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Skype for Business is a feature-rich video communication platform that includes everything from messages received immediately to high-definition video conferencing. It has aided teams in communicating instantaneously from all around the globe for many years.
Despite its texting and voice calling features, Skype for Business isn’t the most comprehensive voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) platform for small enterprises. It lacks a toll-free number, as well as many of the basic call-handling tools required for small-business communication. It’s also worth mentioning that on July 31, 2021, Skype for Business Online will be replaced by Microsoft Teams, however, Microsoft will continue to support Skype for Business Server until 2025.
Continue reading to discover more about how to use Skype for Business:
1. Create a Microsoft 365 account
For desktop usage, Skype for Business no longer needs the installation of an app, although it is not accessible as a stand-alone solution. To use the platform, you’ll need a Microsoft 365 Business subscription. If you don’t already have an account, you may create one on the product’s website. You may log in to the service and download the app after you’ve created an account.
The Microsoft 365 Business subscription choices are as follows:
- Microsoft 365 Essentials: This entry-level bundle includes online and mobile versions of Skype for Business, as well as the other Microsoft 365 foundation products, and may be licensed for up to 300 individuals. It costs $5 per month per user. The software may be downloaded on up to five phones and tablets at once by each user.
- Microsoft 365 Business Standard includes the opportunity to install Skype for Business on your Mac or PC. Each user may install Skype on up to five different tablets, phones, and computers. It costs $12.50 per month for each user.
- Microsoft 365 Business Premium: This version includes all of the capabilities of the Business edition, as well as the ability to build up and deploy a company-wide intranet. Microsoft Teams and Outlook Customer Manager are also included. For up to 300 people, it costs $20 per month per user.
Skype for Business and Microsoft Office programs such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel are included in each plan. Accounts also get access to Microsoft Teams and OneDrive.
You may download Skype for Business on your desktop or mobile devices after you’ve chosen your subscription and signed up.
2. Get the App on Your Phone or Tablet (Optional)
On your iOS or Android mobile device, go to the app store. The Skype for Business app may be found on the App Store. When the app is installed, tap the download button and sign in using your Microsoft 365 credentials. Permissions for your contacts, camera, and alerts should be granted to the app. You may now use Skype while on the go.
3. Integrate your Skype for Business account with your contacts
When you sign in to Skype for Business on a mobile device, you’ll be asked whether you want Skype to have access to your phone’s contacts. You’ll be able to view all of the names and numbers in your Skype for Business address book after you grant access. You’ll have to manually enter each person’s name and phone number whether you’re using the desktop or browser version.
You may also build Contact Groups on Skype for Business. Individual groups for certain colleagues and customers may be created using this capability. By right-clicking your contacts list and selecting “Create New Group” from the drop-down menu, you may create a new user group. This group may be given whatever name you choose.
4. Configure your Skype for Business account with phone numbers
You may use Skype for Business to call any phone number, even if the recipient does not have a Skype account. Setting up phone numbers for your Skype for Business account is, thankfully, a lot easier than setting up a full-featured phone system. You may either migrate an existing phone number into Skype or purchase a new one from Microsoft.
5. Select a Phone Number
Go to your Skype for Business admin center if you want to transfer an existing phone number. Select “New Local Number Port Order” from the drop-down menu. The setup wizard will ask you to input your carrier account number and any necessary PINs after answering a series of questions.
If you’d like a new number, go to the admin center and click “Legacy Portal.” In the left navigation panel, Click “Voice>Phone numbers,” and then click “Add New Number.” You can then browse through countries, regions, and cities to find the perfect number for your business. You can even purchase multiple numbers for all your team members here.
6. Become a member of a calling plan
You can make free calls to other Skype for Business members, but you’ll need to buy a calling plan if you want to contact numbers outside the service.
There are two distinct calling plans available with Skype for Business:
- Domestic Calling Plan ($12 per month per user): This plan allows internet users to make and receive domestic calls to any local phone number inside their country. It includes 3,000 domestic shared minutes each month.
- Domestic and International Calling Package ($24 per user, each month): This plan enables customers to make international calls from their computers. It includes 3,000 local shared minutes and 600 overseas shared minutes. International call rates vary by country.
For organizations that make a lot of international calls, Skype for Business might be a costly choice. If your company has a global presence, you may want to consider a separate business phone system like Grasshopper, which starts at $26 per month and includes unlimited calling across the United States.
For organizations that make a lot of international calls, Skype for Business might be a costly choice. If your company has a global presence, consider a cloud-based business phone system like 88, which provides unlimited calling to 47 countries.
7. Begin using Skype for Business to communicate
Despite the fact that Skype for Business is gradually being phased out in favor of Microsoft Teams, customers may still connect with other Skype users using the platform’s internal Messages Received Immediately, External video and audio calls are still able to do so.
Messages Received Immediately
Find the person you want to talk with and start a messaging discussion with them. You’ll be offered the choice to phone, video conference, or chat with them when you see their contact information; choose the chat button. A chat window will appear when you click the button. It’s as simple as typing your message and pressing the send button.
If you wish to start a discussion with a group of individuals, just add more names to the recipients’ list in the chat window. This will start a group discussion. Within the chat app, you may also exchange pictures, videos, audio recordings, and links to other users.
Audio & Video Calling
Similar to how you would start an instant message, find the person you want to chat with. Hover over their profile image and choose either the phone or camera icon to make an audio or video call. The person on the other end of the line will get a notification and will have the option of accepting or declining the call.
You’ll both be included in the call after the user accepts the audio or video request. You’ll be able to mute yourself, share your screen, and switch your camera on or off while on the call. Both video conferencing applications and corporate phone services have these functionalities as standard.
You can also record Skype conversations and store them on your local PC by clicking the red circle button—this is useful if you’re talking about something essential and want to go back to it later.
What Is the Difference Between Skype & Skype for Business?
The conventional Skype program and Skype for Business have a lot in common, although there are a few differences:
- Skype is a free video-conferencing platform for small enterprises with less than 20 workers. It has rudimentary calling and video chatting capabilities, however, it can’t contact landlines or mobile phones.
- Upgrade your Skype for Business account to enable up to 250 people to participate in online meetings. It also has high-level security, the ability to manage employee accounts, and integration with other Office products.
Alternatives to Skype for Business
Microsoft has said publicly on multiple occasions that Teams will be an important element of their corporate software strategy in the future, so anticipate further integration with other Microsoft products. However, depending on your desired communication method, you may wish to investigate a variety of different possibilities.
Conclusion
Skype for Business is one of the most widely used business communication programs worldwide. However, it will be phased out in favor of Microsoft Teams, the company’s all-in-one communication tool. On this updated software, you’ll be able to experience all of the features you enjoyed about Skype for Business (and more).
