Microsoft begins rollout of Skype for Business

iTnews (AUS) ^ | on Apr 15, 2015 9:26 AM (AUS) | Russell Brown

[Utilizer]

Lync to be retired.

Microsoft's April update for Office 2013 is more than just a Patch Tuesday: for some users, it includes the new Skype for Business.

A relatively low-key announcement from Microsoft today signals the beginning of the end for Lync, the Office collaboration tool that has run in parallel with Skype in the three years since Microsoft bought Skype.

Office 365 customers using Lync Online are the first to receive Skype for Business Online in a rollout that will continue through into May. Skype for Business is also now available as a standalone plan.

[Utilizer]

More changes for the 'doze Business crowd. Personally prefer Ekiga, but some customers like Skype.

[Utilizer]

ping...

[iowacornman]

I uninstalled it because of the intrusions. I want it to shut the hell off or I am out in my large business.

[NeverEVERKerry]

Bookmarked.

[JennysCool]

The HUGE political elephant in the server room is that most activities of the House and Senate could be conducted online (votes, committee hearings, etc.). Nobody needs to travel to Washington like it’s 1800 anymore. Of course, this would necessitate our representatives having to stay in their home states amongst their constituents instead of running off to Washington to get away from them. The DC call girls would suffer, too, something awful.

[max americana]

Microsoft surrendered a customer’s Skype account when the Feds asked for it. No thanks. There are alternatives such as Viber etc.

[rarestia]

*sigh* We’re in the process of migrating from Communicator to Lync. This is gonna fry our messaging folks.

[PAR35]

We just made that transition. Management uses these programs as an easy way to keep track of us. I recommend Scotch tape over the camera.

[dayglored]

Skype for Business ... PING!

You can find all the Windows Ping list threads with FR search: search on keyword "windowspinglist".

And another thanks to Utilizer for a heads-up!

[LaRueLaDue]

Lync sucks a$$... Is Skype any better? I know it is for calling, but what about messaging, “live meetings”, etc.? Anyone have experience with both?

[ProtectOurFreedom]

MS bought Skype? Really? Three years ago? How did that slip by me? I remember when eBay announced it was unloading the service in 2009, but I missed the announcement that MS was buying it in 2011.

[Utilizer]

Some things, perhaps, but the majority of the very important or security-related issues and decisions need to be carried out on a face-to-face basis. Vidchat does not work in all cases, not to mention the difficulties when there is a network issue interfering.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

We have Lync and WebEx at work. They both work ok. Lync is only useful if you are offsite and have turned on your VPN. The UI isn’t great and it’s hard to find the features you need if you’re a casual or occasional user. WebEx isn’t much better in the UI department. I usually set up a regular phone call with both services. WebEx links to our phone conferencing service which is helpful.

[rarestia]

Mine’s covered with electrical tape and disabled in the BIOS.

“I don’t know. It just doesn’t work.”

[JennysCool]

Committee hearings, votes, etc. could be easily carried out online (and end the necessity for witnesses to have to fly from all across the country to testify). If there's a need for a face-to-face, of course there are still airplanes. But even then, a cellphone would probably do.

Washington, D.C. is an 18th century concept which still survives purely to satisfy the need for representatives to put some distance between themselves and the people they are supposed to represent.