Skype for Business
Many will agree that choosing the right tool for the job is the key to success, and although software video conferencing will not replace purpose-designed end-points in a professional boardroom environment, when it comes to personal video conferencing, Skype is that tool.
When Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011, they said that Skype was a communications tool for outside the firewall, and that Microsoft Lync was the software video conferencing solution for inside the firewall.
Alongside the Office 2016 preview launched in March 2015, Microsoft is also launching a test version of Skype for Business. This new version of Skype is a replacement for the popular Lync, which is Microsoft’s communications tool for businesses. Although Skype for Business looks very similar to the consumer version of Skype, it has the ability to integrate closely into various Office apps.
Skype for Business delivers an expanded Lync feature set and enterprise-grade security, compliance and control to IT. It also enables people to search for and connect with anyone in the Skype network—inside or outside their organization. And Skype for Business is built right into Office, so features like presence, IM, voice and video calls, and online meetings are an integrated part of the Office experience.The final version of Skype for Business will be available in April 2015.
