As a result, current Lync customers can get quickly up and running with Skype for Business with the solutions they’re already using.
Most existing software and hardware solutions that are qualified for Lync 2013 will also be compatible with Skype for Business, thanks to the efforts of our hardware, software, IT pro tools and network infrastructure partners. You can use Microsoft Pinpoint to find a local partner. We have seen a five-fold increase in partners deploying Lync in the cloud over the past year, and over 80 percent of the channel have been trained on Skype for Business. The broader system integrator channel is ready too. Our elite launch partners have the highest level of experience, training and commitment to the Skype for Business platform, and are able to deliver on a global scale. Now is the time to start planning your deployment, and our partners are ready. Skype for Business is built right into Office, so it’s easy to initiate an IM, voice or video call right from many different Office applications. 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. It also enables people to search for and connect with anyone in the Skype network-inside or outside their organization. Skype for Business is based on the familiar Skype experience that millions of people around the world know and love.īased on the familiar Skype experience that more than 300 million people use every month to connect with friends and family, Skype for Business delivers an expanded Lync feature set and enterprise-grade security, compliance and control to IT.
I am thrilled to announce that the technical preview of the Skype for Business client starts today, and that the new client, server and online service will become generally available starting in April! The tech preview gives current Lync customers a chance to trial Skype for Business and get ready to upgrade. We announced last November that the next version of Microsoft Lync would become Skype for Business. Delivering technology that helps people connect-to discuss, share and collaborate-is central to Microsoft’s mission to reinvent productivity. Today at Convergence, our CEO Satya Nadella encouraged companies to embrace the open exchange of information using intelligent, collaborative tools that enable people and organizations to achieve more. Today’s post was written by Giovanni Mezgec, general manager for the Skype for Business team.