for team collaboration?
- A. Teams Only
- B. Skype for Business Only
- C. Islands
- D. Skype for Business with Teams Collaboration
Answer: D. Skype for Business with Teams Collaboration
Explanation: In the Skype for Business with Teams Collaboration mode, Teams is used for collaboration, while Skype for Business is in charge of chats, calls, and meetings.
If you want to run Skype for Business and Teams side by side for an indefinite time, which coexistence mode should you select?
- A. Teams Only
- B. Islands
- C. Skype for Business Only
- D. Skype for Business with Teams Collaboration
Answer: B. Islands
Explanation: The ‘Islands’ mode is meant for organizations that want to run both Skype for Business and Teams side by-side indefinitely.
True or False: Coexistence mode settings have an immediate effect once they are changed.
Answer: False.
Explanation: The coexistence mode settings may require time before they take complete effect, depending on the size and complexity of the organization.
Multiple Select: Which of the following are factors to consider when choosing a coexistence mode?
- A. Current use of Skype for Business and Teams
- B. Organizational communication needs
- C. IT resources and support capabilities
- D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Explanation: All these factors – current usage, communication needs, and IT resources – are vital in choosing the appropriate coexistence mode for an organization.
Interview Questions
What are the three coexistence modes in Microsoft Teams?
The three coexistence modes in Microsoft Teams are Islands, Skype for Business Only, and Teams Only.
What is the “Islands” mode in coexistence settings in Microsoft Teams?
“Islands” mode allows users to utilize both Microsoft Teams and Skype for Business. The communication platform (Teams or Skype) they choose to use depends on their preference and it works independently of each other.
What does the “Skype for Business Only” mode mean?
In the “Skype for Business Only” mode, users are confined to using only Skype for Business for their messaging, calls, and meetings.
Which coexistence mode is typically recommended for new organizations starting with Microsoft Teams?
For new organizations that are solely utilizing Microsoft Teams for the first time, the recommended mode is “Teams Only”.
How can the coexistence mode be set in Microsoft Teams?
The coexistence mode can be set in the Teams Admin Center, under the Teams upgrade settings.
What is meant by “Skype for Business with Teams Collaboration”?
“Skype for Business with Teams Collaboration” allows users to utilize Skype for Business for chats, calls, and meetings but they can use Teams for group collaboration.
What is the “Teams only” mode?
In the “Teams only” mode, users utilize only Teams for messaging, meetings, and calls. Skype for Business is not used.
What happens when a user in “Teams Only” mode tries to interact with a user in “Islands” mode?
The interaction will take place in Teams, as the “Teams Only” mode has priority and other modes will regard it as the preferred platform for communication.
What is the impact of coexistence mode on scheduled meetings?
The coexistence mode determines which platform is used to schedule new meetings. For example, in the “Teams Only” mode, new meetings will be scheduled on Teams.
Can different users in the same organization have different coexistence modes?
Yes, different users within the same organization can have different coexistence modes depending on their roles, tasks, and needs.
Are users notified when their coexistence mode is changed?
Yes, users typically receive a notification in both Teams and Skype for Business clients when their coexistence mode is changed.
What coexistence mode allows users to use Microsoft Teams for group collaboration while using Skype for Business for other communication?
The “Skype for Business with Teams Collaboration” mode allows this setup.
What is the use of the ‘Teams Upgrade’ policy in Microsoft Teams?
The ‘Teams Upgrade’ policy in Microsoft Teams is used to control the coexistence mode and it defines the experience for Teams and Skype for Business clients.
What is the default coexistence mode in Microsoft Teams?
The default coexistence mode in Microsoft Teams is “Islands”.
How to check the coexistence mode of a user in Microsoft Teams?
The coexistence mode of a user can be checked in the Teams Admin Center by selecting the user and viewing their policy assignments.
extutorials.com