Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) has announced that its group-collaboration platform, Microsoft Teams, has grown from 32 million daily active users to 44 million, mainly driven by the COVID-19 coronavirus.
The company recorded a 12 million increase in users in the last seven days according to its figures, adding that those users generated over 900 million meetings and calling minutes on Teams each day last week.
“It is very clear that enabling remote work is more important than ever, and that it will continue to have lasting value beyond the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Jared Spataro, Corporate Vice President for Microsoft 365.
“We are committed to building the tools that help organisations, teams, and individuals stay productive and connected even when they need to work apart.”
As global business adjusts to the remote-work environment demanded by the COVID-19 response, clients are counting on service providers to help them adapt.
“20 customers have more than 100,000 employees actively using Teams, including Ernst & Young, SAP, Pfizer, and Continental AG, as well as Accenture, which has 440,000 employees actively using Teams,” added Spataro.
Last week the company announced that all NHS staff will be able to use Microsoft Teams for free so they can quickly communicate with colleagues during the Coronavirus outbreak.
Key workers will be able to use instant messaging and audio and video calls to share advice and updates on their patients.
“Technology is key to supporting patients who are self-isolating and makes sure they have the information they need and access to medical support and advice,” said Ian Phoenix, Director of Technology at NHS Digital.
“For doctors and NHS staff this means that working remotely becomes much easier and more practical.”
