Item: Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
Rating: 9
Author: Verified User

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We previously used Lync, but switched to Skype for Business [(formerly Lync)] when Microsoft changed the name/platform. This is currently used across the entire organization. This is our primary instant messaging application and incorporates seamlessly into Outlook. It offers us the ability to quickly collaborate with others.

Pros and Cons

Skype integrates perfectly with our Outlook Address Book so looking up contact info is super fast and easy.
The ability to quickly make long-distance (or International) calls via Skype meetings saves us time and money.
Being part of our Office 365 license, simplifies the installation because it gets installed when we install Office suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc).

Typically updating the Outlook application requires you to close out of the Skype application (since they are tied together).
By default, it links your Skype status to your Outlook calendar. This feature is nice if you have a meeting, it will show you as "In a Meeting". However if you simply have a reminder on your calendar (such as a lunch break) it will show as In a Meeting.
The screen sharing feature is helpful, but when sharing mouse/keyboard with someone else, not all windows are visible. For example, if the UAC appears and asks for admin credentials, the "remote" user will not see that prompt or have the ability to type into that field. This is an issue for IT Support technicians who need to provide administrative credentials without the end user knowing what they are.

Return on Investment

The ability to search into the Global Address List is a huge time saver for our IT staff, and they say "time is money".
Being able to schedule meetings helps to save money on conference calls since we don't have to purchase 3rd party apps such as Zoom.
Long distance and International calls (through Skype for Business) also helps to save us money.

Alternatives Considered

Microsoft Teams

We are currently utilizing both Skype for Business as well as Microsoft Teams. This is because Teams will eventually be the replacement for Skype for Business. Both offer us similar functionality, but Teams has a much steeper "learning curve" since it has so much added functionality (such as tie-in with Sharepoint/OneDrive).

Key Insights

Do you think Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams's feature set?

Yes

Did Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams live up to sales and marketing promises?

I wasn't involved with the selection/purchase process

Did implementation of Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams go as expected?

I wasn't involved with the implementation phase

Would you buy Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams again?

Yes

Other Software Used

Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365), Microsoft Azure Active Directory, Microsoft Teams, MS SharePoint

Likelihood to Recommend

I use Skype for Business [(formerly Lync)] each day as part of my role in IT Support. It allows me to quickly communicate with our end users (employees) without having to pick up the phone and call them. This is particularly handy for someone who needs to multitask. For example, I can communicate with someone who is in a meeting or is already talking on the phone to someone else. The ability to search the Global Address Book through the Skype app is extremely useful. It allows you to type in someone's name and show their contact info (email, address, phone number, etc). Additionally, if you get a call from a number you don't recognize, you can enter that number into Skype and it will perform a lookup against the Global Address Book. If that number is in the GAL, then you can see who tried to call you because it will show that person's contact card (if that number is associated to them).

Collaborate effortlessly and easily search your company's Global Address Book

Overall Satisfaction with Skype for Business (formerly Lync)