Ascend for Teams Embedded Quick Start Guide
New to Ascend for Teams Embedded? Read this guide to learn the basics.
Collaborate in Teams
Collaborate in Microsoft Teams using the Chat, Meetings and File sharing tabs.
- Chat: Use chat to instantly connect and stay engaged anywhere, anytime in real time.
- Meetings: Start, schedule, or view upcoming meetings.
- Files: Access, share, and manage files in real-time.
Communicate in Ascend
All cloud communications are handled via the Ascend tab in the Teams desktop application.
- Dialpad / Calling: Access company directory at-a-glance, manage and place calls.
- Company Messaging: Use an assigned company phone number to receive and send SMS from that number.
- SMS: Use SMS for sending and receiving one personal message at a time between two users.
- Call History: View your call history including all call activity or missed calls.
- Advanced Hunt Groups: View and manage Advanced Hunt Groups.
- Incoming Calls: The Ascend Teams Desktop Plugin will popup to show an incoming call which you can choose to answer, send to voicemail, or ignore.
instal the Ascend for Teams Embedded Desktop App
Note: the Ascend Teams Embedded App can be automatically installed by an administrator, if this has happened these steps are not required.
instal and Pin the Ascend for Teams Embedded App (Step 1)
- Login to the Microsoft Teams desktop app.
- Select the Apps option in the sidebar and then select the Built for Your organisation category.
- Locate the Ascend app and click on the Add button to add it to your installed Teams apps and then click on Open.
- The Ascend for Teams Embedded App will appear in the MS Teams navigation bar. Right-click on it and select the Pin option. This will ensure the app is always visible.
instal the Ascend for Teams Desktop Plugin and Log in to Your Account (Step 2)
The plugin enables calling from within the Microsoft Teams app. While Teams is used for collaboration (chat, meetings, file sharing), the Ascend desktop plugin connects the phone system to Teams, allowing you to place and manage business calls directly from the Ascend tab.
- When prompted, download the Ascend for Teams Desktop Plugin by clicking on the download link displayed on the screen.
- Once downloaded, click Open and accept the licence terms.
- Select to instal Only for me and click Next.
- Accept the default location and click the instal button to continue.
- Leave the checkbox ticked to run the Desktop Plugin and click the Finish button. The Ascend Teams Desktop Plugin application will start.
- Open the Ascend App in MS Teams and sign in.
Important Notes:
The Ascend login dialogue opens in a separate window. When signed in, the Ascend Teams Desktop Plugin window will automatically minimise.
SMS for Ascend for Teams Embedded Desktop App
SMS is a 1-1 communication that can be sent two different ways from the Desktop app.
Sending SMS From a Contact Card
An option to send SMS is available in Contact Card. Search for a person or choose from your favourites and select SMS to start writing your message.
Sending SMS From New SMS
Simply select the icon to create a New SMS. You can also choose an existing SMS chat which will have a grey SMS note on top.
Receiving SMS
Received SMS messages look almost like received chat messages. Once you receive a new SMS, it will pop up under the Chat section with a sign SMS next to it. You will also receive a missed message notification, just like you do with chat messages.
SMS for Ascend Mobile App
Navigate to the New Message section. Choose New SMS and enter a 10-digit number or search contacts for the destination. All contacts having phone numbers outside your organisation (private or corporate) will be displayed. Then type the text and click Send icon. You can also choose an existing SMS chat which will have a grey SMS note on top.
Calling
Place, Receive and Manage Calls in Two Ways
Place calls to internal and external contacts, search and view company contacts at-a-glance, and switch between predefined philtres to manage calls.
Calling Modes
Computer
Use computer speakers and microphone for calls (can use Bluetooth headset or headphones).
Deskphone
Use hardware (desk phone) for calls.
Calling Features Vary Based on Calling Mode
- Receive A Call
- Place A Call
- 3-Way Calling
- Mute / Unmute
- Hold
- DTMF
- Call Flip
- Call Park
- Transfer
- End Call
Ascend Mobile App
Business SMS must be enabled by admin. Business SMS is only available in North America.
Take Your Work with You, Wherever You Go
Call and send/receive SMS from your mobile device with the Ascend mobile application.
Features
- Contact Sync
- Start New Messages
- Voicemail
- Contacts
- Messaging
- Calls
Descriptions:
- Contact Sync: Sync contacts from your personal device to your Ascend for Teams Embedded desktop and mobile applications.
- Start New Messages: Create a new direct, channel or SMS message.
- Voicemail: Listen to and manage voicemails.
- Contacts: View all company and personal contacts.
- Messaging: Communicate in real-time with Direct and Channel messaging.
- Calls: Use your business phone number to place, receive and manage calls.
Microsoft Teams Mobile App
The Ascend for Teams Embedded app brings key business calling features into the MS Teams mobile app without requiring a Teams Phone licence.
App Requirements
Download and instal both the Microsoft Teams mobile app and the Ascend mobile app on your device.
Available Features
- Voicemail
- ReOrder Ascend icon
- Settings
- Contacts
- Calls
Important Exceptions
Chat, SMS, file sharing, meetings, Hunt Group, or Contact centre features are not supported.
All call notifications are managed through the Ascend Mobile app.
Contact and group creation/editing, phone sync, and primary number management are unavailable.
Installing the Ascend for Teams Embedded App Inside the Microsoft Teams Mobile App
instal and Log In
- Open the Teams mobile app and navigate to the More… tab in the bottom right of the home screen.
- Find the Ascend app from the app list and launch it. You may be prompted to sign in.
- Log in to the Ascend Teams mobile app with your credentials.
- You will be prompted on the next screen to either download the Ascend mobile app or Skip to continue if this app is already installed.
- Tap Sync now to complete a one-time synchronise with the Ascend mobile app. The screen may flicker briefly.
- After a successful sync, you will return to the Teams app and all calling features will be available.
How Calling Works in the Teams Mobile App
Outgoing calls initiated from the Teams mobile app will automatically redirect you to the Ascend mobile app, where the call is placed. After the call ends, you will be automatically returned to Teams.
All incoming calls and missed call notifications will appear in the Ascend mobile app, not in Teams.
