Skype is one of the most popular online communication apps,
and for good reason—it allows users to seamlessly communicate through multiple
channels, including: email, instant messaging (IM), VoIP (voice over IP),
voicemail, file transferring, video conferencing and web conferencing. This
makes Skype for business particularly attractive for companies looking to
streamline their long-distance communication.Skype’s
rapid success, coupled with its huge corporate potential, prompted Microsoft to
purchase the company in 2011 in a deal worth well over $8 billion. And in 2015,
Microsoft released Skype for Business (SFB), formerly known as Microsoft Lync
Server, to specifically address corporate communication needs.
Why Use Skype for Business?
Microsoft’s founding ideology behind SFB was to provide a
comprehensive enterprise communication solution for all. And one could argue
that it succeeded.
With its unique blend of online business communication
options, Skype for Business allows you to communicate however you want,
wherever you want, and with however many people you need. In fact, you can add
up to 250 people to your video conferences—more than 10 times the limit on the
ordinary Skype app. Other Skype for Business advantages
for both medium and large businesses include:
Extensive Support for Different Platforms
SFB
is compatible with a number of mobile and desktop devices, as well as many
modern web browsers. This, combined with the overwhelming popularity of Skype,
allows your employees to connect with each other from virtually anywhere in the
world and on any device.
PBX Compatibility
Skype
for Business lets you utilize your existing legacy PBX until the contract
expires, which significantly reduces your phone bill. And if you wish to call
someone who isn’t online, you can dial them up via Skype Credit, which costs a
lot less than the fees charged by traditional phone companies.
Secured Access
The
app makes it possible for businesses to secure the enterprise forum by only
allowing authorized users into the forum. Skype for Business also gives
businesses greater control over user authentication and security. For example,
Skype for Business administrators can limit employees to utilizing only
approved devices that meet their corporate security requirements.
Exclusive Features
SFB
comes with many exclusive features that you don’t get with the traditional
Skype app. These include:
- Persistent
chat rooms.
Easily access, monitor, and participate in dedicated chat rooms for
specific topics, such as team projects.
- High-definition
video.
Makes it possible to hold high quality video conferences/meetings
minimizing video lags or inferior quality footage.
- Compatibility with third-party services. Skype for business is
compatible with Polycom and Cisco endpoints via RealConnect for Office
365.
Other Skype for Business Features
Skype for Business offers several features that enhance
business communication. These include:
- The
ability to share files, screens, and applications, as well as use a
whiteboard, within a communication session.
- Enhanced
presenter controls that are optimized for meeting formats, audience size,
and content source.
- Option
to control your on-forum presence, based on Outlook Calendar or Out of
Office status.
- Push
notifications and support for external devices, such as keyboards.
- Auto-attendant
system that can answer and further route any inbound calls.
- The
incorporation of open video coding standards, such as the H.264 video
codec.
- The
ability to record and archive messages and conference sessions.
Using Skype for Business
Microsoft
offers multiple options for deploying SFB, such as installing it on premises or
using a hybrid installation with cloud servers. The deployment can support
anywhere from 4,000 to 100,000 users. However, for larger deployments,
Microsoft recommends using multiple servers to balance the load and facilitate
availability and functionality.
Businesses
looking to incorporate Skype for Business with their existing PSTN/ISDN must
make use of the Mediation Server – in addition to an IP PBX gateway. The
gateway forms the cessation point for the ISDN and further communicates with
the platform using SIP, and allows for the encryption and decryption of the
Secure Real-time Transport Protocol where the Skype for Business server
resides.
Skype for Business Desktop
Skype
for Business on a desktop offers users multiple secure communication channels
that can provide great value for business. In addition to communication, there
are several other services Skype for Business offers. Some of them are:
- Database
management
- User
registration
- Call routing
- Instant
messaging
- Presence
services for on-server clients
However,
the deployment criteria of the application demands the desktop to at least
function a Windows 2012 operating system on a 64-bit server.
Mobile
and remote users require an edge server to support the application, whereas
external users also require an edge server to download any content from the
forum, or files from the Address Book Server.
Skype for Business Web
The
Skype for Business web app is available on the following operating systems:
- Windows 7–10
- Windows
Server
- OS X 10.8 or
later
It
can also be accessed from any of the following browsers:
- Edge
- Internet
Explorer 11
- Firefox
- Safari
- Chrome
Modern-day
businesses are in need of a communication platform that provides increased
connective feasibility without compromising on enterprise-grade security. Skype
for Business is Microsoft’s offering in an attempt to provide a comprehensive
solution to such problems.
While
the final verdict rests with the users, the added options coupled with the
enhanced security makes Skype for Business an optimal fit for the corporate
world.
Need More Information Contact Us
Best Regards ,
Latvik Blog Team
LATVIK TECHNOLOGIES ™
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