What Lync Users Need to Know About Skype for Business

April 2015, Skype officially launched Skype for Business to replace Lync, combining features of Lync and the consumer Skype software. This announcement aroused a great deal of discussion about the upgrades, differences, and direct impacts on current Lync users. In this blog, we will share some key information that Lync users need to be aware of about Skype for Business.

What’s New?

Skype for Business rolled out as an update to Lync, improving the discoverability of the dial pad, access to controls and device selection interfaces. The three main benefits of this upgrade include Skype-Inspired Design, Global Reach, and Full Lync Feature set.

• Skype-Inspired Design: To align with Skype’s user experience, Skype for Business delivers familiar Skype icons for audio and video calling, a call monitor to keep active calls visible while switching between apps, as well as the integration with Skype directory. This gives the updated users the look and feel of Skype.
• Global Reach: Skype for Business enables enterprises to connect to the entire Skype network through IM, audio, and video, expanding their global reach.
• Full Lync Functionality and Simplified controls: Skype for Business keeps all the features and functionality as well as the control, security and reliability that Lync users expect. It also simplified the control and patch processes.

Can I still Use Lync Interface?

Absolutely! Administrators have the ability to control and choose when you would like to roll out the updated experience to your users. For Lync Online users with Office 365 ProPlus, Office 365 Business Premium or Office 2013, the default is the updated Skype for Business interface and for Lync Server users, Lync UI will be the default experience.

Switch back to Lync Interface

Administrators are able to adjust the setting from the new Skype client design back to the familiar Lync user interface design for their users. Click here for detailed instruction of how to switch between Lync and Skype for Business interfaces.

Upgrade to Skype for Business

You could use Remote PowerShell in Office 365 or utilize the PowerShell script provided by Microsoft to implement the migration to Skype for Business.

If you have more questions about Skype for Business, please visit our website or follow the links below for more information. You can also consult with Microsoft.

• Lync is now Skype for Business
• Switching between the Skype for Business and the Lync client user interfaces