Instant Messaging & Collaboration

Instant Messaging or IM is the real time exchange of text messages using a software application. Many IM apps today also include collaboration features that allow you to share links, media (video, images, audio) and files, make voice and video calls, conduct voice and video online meetings as will as have presence which is the ability to see if the person you are contacting is available.

MSU has campus-wide licenses for these IM applications.

Cisco Spark | Microsoft Teams | Skype for Business

Download Apps

Microsoft Teams, Cisco Spark, and Skype for Business all have apps for desktop and mobile devices in addition to being available via the web. Use the links below to download apps on your devices.

Web Access

Access the web/online apps for Teams, Skype and Spark using the links below.

Cisco Spark - https://web.ciscospark.com

Microsoft Teams - https://login.microsoftonline.com/ - Once logged in, click on the Teams tile.

Skype for Business - https://outlook.com/owa.montana.edu - Once logged in Outlook will open. To access Skype, click on the Skype icon located in the top-right corner of the window.

Help Resources

Use the links below to learn more about all of the features mentioned in the chart below.

IM Feature Comparison Chart

A colored dot in the app's column indicates that it has the feature identified in that row.
Feature	Description	Spark	Teams
Messaging (chat): one-to-one team	Message in real time with an individual - one-to-one and/or with a group of individuals.
Presence	Ability to see who is currently available on the app.
Calling (voice & video)	Make or receive one-on-one or group calls.
Meetings (voice & video)	Start or join meetings from the app with one or a group of people (essentially the same as calling with the exception that a meeting can be scheduled???).
Schedule a meeting	Schedule a meeting for the app from inside the app.
Schedule a meeting from Outlook	Schedule a meeting for the app from Outlook.
File sharing	Share files during a message, meeting or call. SECURITY NOTE: Always refer to the Data Storage Security Grid to ensure that the files you are uploading are appropriate to share/store in Spark & Office 365 Teams. It is recommended that you share via Box or One Drive. See Box Integrations for more info.
Edit files	Edit a file at the same time.
Screen sharing	Share computer screen during a meeting or call
Whiteboarding	Create a new whiteboard or open an existing one.
Recording	A meeting or call can be recorded.

Integrations w/other apps, tools, services	Has ability to integrate with other apps, tools or services - See Box Integrations to learn how to integrate Spark and Teams with Box.	See Spark Power Pack for bulk task tools. See Cisco Spark Depot for other available integrations.	See Apps & Services for details.
Other Productivity Features
Microsoft Teams
Teams	Teams are collections of people, content, and tools that center around different projects and jobs within an organization. ...team members can have conversations and share files, notes, and more all in one place.
Channels	Channels are used to keep a team's conversations organized. Teams can create and dedicate channels for a specific topic, project, etc.
Spark
Teams	"Teams can be used to organize spaces by placing them under a common theme or Team. Teams are great for a consistent group of people who are going to be working on something for a long time."1
Spaces	"... spaces are virtual places within Cisco Spark that act as channels or conduits for teams to message, share files, and have meetings"2