It’s been about 2 weeks since TechQuarters full upgraded to Skype for Business and honestly – we haven’t really noticed a difference.
Which is a great thing!
The worry with upgrades and 2.0 versions of programs is that someone at HQ will have decided that feature you use every day and just CAN’T live without – is actually unnecessary, or too darn simple! So they get rid of all the useful stuff or add so many bells and whistle you feel like you need a step-by-step manual to simply open or close it.
But the great thing about Skype for Business is they’ve kept all the useful features we love, added a few handy extras and given it a bit of a facelift with a more modern and fun feel.
So here’s a quick review of Skype for Business, as well as a few new highlights – plus some of the continuing features that are too fab not to mention…
What is Skype for Business?
Skype for Business (formerly Microsoft Lync) is a communications and collaboration platform that is experience inspired by consumer Skype with security, compliance and control fit for a business. It offers features including presence, IM, voice and video calls, and online meetings. It is built right in to Microsoft Office, so initiating chats, calls and meetings is an integrated experience within Office.
Skype for Business to Skype Calls
You can now call Skype consumer clients from your Skype for Business.
This means people don’t have to have the business version for you to connect with – the benefit of this not only being that you can easily link with more people, but also giving your organisation as a whole more use and productivity out of this tool.
Look and animation
It has the same branding and colours as the consumer Skype everyone recognises, but with a similar layout to Lync 2013 – so nothings been moved around into odd places making it different to use.
It also has the added bonus of animated emoticons. This is one of the fun extras that makes the whole thing feel a bit more modern.
Fully integrated with Office 365
New branding doesn’t mean separate tool – just like Lync, Skype for Business is fully integrated with Office 365.
For example, it changes your status to busy whenever you have an appointment in your calendar, you can take notes during meetings using the OneNote and you’ll be able to see all your Outlook People contacts within Skype.
If you’re interested in finding out more about Skype for Business, or any of the Office 365 applications – give us a ring on 0800 148 8001
