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Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams

Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
Formerly Lync

Overview

What is Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams?

Skype for Business was an online messaging and conferencing tool, now superseded by Microsoft Teams.

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Recent Reviews

Beyond expectation

9 out of 10
January 17, 2024
Limited features for business collaboration find it lacking in terms of advanced features.Business depend heavily on communication tools …
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Great Software!

9 out of 10
December 16, 2022
We use Skype for Business to work with employees all across the country. The instant chat feature allows our staff to ask a quick question …
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Skype Review

6 out of 10
March 21, 2022
Skype for Business had an excellent use case. since we were using Microsoft products for Collaboration, the integration was seamless. the …
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Skype keeps employees connected!

8 out of 10
February 16, 2022
I use Skype for Business daily. It is very easy to use and allows me to easily and effectively communicate with other employees across the …
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Skype for Business - Review

7 out of 10
January 26, 2022
Microsoft Skype for Business has solved instant messaging and video conferencing challenges, specifically throughout the pandemic. The …
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Meeting and a collaborative Tool

9 out of 10
December 25, 2021
Have a quick video conversation with colleagues for project coordination that the market is solving problems. Thanks to Skype for …
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Read all reviews

Awards

Products that are considered exceptional by their customers based on a variety of criteria win TrustRadius awards. Learn more about the types of TrustRadius awards to make the best purchase decision. More about TrustRadius Awards

Popular Features

View all 17 features
  • Desktop sharing (190)
    8.8
    88%
  • High quality audio (189)
    8.0
    80%
  • High quality video (184)
    7.7
    77%
  • Low bandwidth requirements (181)
    6.6
    66%

Reviewer Pros & Cons

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Pricing

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N/A
Unavailable

What is Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams?

Skype for Business was an online messaging and conferencing tool, now superseded by Microsoft Teams.

Entry-level set up fee?

  • No setup fee

Offerings

  • Free Trial
  • Free/Freemium Version
  • Premium Consulting/Integration Services

Would you like us to let the vendor know that you want pricing?

10 people also want pricing

Alternatives Pricing

What is Microsoft Teams?

Microsoft Teams combines video conferencing software with team collaboration tools. The communications platform allows MS Office users to conduct conference calls and share files via SharePoint, and join or initiate a group chat.

What is GoTo Connect?

GoToConnect, from GoTo, is a cloud-based business phone system with built-in web-based video conferencing solutions. It includes features such as call analytics, call recording, softphone, fax to email, voicemail to email, and desktop integration.

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Features

Performance & Compatibility of Online Events Software

Features related to the performance, reliability & compatibility of web conferencing and webinar (online events) software.

7.5
Avg 8.0

Screen Sharing

Features related to remote screen sharing capabilities.

8.5
Avg 8.0

Online Meetings / Events

Features related to hosting and attending meetings and events online.

7.8
Avg 8.2

Online Events Collaboration

Features related to collaboration between attendees during web conferences, webinars, and other online events.

8.6
Avg 8.4

Online Events Security

Features related to the security of meetings and other events held via web conferencing/webinar software.

8
Avg 8.4
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Product Details

What is Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams?

Skype for Business was a unified communications tool superseded by Microsoft Teams.

For personal use, Skype Desktop and Mobile apps are still available for download, but for business functionality the vendor now fully supports Microsoft Teams as the replacement for Skype for Business.

Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams Technical Details

Operating SystemsUnspecified
Mobile ApplicationNo

Frequently Asked Questions

Skype for Business was an online messaging and conferencing tool, now superseded by Microsoft Teams.

Reviewers rate Live chat highest, with a score of 9.1.

The most common users of Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams are from Enterprises (1,001+ employees).
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Comparisons

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Reviews and Ratings

(2587)

