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M365 Changelog: (Updated) Microsoft Teams Connect chat – Extended Directory

Summary

Microsoft Teams is introducing enhancements to Teams Connect for chats with the Teams Connect chat extended directory. IT admins can create an external directory of known external collaborators using their phone numbers, making it easier for users to search external users by name, view a company curated profile, and assign an organization manager for these external partners. The feature will roll out in early February 2024 for Targeted Release and mid-February 2024 for Worldwide. No impact is expected unless the tenant admin plans to use this feature.

MC704952 – Updated April 15, 2024: Microsoft has updated the content below to show as intended. Thank you for your patience.

Microsoft Teams is now introducing enhancements on top of Teams Connect for chats. With the Teams Connect chat extended directory, IT admins can create an external directory of known external collaborators using their phone numbers. Once created, it will be easier for users in the tenant to:

Search external users by name and establish 1:1 or group chats with them.
View a company curated profile that includes information like a user’s location, job role, or business unit and even assign an organization manager for these external partners.

In addition to these end user improvements, IT admins can continue to use all compliance and security features available with Teams Connect chat along with enhancements like restricting external chat to the list of users added via phone numbers.

This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 119789

When this will happen:

Targeted Release: Microsoft will begin rolling out in early February 2024 and expects to complete by mid-February 2024.

Worldwide: Microsoft will begin rolling out mid-February 2024 and expects to complete by late April 2024 (previously mid-March).

How this will affect your organization:

The feature requires tenant admin configuration; Therefore, no impact is expected unless the tenant admin plans to use this feature.