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Skype for Business was an online messaging and conferencing tool, now superseded by Microsoft Teams.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

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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

(1-5 of 5)
Companies can't remove reviews or game the system. Here's why
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
We used to have Skype as the main internal chat tool at the company. I remember liking it since the beginning - it is very easy to use, and I had complete familiarity with my personal account for many, many years. The fact that it is integrated with all the other Microsoft applications makes it very useful; I am always connected to the people in my organization. We use it internally for daily chatting, file exchange, and virtual meetings. The only "problem" I could see is the interface - compared to Microsoft Teams' look and feel, Skype is not really nice (but we could just only notice later!).
  • Instantaneous messaging.
  • Emojis
  • Video calls.
  • Activity records.
  • Notifications (email and app notifications).
  • Customization of user's display (colors, photo, quick links etc).
  • Export chat records.
  • No video recording expiration.
  • Voice -to-text for chat messages.
  • Better meeting/call schedule experience.
Skype for Business is absolutely useful - I wouldn't know how to work with a team without it. Simply essential for reaching out to people in your organization, having a voice and video calls, exchange files. One of the best scenarios I can pick to describe how important this tool is for the organization is the records we have of all communications - all users have a full history of their chats and interactions that have many benefits, but peace of mind is my favorite. Honestly, the only scenario I can think that Skype/Teams are not very much appropriate is when the communication is more email-like. In this case, an email will always be email - people tend to be more concise, and there's no explicit pressure on the reply.
Performance & Compatibility of Online Events Software (4)
77.5%
7.8
High quality audio
80%
8.0
High quality video
70%
7.0
Low bandwidth requirements
80%
8.0
Mobile support
80%
8.0
Screen Sharing (2)
90%
9.0
Desktop sharing
90%
9.0
Whiteboards
90%
9.0
Online Meetings / Events (4)
80%
8.0
Calendar integration
70%
7.0
Meeting initiation
90%
9.0
Record meetings / events
80%
8.0
Slideshows
80%
8.0
Online Events Collaboration (3)
93.33333333333334%
9.3
Live chat
100%
10.0
Audience polling
90%
9.0
Q&A
90%
9.0
Online Events Security (3)
83.33333333333334%
8.3
User authentication
80%
8.0
Participant roles & permissions
80%
8.0
Confidential attendee list
90%
9.0
VoIP system collaboration
N/A
N/A
Web and Video Conferencing
N/A
N/A
  • Positive -> teams productivity.
  • Positive -> connection with people outside the organization.
  • Positive -> real time notifications of important matters.
  • Positive -> management of a global organization/team.
Skype/Teams is simply better. There are many more features, better design, more intuitive experience, more integration with other features/apps, and somehow a superior usage performance. I like the fact that it is connected with all other spaces that the organization uses - like Sharepoint, Yammer, Outlook, etc. - and that we can create interactions with people with that we don't have contact information; thanks to excellent search engines we can look for the right peers to start engaging with.
No
  • Product Features
  • Product Usability
  • Product Reputation
It was very important to have all the main team management features included in the principal communication platform of the company and make it very accessible to different areas to use and connect with each other. The other important feature was the interactive commands available for voice and video calls as users have more necessity to actively participate of the oral discussion without actually speaking.
I would probably check more possibilities around online events inside the platform. Today, if we have a large audience, we need to transfer the event to another platform and we would prefer keeping it in Microsoft Teams. I guess this would be a very good improvement opportunity for the internal-external experience (in and out of the company audience).
Very easy to use. Even though Microsoft Teams has a lot of features and integrations, as a user I feel completely comfortable on finding what I need, getting information about the app extensions and using them. It's a very comprehensive tool, intuitive design and does not make me feel tired to be using it. I am glad with the current experience.
  • Integration with Microsoft Office
  • Interactive commands during a call - like reactions, pools, whiteboard etc
  • Teams and Teams' tabs (group an audience and create different pages for engagement)
  • Gifs for chatting!
  • Calendar (scheduling a meeting)
  • Approve new people to access a call
  • Missed calls (sometimes people call but no ringing)
Yes
The mobile version is actually impressive. It is almost the desktop version and it is such a good thing! I feel very confident using it as I have all the tiles I am used to in the same design / look and feel.
The mobile version is very fast and also well integrated with the desktop version. For that reason, I started using it more frequently when I needed to step back from the PC for a very short moment - if it was not that good, I would never use it just to get a glass of water at the kitchen while in a meeting!
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.
July 20, 2016

