Live Events has been in preview on Office 365 since last year. As the name suggests, it is broadcasting tool for enterprise users. Christina Torok, senior product marketing manager for Microsoft Stream, says events can be big productions or small-scale. While focused on broadcasting, the service also features some basic production tools. “Live events in Microsoft 365 enables anyone to create live and on-demand events that deliver compelling communications to employees. Events use video and interactive discussion across Stream, Teams, or Yammer. And the production can be as simple, or as sophisticated as needed, using webcams and screen sharing for informal presentations, or a studio-quality production for more formal events.” Up to 10,000 attendees can view Live Events and Microsoft says it has been using the feature for its own broadcasts to global employees. Producers of live events can create sessions and decide what the event will be. The producer is also in charge of reaching the target audience. Microsoft allows anyone using a Microsoft 365 E1, E3 and E5 plans, or Education A3 and A5 plans to be a producer.
Microsoft Stream and Microsoft Teams
Live Events are a direct integration of Microsoft Stream, which was launched in 2016. Users creating events can leverage Microsoft Stream compatible cameras, content, and microphones from Microsoft partners. On Microsoft Teams, events can be organized with a webcam or recording device in a Team Room. Microsoft says more dynamic productions can be created on Teams using “third-party hardware and software”.
