JULY 31, 2021 MARKS THE OFFICIAL DISCONTINUATION OF THIS WIDELY USED CHAT AND VIDEO PLATFORM
In July 2019, Microsoft first announced its plan for the retirement of Skype for Business, and the transition to Microsoft Teams. Nearly two years later, this plan will become reality in a mere 2 months. Here’s a refresher on what this may mean for your business.
1. How do I know if I am using Skype or Skype for Business?
If you’re unsure whether you’re using Skype or Skype for Business, look under Help > About. Here you will be able to see if your account is for Skype or Skype for Business.
It’s also important to note that Skype is a consumer grade product and Skype for Business is for organizations.
2. Is Skype being discontinued?
No, Skype will continue to be available for private video telecommunication sessions. Only Skype for Business will be discontinued on July 31st, 2021.
3. What is replacing Skype for Business?
Microsoft’s solution for replacing Skype for Business is Microsoft Teams, which is part of its Microsoft 365 family of products. While Teams is the natural next step for businesses transitioning from Skype for Business, there are many other alternatives, such as Zoom, Webex, and Slack.
While Skype for Business and many of these other platforms are simple chat and video communication apps, Microsoft has developed Teams to be a central hub for many aspects of Microsoft 365, including chat, video communication, phones, files, collaboration, and more!
4. Why is Skype for Business being phased out?
In a statement made on its FAQ page, Microsoft stated that its primary reason for making this transition is that Teams provides a single place within a modern cloud infrastructure for conversations, contacts, and content to be stored.
5. Will my business be auto-upgraded?
Microsoft has not released what criteria is required for a business to be auto-upgraded from Skype for Business to Teams. Though it seems that the auto-upgrade process has only affected small businesses using Skype for Business Online. If your business is utilizing Microsoft 365 (and Office 365) the chances you have Microsoft Teams readily available are extremely high.
6. What do I do if an auto-upgrade has been scheduled?
Several users have noted that they were able to defer the upgrade, but not totally opt-out once they received the initial notification for their scheduled auto-upgrade. IT admins should be on the lookout for an email from “Plan For Change” regarding this notice. Microsoft has also published a list of contact numbers to reach out to for support.
7. How do I transition my business from Skype for Business to Microsoft Teams?
As a Microsoft 365 partner, our team of experts here at SWICKtech can help you seamlessly transition from Skype for Business to Microsoft Teams. Contact us today for a free, no-strings-attached consultation.
