Microsoft Teams Sprawl: Unchecked Growth Poses Business Challenges
Recent findings reveal an escalating challenge for businesses using Microsoft Teams: unchecked growth or “sprawl.” This term has been coined to describe the rampant creation of redundant or inactive Teams, which can lead to many business challenges, including wasted resources, potential security threats, and decreased productivity.
What’s causing the sprawl?
As corporations expand, the demand for software resources intensifies. While Microsoft Teams is lauded for bolstering collaboration, the absence of definitive governance leads to a disorganized and under-utilized environment.
Jeremy Kushner with BACS Consulting Group noted, “The convenience of creating a new Team on Microsoft’s platform can often overshadow the necessary oversight. Many businesses are unknowingly duplicating channels when onboarding new employees, leading to what we call a ‘Teams Sprawl’.”
The Implications
- Resource Drain: The unchecked creation of Teams is consuming significant resources. The study found that an organization with 1,000 members might generate up to 50 Teams in one month.
- Security Concerns: A significant percentage of IT leaders, about 46%, believe that unsanctioned software applications can jeopardize company data. Moreover, about 45% of cyber breaches currently occur in the cloud, a statistic bound to unsettle many businesses.
- Decreased Efficiency: Multiple Teams focusing on similar topics can result in information chaos, leading to mistakes and falling morale among staff.
Lisa Mitchell from Progressive Computer Systems stated, “Our team regularly witnesses the confusion from overlapping Teams. Without clarity on which Team to trust for the most recent updates, efficiency inevitably suffers.”
What’s the Solution?
While the challenges posed by the Teams sprawl are significant, they aren’t insurmountable. One potential solution is leveraging Microsoft’s advanced templates to enhance organization and uniformity across business operations.
However, Glenn Kemp with Clear Concepts warns, “While Microsoft’s advanced templates offer a promising solution, tailoring these templates for intricate business needs can be demanding, potentially straining resources many companies might not readily have.”
Closing Thoughts
If not addressed, the unchecked growth of Microsoft Teams can pose significant challenges. However, with strategic planning, continuous training, and a deeper understanding of the platform, businesses can counteract the negative impacts of the sprawl and fully harness the potential of Microsoft Teams.
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