Attribute Ratings

Reviews

(1-2 of 2)
Companies can't remove reviews or game the system. Here's why
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
I have been using the Office Professional package in the company since 2012 when I arrived in the company and we used Office 2010 where Lync had a separate installation package compared to the various Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access. Skype for Business is used by the whole company (all branches) and many users have also been enabled to make calls on telephone numbers outside the company itself. Skype for Business solves many communication problems within the company, from knowing whether the person you want to contact is active in his place, rather than out of the office on the move. The functions of messaging, sharing and remote control of the PC, video calls, conferences both audio and audio-video also with interlocutors outside the company, are the main features.
  • Immediate check on the status of colleagues (present, available, in a meeting etc ...)
  • Ability to call, video call and share one or more screens with the ability to grant control
  • It integrates with Outlook to be able to organize meetings with multiple interlocutors
  • The granting of the remote connection can be improved, perhaps automatically using the Remote Desktop rather than the implementation made on Skype for business, since they are both Microsoft software.
  • Video calls could be improved by being able to select any image quality, in order to limit internet traffic.
  • The delegations with which Skype for Business and Outlook interfaces should be improved
Skype for Business's main area is internal corporate communication between colleagues in different cities. It is like a telephone but it is used from a computer, with headphones, with the possibility of seeing the status of the colleague with whom you want to communicate, you can send messages (chat), make calls, video calls, remote assistance, meetings with presentations, etc., all in a rather simple way. The configuration and the ability to select the tools with which to communicate (speakers and webcams, rather than headphones, rather than another device on the PC) can be improved.
Performance & Compatibility of Online Events Software (4)
75%
7.5
High quality audio
80%
8.0
High quality video
80%
8.0
Low bandwidth requirements
70%
7.0
Mobile support
70%
7.0
Screen Sharing (2)
65%
6.5
Desktop sharing
70%
7.0
Whiteboards
60%
6.0
Online Meetings / Events (3)
73.33333333333333%
7.3
Calendar integration
70%
7.0
Meeting initiation
70%
7.0
Slideshows
80%
8.0
Online Events Collaboration (3)
66.66666666666667%
6.7
Live chat
80%
8.0
Audience polling
60%
6.0
Q&A
60%
6.0
Online Events Security (3)
63.33333333333333%
6.3
User authentication
70%
7.0
Participant roles & permissions
60%
6.0
Confidential attendee list
60%
6.0
VoIP system collaboration
N/A
N/A
Web and Video Conferencing
N/A
N/A
  • I don't know the value of the impact, certainly positive. One tool communicates within the company efficiently.
  • Compared to the normal phone, it allows you to do more things faster and efficiently
The previous version of Skype (before the purchase of Microsoft) certainly had fewer features than those implemented after integration with Lync. It was fortunate that Microsoft purchased Skype to improve its Lync.
I didn't have any particular problems with Skype for Business, but we have assistance with Microsoft tools with a partner who is not always precise and punctual. I don't know if it is possible to have direct assistance from Microsoft Italy and if this is actually more precise and punctual.
100
They are the CEOs, the district managers, the sales and logistics managers of the stores, the managers of the sales offices in the stores, the technical support staff to the customer in the different divisions (electrical supplies, civil and industrial systems, automation, home automation, lighting ), IT staff, administrative staff (general ledger, customer ledger, supplier ledger, human resource management), store logistics managers, some sales agents.
4
Configuring the clients is an IT task, so you won't have any problems with the different audio-video devices. As regards the use of the basic functions (calls, chats, video calls, presentation of desktops and programs, unplanned meetings), no special skills are required. As for advanced functions such as granting remote control, scheduling Skype meetings, granting outlook delegations to manage meetings on behalf of a superior, education is carried out directly by IT staff.
  • Calls, video calls, chats
  • Video conferencing
  • Technical assistance to operators
  • The ability to call / video call with operators and simultaneously chat with others.
  • The possibility of scheduling video conferences also with personnel outside the company
  • The ability to transfer files in chat without size limitations
  • By making greater use of the remote connection, widening the sphere of assistance to the operators
  • Enhanced integration of Skype for Business and Outlook to schedule meetings with common calendars
  • Increase users who can use Skype for Business instead of the phone
The software is simple to install and configure. It is rather simple to explain for correct use. It is possible to profile users for the different functions offered. It is integrated quite completely with Outlook and with Active Directory security. It performs all communication functions well with one or more interlocutors and the possibility of granting control of your computer is convenient.
No
  • Product Features
  • Product Usability
  • Third-party Reviews

Product Features: Skype for business is a complete product for the problems it solves: chat, call, video call, participate or organize conferences with multiple interlocutors, plan meetings, transfer files, grant computer control.

Product Usability: Once framed, the operation of Skype for business is very simple to use in most of its functions. Only a few of them require more attention in use.

Third-party Reviews: The company I work for is part of a group. The group's lead company had chosen Lync for its staff and described it positively. In addition, the reviews that can be found on the internet are also mostly positive.

