Skype for Business is now Lync
Skype for Business is a great way to keep in touch with family and friends while you are away from work. It makes it easy to find and connect to co-workers and will be a big hit with those who already use Skype. You can also use the devices that you already own to reach businesses via an enterprise-grade, secured, IT-managed platform.
Skype for Business is a Lync-based service that allows you to access all the features you use, but with a new interface that simplifies controls and adds great new features.
New look and feelCall via WorkSkype directory integrationDual user experienceCall MonitorRate My CallQuick access to call controlsEmoticonsBelow are the most frequently asked questions about Microsoft’s Skype for Business:Why did Microsoft change the name of Lync to Skype for Business? Skype for Business combines the familiar experience and user-love of Skype with enterprise security, compliance, and control of Lync. Skype for Business offers a familiar Skype experience that is as easy to use at home as it is at work. Organisations can tap into the global network of hundreds of million Skype users. IT can be confident that they are providing reliable, high-quality communications for their organizations with security.
Are there any changes to the Skype brand that is used by consumers? No. Skype will continue to be the name of the consumer experience that people all over the world love and know. Skype will continue to be available to consumers in the same way they used it before: with the same user account, contacts and product interface.
How has Lync’s product experience changed? Lync’s best features have been combined into a Skype-inspired interface. Skype for Business and Skype have a more unified user experience. The features are intuitive and similar, regardless of whether you’re communicating with your family or working.
Skype for Business also offers new features like:
Skype icons for audio and visual callingFamiliar Skype icons for audio/video callingA call monitor to keep active conversations visible while switching between appsEnterprise connection to the Skype network via IM, audio and videoA simpler upgrade process for Skype for Business Server and other features. Will Lync users lose any features? No. No. Skype for Business offers the same features and functionality as enterprise customers, as well as control, security and reliability. Skype for Business administrators can choose how and when the user interface will be displayed. They can also control Skype for Business’s delivery terms.
Skype for Business will continue to be part Office and Office 365, just as Lync was. Yes. Skype for Business will remain a cornerstone in the value proposition and product experience for Office 365 and Office 365.
How can current customers get Skype for Business? Software Assurance customers who have purchased Lync Server will be able to deploy Skype for business. Lync Online subscribers for Office 365 will receive automatic updates as part the subscription service.
Skype for Business users will have separate accounts from their personal Skype accounts. Yes. Skype for Business users can log in using their Active Directory ID credentials. Skype customers will continue using their Skype IDs. Customers have indicated that they are not ready to merge personal work contacts.
Users will be able access their Skype for Business accounts via the Skype client or Skype mobile application. No. Skype for Business and Skype Desktop Clients will have their own web and mobile apps.