Skype for Business

Marie Rodriguez | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
With Skype for Business, we are able to communicate among ourselves, especially while we are on the phone. This allows us to be able to talk to one another without having to end a conversation or interrupt our customers. Additionally, we are owned by a company from Singapore. We are able to communicate with this without long distance charges, and without the extra cost of a service like GoToMeeting.
  • This is great for the quick questions. That way we do not have to interrupt the person if they are busy or on the phone.
  • The ability to tell if a person is busy, in a meeting, or away from their desks makes it convenient. No more getting up and walking across the office to see if someone is at their work space.
  • Screen share and the ability to have Skype meetings make collaboration much easier.
  • Communication is only as good as the network connection. When a company has a network outage, communication across the network becomes disabled.
  • You lose that personal contact. It is much easier to just chat over communicator rather than speaking face to face.
Skype for Business is great for collaboration, instant communication, and for peer-to-peer calling. It does need to be managed with internal controls. For companies that use it, controls also need to be put into place to ensure that file sharing is appropriate and meets the corporate values. Communications should be business appropriate.
Performance & Compatibility of Online Events Software (4)
87.5%
8.8
High quality audio
90%
9.0
High quality video
90%
9.0
Low bandwidth requirements
80%
8.0
Mobile support
90%
9.0
Screen Sharing (2)
90%
9.0
Desktop sharing
100%
10.0
Whiteboards
80%
8.0
Online Meetings / Events (4)
87.5%
8.8
Calendar integration
100%
10.0
Meeting initiation
100%
10.0
Integrates with social media
50%
5.0
Record meetings / events
100%
10.0
Online Events Collaboration (2)
95%
9.5
Live chat
100%
10.0
Audience polling
90%
9.0
Online Events Security (3)
100%
10.0
User authentication
100%
10.0
Participant roles & permissions
100%
10.0
Confidential attendee list
100%
10.0
VoIP system collaboration
N/A
N/A
Web and Video Conferencing
N/A
N/A
  • Skype for Business has reduced the necessity to pay for GoToMeeting or another service. Since we have ours bundled with Office 365, this cost is bundled with our email.
  • We are able to communicate with our corporate offices through Skype for Business efficiently.
I have used Google Hangouts previously, and I believe that Skype is a better service. It is intertwined with the calendar. Also, when installing it as part of the Office 365 package, it is only a second install. I also like how it saves the messages within Outlook. Skype for Business also uses end to end encryption. This makes all business communication more secure than Google Hangouts.
  • Adding users within your domain
  • Skype for Business meetings
  • Skype Calls
  • None that I can think of
Yes, but I don't use it
I use it daily to communicate with my team.
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.
Jered Jones | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 7 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Skype for Business is being used as a company wide chat platform. It allows everyone to see who in the company is available and send them a quick message.
  • The chat function is done well. It is fairly simple to use.
  • I like the conferencing features. You can conference multiple people in a chat, or in a voice/video conference.
  • I like the screen share feature, which is useful when working on teams remotely.
  • The integration with MS Office is useful. Your availability is automatically updated based on your Outlook calendar. Files can quickly be sent with a drag and a drop. Past conversations are easily accessible in your Outlook email for future reference.
  • The presentation functions seem hard for some people to understand. I haven't had time to figure out the recording capabilities.
  • It should be easier to learn more about different features.
Skype for Business is well suited for most scenarios. Everyone should be able to use most basic functions, even from a mobile device.
Performance & Compatibility of Online Events Software (3)
50%
5.0
High quality audio
80%
8.0
High quality video
70%
7.0
Low bandwidth requirements
N/A
N/A
Screen Sharing (2)
65%
6.5
Desktop sharing
80%
8.0
Whiteboards
50%
5.0
Online Meetings / Events (4)
47.5%
4.8
Calendar integration
90%
9.0
Meeting initiation
60%
6.0
Integrates with social media
N/A
N/A
Record meetings / events
40%
4.0
Online Events Collaboration (2)
N/A
N/A
Live chat
N/A
N/A
Audience polling
N/A
N/A
Online Events Security (3)
N/A
N/A
User authentication
N/A
N/A
Participant roles & permissions
N/A
N/A
Confidential attendee list
N/A
N/A
VoIP system collaboration
N/A
N/A
Web and Video Conferencing
N/A
N/A
  • I couldn't comment on ROI. I do feel that it increases my productivity because it makes it easier to collaborate.
50
Internal corporate office employees (all HR, client services, accounting, IT, and leadership,) as well as all field managers nation wide.
1
Our lower level IT guy does this, but I don't know if special skills are required or not.
  • Quickly contact someone in the organization to get quick answers.
  • Know who in the company is working and available at all times.
  • It is a live connection to people and teams who work across the entire USA.
  • Saves money on paid video conferencing services such as Webex.
  • More video and web conferencing using screen shares and recording for absent workers.
I don't make this decision.
  • The chat function is Skype for Business' most easy function to use.
  • I found the video conference feature easy to use.
  • I found the screen share function easy to use, but noticed others that I work with had trouble on the other end.
Yes
I haven't used the feature myself, but have easily been able to communicate with coworkers who were using the mobile feature. They say it works well.
Usability is great. Everyone in the organization can use basic chat functions and other features (like video conference, and screen share,) enhance the products capabilities.
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