I was not interested in the choice of product that took place before my hiring in the company (April 2012). So, I don't know what could have been done differently when evaluating the software.
  • Implemented in-house
Change management was minimal
The main changes affected the mentality with which operators approached the product. We have gone from a telephone with a switchboard to an instrument that, within the company, can say whether the person we want to contact is in the office, is available rather than absent or on the move. In addition to calls, it also allows you to have the company phone book directly with customers, suppliers, colleagues (imported from Outlook) and additional personal contacts. The other possibilities offered by video calls, conferences, meetings etc ... have determined the success of use.
  • The installation of the server part
  • The configuration of the server part
  • Integration with Outlook
Having not followed the installation and configuration directly on the server, I do not know what the improvements can be in that area. As regards the installation of the client, it does not present particular problems or technical difficulties.
Overall, as a company, we are quite happy with the implementation of Skype for Business.
No
I needed Microsoft support to set up an Outlook delegate operator who could organize Skype meetings on behalf of others.
The technician contacted was careful to understand the problem and provided me with clear and precise indications to allow me to solve the problem.
I am satisfied with the support obtained and the resolution times of the problem.
  • Calls, video calls and chats
  • Conferences, meetings
  • Remote connection
  • Schedule a meeting with operators outside the company
  • Grant computer control for clumsy operators
  • Delegate the organization of Skype for business meetings to another operator
Yes
I have used the Android version a few times and it works fairly well, although it could be better. The iOS version I installed on the iPad but I never used it; apparently it looks identical to that of Android. Certainly not many features are included in the desktop version for Windows, but when you are not in the company it comes in handy as a tool to participate in meetings without having to be in the office.
Skype for Business is a tool that works very well with the Windows platform in all its functions. It is a good tool when you are on the move and you don't have a computer to connect with. Calls and video calls can quickly download internet traffic if this is limited by the telephone operator; so it is better to limit yourself to chats and, if you really can not make calls with the normal SIM, you can call, but for a limited time.
Greg Golding | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
ResellerIncentivized
Solarus uses Skype for Business for the most part in regards to instant messaging. All members of our organization have the program and we use it to communicate with each other instantly. It is most essential to the engineering team and they use it more than anyone else. Sometimes we use the group chat feature to get a message across quickly that needs consensus from other users.
  • Instant messaging with members of the organization
  • Integration with Outlook
  • Ability to quickly send photos, files, and information
  • Video chat option
  • Adding users can be a pain
  • Mobile application is annoying in terms of the chat history and order of latest chats. The app in general is quite cumbersome.
It is definitely a good product for a company who is looking to utilize instant messaging within their organization and has Outlook to integrate with it. It is best for a service organization who needs to be able to communicate internally often, fast and effectively. We are a service organization so it works very well for us.
Performance & Compatibility of Online Events Software (3)
66.66666666666667%
6.7
High quality audio
80%
8.0
High quality video
70%
7.0
Low bandwidth requirements
50%
5.0
Screen Sharing (1)
70%
7.0
Desktop sharing
70%
7.0
Online Meetings / Events (4)
72.5%
7.3
Calendar integration
100%
10.0
Meeting initiation
90%
9.0
Integrates with social media
N/A
N/A
Record meetings / events
100%
10.0
Online Events Collaboration (2)
45%
4.5
Live chat
90%
9.0
Audience polling
N/A
N/A
Online Events Security (3)
90%
9.0
User authentication
90%
9.0
Participant roles & permissions
90%
9.0
Confidential attendee list
90%
9.0
VoIP system collaboration
N/A
N/A
Web and Video Conferencing
N/A
N/A
  • Faster communication among technicians and managers.
  • Effectively reduce amount of time to solve customer issues.
  • Transfer essential information at high speeds.
We don't use the ShoreTel communicator app for our instant messaging because we think that the Skype for Business application is a better tool for our organization. We like the functionality and ability to integrate with our email system. We also think it is quite easy to use and is a good tool for our org.
14
Everyone in the organization has a Skype account. All functions of the business are covered in terms of people who use it. The people who use it most often are the engineering team who use it all day every day. They primarily use it to communicate among themselves. They will often create group chats to get things done quickly and efficiently.
4
We are managed IT services organization. We support and implement skype for business for our clients, and therefore manage to support the program internally without any problems. Every technician and engineer in the organization is somone that is able to support the program. We have no problem in terms of support.
  • Communicating among the team
  • Getting answers to questions while on the phone with a client
  • instant contact from anywhere at anytime
  • updating status: where you are, what your doing
  • integrating with outlook
  • All conversations are recorded/pushed out to outlook into a folder
  • We use it to review old conversations to retrieve information/answers that may have been forgotten
  • We quickly order lunch together!
  • We can utilize the video tool
  • We can communicate with CLIENTS
I know for a fact the owners of our organization really like the tool. I know that for some reason the product took some getting used to when it was first implemented. That said, I know that it is used all the time and has become an integral tool for the organization
Not Sure
  • Price
  • Product Features
  • Product Usability
I was not personally involved with the purchase evaluation of skype for business and therefore I can not accurately assess what changes I would have made to the selection process. I will say that the product is a excellent, integrates excellently with other essential tools, and has become an integral tool for the organization.
  • Implemented in-house
Change management was a big part of the implementation and was well-handled
  • It took some time for everyone to adjust and get used to the new way of communicating via IM
  • getting everyone to implement their own version on their mobile devices etc.
  • There were not many issues in regards to the implementation of Skype For Business
Skpe for business is utilized company wide in regards to my company. Everyone not only uses it, but uses it often. It is an effective way of communicating. It also integrates very nicely with outlook and all conversation history is pushed to a folder within the outlook system. We also have it so that if someone misses a message, they are sent an email reminder saying that there is a message that went unread.
I have never heard any of the engineers or techs say that they have has any problems with skype for business in terms of support from the manufacturer. With that said I am going to say that there are not many issues and when there are, they are fixed rather quicky.
No
  • Instant messaging
  • setting up a conference chat
  • recording conversations
  • mobile application
  • rder of conversations
Yes
I am personally not a fan of the mobile interface. That said, there is one and it does work for the basic needs of responding to someone and getting back to them with a quick message. It is essentially the same thing as a text message in that regard. I think it does need some work
I find it very easy to use and easy to operate. It is definitely easy to get used to and from a user perspective is a solid product. I also find it to be very handy and useful for a small-mid-sized org like ours. It is easy to communicate effectively and get information quickly.
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