Harness the Power of Two-Way Lobby Chat with Microsoft Teams' Virtual Appointments App

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Looking to enhance your business-to-customer engagements with a powerful, centralized virtual appointment system? Microsoft Teams has the answer. With the introduction of its Virtual Appointments app, the platform has broadened its horizons, catering to the unique demands of online business appointments.

One of the app's standout features is the 'Queue View', an advanced tool designed to streamline the management of virtual appointments for businesses, big and small.

Screenshot of Microsoft Teams' Virtual Appointments app interface displaying a notification alert indicating the number of people currently in the lobby chat.


Revolutionize Virtual Appointment Management with Queue View

The Virtual Appointments app, part of the Microsoft 365 suite, offers a comprehensive solution to managing all your virtual appointments in Microsoft Teams. Its premium feature, 'Queue View,' takes this a step further, providing businesses with a way to efficiently track wait times, monitor the live status of a meeting, and much more.

Queue View transforms the way scheduling administrators and staff members handle virtual appointments. It enables them to seamlessly monitor incoming requests, ensuring each one is processed in a timely and appropriate manner. This efficient management system ensures that you never miss a beat when juggling numerous virtual appointments.

Enhancing Client Experience with Two-Way Lobby Chat

An exciting addition to the Virtual Appointments app is the 'Two-Way Lobby Chat.' This innovative feature is a game-changer in improving the client experience. It provides an interactive waiting room that allows facilitators to send waiting room messages to clients before the meeting begins.

Imagine a scenario where the previous appointment is running longer than expected. Instead of leaving the next client in the dark, the facilitator can send a message such as, "Last appointment is running long. Be with you in 5 mins." This level of communication not only keeps the client informed but also fosters an environment of transparency and trust.

What’s more, clients can respond directly in the chat, allowing them to stay connected and ask any questions as they wait.

Screenshot of Microsoft Teams' Virtual Appointments app interface, featuring an active chat conversation between a facilitator and a person in the lobby, showcasing seamless communication before the appointment


The Rollout Plan and Its Impact on Your Organization

Microsoft has planned a standard release for these features, starting in May 2023 and concluding by June 2023.

For organizations with a Teams premium license, this rollout means an upgraded user experience. Users will have access to the Queue View feature to manage their appointments and communicate with customers before the meeting, improving efficiency and customer satisfaction.

How to Prepare for This Rollout

To take full advantage of these updates, here are a few steps you should take:

    1. Add the Virtual Appointments app to Teams' left rail for easy access.
    2. Communicate to users how to utilize Queue View for managing their scheduled and on-demand appointments efficiently.
    3. Educate yourself and your team about Teams Premium and the benefits it can offer your organization.

In conclusion, Microsoft Teams' Virtual Appointments app and its features, including Queue View and Two-Way Lobby Chat, are set to redefine the way businesses handle virtual appointments. These advancements will ensure a more interactive, streamlined, and efficient experience for both the facilitators and clients.

Stay updated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 122395 for more information on these exciting new features. With Microsoft Teams, the future of virtual appointments looks brighter than ever.

Location: London, UK

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