Item: Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
Rating: 5
Author: Samer Araabi

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We sometimes host conferences or virtual meetings with Skype for Business, though we usually only use it when another org insists. We rely on Zoom more often, due to stronger security features and the sensitive nature of our work, as well as regular Skype when we need to "call" people into meetings. Both versions of Skype are primarily used when we think that the the security trade-offs are worth the ease of adding users without an internet connection or smartphone.

Pros and Cons

Easy to add people to a call.
Easy screen-sharing and other hosting actions.
Skype in general is probably still the most internationally-known teleconferencing software.

It has the worst security of any teleconferencing apps we use; a huge problem in our line of work.
Logging in is always a nightmare for some reason.
Need totally separate software to use Skype for Business vs regular ol' Skype; you'd think they could just layer them both into one system.

Return on Investment

Skype for Business has mostly been used to communicate with other folks who request that we talk on Skype for Business.
It's helped us have more control over calls we host with folks with limited technical literacy.
Name brand familiarity has been helpful for getting other people onboard.

Alternatives Considered

Zoom and GoToMeeting

We [use] Zoom at least 10x more often than Skype for Business, and even though I feel like Zoom has some very shady business practices, their recent security upgrades have been a really valuable way to feel safer about our calls. The biggest drawback on Zoom vs Skype for Business is that, to my knowledge, one can't make outgoing calls internationally on Zoom, so when we need to proactively reach out partners, Skype is the better choice.

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?

Yes

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

Yes

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

Other Software Used

Zoom, Microsoft Teams, GoToMeeting

Likelihood to Recommend

I'd really only recommend Skype for Business in very particular circumstances, where we need to host a meeting and have more granular hosting controls than a regular Skype call, but are also expecting participants with low technological literacy or limited internet access. Those situations certainly arise, and it's an important piece of software to have in our toolbelt, but it's probably the one we use the least.

Skype for Business has a few unique features that make it a valuable teleconferencing app to have, but it's still my least favorite

Overall Satisfaction with Skype for Business (formerly Lync)