History of Microsoft Teams in Timeline

Microsoft Teams is a collaboration application within the Microsoft 365 suite. It provides workspace chat, video conferencing, file storage, and integrates with both Microsoft and third-party apps. Designed for teamwork and communication, it facilitates real-time collaboration and information sharing among team members, enhancing productivity and streamlining workflows. Teams is a central hub for communication and collaboration in a professional environment.

August 29, 2007: Microsoft Acquires Parlano

On August 29, 2007, Microsoft acquired Parlano, including its persistent group chat product MindAlign.

March 4, 2016: Consideration of Slack Acquisition

On March 4, 2016, Microsoft considered bidding $8 billion for Slack, but Bill Gates opposed the purchase, suggesting focusing on improving Skype for Business instead. Lu Qi was leading the push to acquire Slack.

November 2, 2016: Microsoft Teams Announced

On November 2, 2016, Microsoft announced Teams as a direct competitor to Slack during an event in New York City.

March 14, 2017: Microsoft Teams Launched Worldwide

On March 14, 2017, Microsoft Teams was launched worldwide.

May 2017: Teams to Replace Microsoft Classroom

In May 2017, Microsoft announced that Teams would replace Microsoft Classroom in Office 365 Education.

July 12, 2018: Free Version of Teams Announced

On July 12, 2018, Microsoft announced a free version of Teams, offering most communication options without charge, while limiting the number of users and file storage.

January 2019: Update for Firstline Workers Released

In January 2019, Microsoft released an update targeting "Firstline Workers" to improve Teams interoperability between different computers for retail workers.

September 2019: Skype for Business Phased Out

In September 2019, Microsoft announced that Skype for Business would be phased out in favor of Teams.

December 2019: Microsoft Teams for Linux Public Preview Released

In December 2019, Microsoft released a public preview of Microsoft Teams for Linux.

March 19, 2020: Teams Hits 44 Million Daily Users

On March 19, 2020, Microsoft announced that Teams had reached 44 million daily users, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

July 2020: Mixer Technology Integrated into Teams

In July 2020, Microsoft shut down its video game livestreaming service Mixer and announced that its developers would integrate some of its technology into Teams.

2020: Microsoft partners with KUDO

In 2020, Microsoft partnered with KUDO, a cloud-based solution with language interpretation, to allow integrated language meeting controls in Microsoft Teams.

July 31, 2021: Skype for Business Online Discontinued

On July 31, 2021, Hosted Skype for Business Online was discontinued.

June 2022: AI Improves Call Audio

In June 2022, Microsoft Teams received an update using AI to improve call audio by eliminating background feedback loops and canceling non-vocal audio.

August 2022: Chat Feature Updated for Chat with Yourself

In August 2022, the Microsoft Teams chat feature was updated for "chat with yourself," enabling users to organize files, notes, comments, images, and videos within a private chat tab.

January 2023: 280 million monthly users

As of January 2023, Microsoft Teams had approximately 280 million monthly users.

July 2023: EU Commission Opens Anti-Trust Investigation

In July 2023, the EU Commission initiated an anti-trust investigation into whether Microsoft unfairly leveraged its office suite market power to boost Teams sales and harm competitors.