Skip to main content

Overview

The Microsoft integration connects Thread with Microsoft 365 services, enabling calendar access for scheduling, email capabilities, and user directory features. [SCREENSHOT: Microsoft integration connected status] Caption: Microsoft 365 integration connected

Benefits

Calendar Access

View availability and schedule meetings

Email Sending

Send onboarding emails via Outlook

User Directory

Access team member information

Enterprise SSO

Single sign-on for Microsoft-based organizations

Available Features

Calendar Integration

  • View availability - See free/busy times for scheduling
  • Schedule meetings - Create calendar events
  • Meeting links - Generate Teams meeting links
  • Room booking - Access conference room availability

Email Integration

  • Send emails - Dispatch onboarding emails via Outlook
  • Email tracking - Track opens and clicks
  • Branded sending - Emails come from your domain
  • Reply handling - Manage customer responses

Directory Access

  • User lookup - Find team members
  • Profile information - Names, titles, photos
  • Team structure - Organizational context

Setup Instructions

Prerequisites

  • Microsoft 365 subscription (Business or Enterprise)
  • Global Administrator or delegated admin permissions
  • Thread account with admin role

Step 1: Connect OAuth

1

Navigate to Connectors

In Thread: Connectors → Find Microsoft → Click “Connect”
2

Sign In

Redirected to Microsoft login → Sign in with your Microsoft 365 account
3

Review Permissions

Microsoft shows permissions Thread is requesting:
  • Read calendar information
  • Send email on your behalf
  • Read basic user profile
  • Read directory data
Click “Accept” to grant permissions.
4

Admin Consent (If Required)

If your organization requires admin consent:
  • Admin must approve the application
  • May see “Approval required” message
  • Contact your IT admin for approval
5

Confirm Connection

Redirected back to Thread → Green checkmark → Status: “Connected”
[SCREENSHOT: Microsoft OAuth consent screen] Caption: Grant Thread access to Microsoft 365 services

Step 2: Configure Features

1

Open Connector Settings

ConnectorsMicrosoftSettings
2

Enable Calendar

Toggle “Calendar Integration” to enable:
  • Availability checking
  • Meeting scheduling
  • Teams link generation
3

Enable Email

Toggle “Email via Outlook” to enable:
  • Sending onboarding emails
  • Email tracking
  • Reply handling
4

Configure Email Settings

If using email:
  • Select default sending account
  • Configure reply-to address
  • Enable/disable tracking
5

Save Configuration

Click “Save” to apply settings.

Calendar Features

Viewing Availability

When scheduling meetings with customers:
  1. Thread checks CSM’s calendar
  2. Shows available time slots
  3. Displays conflicts and busy periods
  4. Suggests optimal meeting times

Scheduling Meetings

1

Create Meeting Action

In templates or manual scheduling, select meeting action.
2

Select Participants

Choose attendees:
  • CSM (required)
  • Customer contacts
  • Additional team members
3

Set Time

Choose date/time or use scheduling assistant.
4

Generate Link

Thread creates Teams meeting link automatically.
5

Send Invite

Calendar invite sent to all participants.

Teams Integration

If your organization uses Microsoft Teams:
  • Meetings include Teams links by default
  • No separate Teams setup required
  • Works with existing Teams settings

Email Features

Sending via Outlook

Emails sent through Thread can use your Outlook account: Benefits:
  • Emails come from your domain
  • Customers see familiar sender
  • Replies go to your inbox
  • Full tracking capabilities

Email Configuration

SettingDescription
Sending AccountWhich Outlook account sends emails
Reply-ToWhere replies should go
SignatureWhether to include Outlook signature
TrackingOpen and click tracking

Tracking Capabilities

Track email engagement:
  • Opens - When emails are opened
  • Clicks - Link clicks
  • Replies - Customer responses
  • Bounces - Delivery failures

Use Cases

1. Automated Meeting Scheduling

Scenario: Schedule kickoff calls automatically. Workflow:
  1. Account created
  2. Template triggers kickoff meeting action
  3. Thread checks CSM availability
  4. Sends scheduling link to customer
  5. Customer picks time
  6. Calendar invite sent to all

2. Branded Email Communication

Scenario: Send onboarding emails from your domain. Configuration:
  1. Connect Microsoft integration
  2. Enable email via Outlook
  3. Select sending account
  4. Emails now sent via your Outlook
Result: Emails come from csm@yourcompany.com instead of generic Thread address.

3. Availability-Aware Actions

Scenario: Only assign actions when CSM is available. How it works:
  1. Workflow checks CSM calendar
  2. If available, schedules immediately
  3. If busy, queues for later
  4. CSM never double-booked

Microsoft organizations often require admin approval for new applications. This happens when:
  • Organizational policy requires admin consent
  • Requested permissions need admin approval
  • First user from organization is connecting
1

Identify Admin

Find your Microsoft 365 Global Administrator or IT admin.
2

Share Request

Send them the consent request link (shown when blocked).
3

Admin Reviews

Admin logs in and reviews permissions Thread requests.
4

Admin Approves

Admin clicks “Accept” to grant organization-wide consent.
5

Connect Again

You can now complete the connection.
Once admin consent is granted, all users in your organization can connect without individual approval.

Troubleshooting

Check:
  • Calendar integration is enabled
  • Correct account connected
  • Permissions include calendar access
Try:
  • Reconnect the integration
  • Verify calendar permissions
  • Check Outlook calendar settings
Check:
  • Email feature is enabled
  • Sending account is configured
  • Account has send permissions
Try:
  • Test send from Outlook directly
  • Verify send-as permissions
  • Check email configuration

Best Practices

Use Dedicated Account

Consider a shared mailbox for sending rather than individual accounts

Keep Calendars Updated

Accurate calendars ensure correct availability checking

Test Thoroughly

Send test emails and meetings before going live

Monitor Deliverability

Watch email bounce rates and delivery issues

Microsoft-Specific Tips

  • Shared mailboxes work well for team email sending
  • Distribution lists can receive replies for team visibility
  • Room resources can be booked if permissions allow
  • Delegate access enables sending on behalf of others

Security & Compliance

Permissions Used

PermissionPurpose
Calendars.ReadWriteView/create calendar events
Mail.SendSend emails
User.ReadBasic profile information
Directory.Read.AllTeam member lookup

Data Handling

  • Calendar data accessed in real-time (not stored)
  • Email content logged for tracking
  • Directory queries cached briefly
  • All data encrypted in transit

Compliance

  • SOC 2 compliant integration
  • GDPR considerations honored
  • Microsoft data residency respected

Next Steps