Circles - Collaboration Platform

Overview

Circles is a component of Science Central™ for collaboration and research sharing that integrates directly with Microsoft Teams.

Primary Purpose

“Connect and collaborate to share research findings”

Platform Tagline

“Share and connect with your peers”

Platform Description

“Share and connect with your peers via Microsoft Teams”

Action Label

“Collaborate”

Platform Integration

Microsoft Teams Integration

Circles is implemented as a direct integration with Microsoft Teams, providing seamless collaboration capabilities within the familiar Teams environment. When accessed from Science Central, users are directed to Microsoft Teams web application.

Access Methods

  1. Direct Teams Access: Launches Microsoft Teams web application

  2. Cross-Platform Navigation: Seamless transition from Science Central to Teams

Teams Environment Structure

Teams Structure

“Science Central - MS Teams Integration” Team

  • Team Name: Science Central - MS Teams Integration

  • Active Channel: General (currently selected)

  • Channel Types:

    • UPS

Associated Research Teams

  • UAT team

Channel Features

  • Public Channels: Standard team collaboration

  • Private Channels: Secure discussions (marked with lock icon)

Collaboration Features

Communication Capabilities

  • Real-time Messaging: Standard Teams messaging functionality

  • Meeting Integration: Teams meeting capabilities

  • Thread Discussions: Reply-in-thread functionality

User Experience

  • Desktop Notifications: Available for staying updated

  • Activity Tracking: 7 new activities

  • Chat Management: 3 chats with new messages

  • Search Functionality: Global search across teams and channels

External Collaboration

  • Guest Users: Support for external PNNL users

  • Cross-Organizational: Ability to collaborate beyond PNNL boundaries

  • Personal Accounts: Integration with personal Microsoft accounts

Platform Status

Current Implementation Status

  • Production Environment: Active

Accessibility

  • Teams Web App: Fully functional through browser

  • Cross-Platform: Works with Teams desktop and mobile applications

Integration Benefits

For Science Central Users

  • Familiar Interface: Leverages existing Teams knowledge

  • No Additional Training: Uses standard Microsoft Teams functionality

  • Unified Communication: Brings research collaboration into established communication platform

  • External Access: Enables collaboration with external researchers and partners

For Research Collaboration

  • Secure Channels: Private channels for sensitive research discussions

  • Meeting Coordination: Built-in scheduling and video conferencing

Technical Architecture

Browser Compatibility

  • Tested Browsers: Chrome

  • Web Application: Full functionality through Teams web interface

  • Mobile Support: Compatible with Teams mobile applications

Contact for More Information

For detailed information about Circles functionality, Teams integration, and access permissions, contact sc-collab-support@pnnl.gov