We have been covering the impact the coronavirus (COVID 19) outbreak has had on Microsoft over the last week. As you would expect, most of the fallout from the virus has been negative. However, there has been one interesting positive since the virus started to take hold. Specifically, Microsoft Teams adoption has skyrocketed.
While coronavirus deaths are around 3,000, the outbreak is already having a significant global impact. As it teeters on the edge of becoming a pandemic, institutions are closing and economies straining.
One of the key mitigations to stop the spread of coronavirus is isolation. Whether this is companies closing their doors, schools shutting, or people containing themselves in their bedrooms. To keep up with productivity when isolation is happening globally, many are turning to collaboration software.
Flore Chen, vice general manager for Microsoft 365 Business Group, told Digitimes, this means many are embracing Microsoft Teams. Already the leading workplace collaboration chat service, Microsoft Teams adoption doubled through February compared to January.
It seems there is a direct line between the coronavirus outbreak, and this increased uptake. Much of the outbreak has been focused in southeast Asia and Microsoft says Teams adoption soared 50 percent year-on-year last month in Taiwan alone.
“Microsoft Teams is the only platform with tailored capabilities to connect everyone in your company, from the C-suite to the firstline, in one digital workspace. Our capabilities are built for your customer support staff, IT help desk, store associates, line workers and more,” Microsoft says.
Coronavirus Impact
Of course, this is one piece of company-specific good news that does little to thwart the overall problems coronavirus. Microsoft has already been widely impacted by a virus many predict is only getting started.
Redmond has cancelled Ignite Tour events, was forced to change its mixed reality plans following the cancellation of MWC, and could be forced to cancel Build 2020. Furthermore, Microsoft said its third quarter finances around Personal Computing will be harmed by the outbreak.
