The New Look of Skype for Business

Back in April, Microsoft announced that Lync 2013 will be replaced by Skype for Business. The company promises that organizations currently using Lync 2013 will be automatically updated to Skype for Business, and the Lync Online service will be updated to Skype for Business Online.

As the name suggests, Skype for Business has the look and feel of Skype, with things like IM, voice and video calls, and online meetings. But underneath, it has the functions of Lync for business users, such as enterprise security, authentication through Active Directory, and call encryption. Also, your IT staff can manage the company’s user accounts and deployments. Skype can even interoperate with a company’s PBX systems or legacy video teleconferencing systems.

If you’re coming to Skype for Business from Lync, you’ll recognize all of the features you already use, but in a fresh new interface with simplified controls and some great new additions:

• New look and feel
• Call from Skype for Business using your desk phone for audio
• Integration with the Skype directory
• Call Monitor
• Rate My Call
• Quick access to call controls
• Emoticons

Microsoft’s goal for the update is to make the transition as simple as possible. The objective is for you to slide from Lync 2013 to Skype for Business with minimal hassle.

If your business needs some more time to make the decision, don’t fret. CTI Technology can get you a 30-day trial of Office 365 which includes Skype for Business. You will have the ability to test-drive the program to see if it will be a good fit for your business. Learn more about the demo or purchase Office 365 at ctinc.com/office365.