The classic and free version of MS Teams will soon be history: Microsoft discontinued it on April 12, 2023. According to the provider, users should switch to Teams Essentials – which is not free, but costs 3.40 euros per user per month. For those switching, Microsoft provides an upgrade offer in which the first three months are free.
Other free versions usually not an option for companies
However, Microsoft continues to offer a free version – but not only is the move not automatic, above all it lacks the previously existing tenant that had to be administered centrally. In addition, some features are limited, such as the maximum number of members or file storage. Anyone who needs this or tenant management will have to pay in the future.
Microsoft is currently informing users of the discontinued version about the “required upgrade” that administrators must carry out. And this warning should be taken seriously: not only will access to MS Teams cease after April 12th, the provider will simply delete the data of customers who have not switched. Those responsible must therefore act in any case.
Higher prices and more paying customers
It is the second tightening of the price thumbscrews in quick succession for MS Teams: A premium extension should be worth around 10 US dollars a month per user for companies – in addition to new features, it also moves some existing functions behind the payment barrier. And there are more or less voluntary customers: Teams has blossomed into one of the most successful applications of the Redmond company during the corona pandemic. Nevertheless, the group’s profit fell at the end of 2022 – particularly significantly in the office core business.
(fo)
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