Skype directory integration also is only available to those with Skype for Business Server 2015. Call for Work routes voice calls from Skype for Business to the originator's desktop phone. This feature allows enterprise users to make voice calls from the Skype for Business client. There will be a new "Call via Work" feature available only to those with Skype for Business Server 2015.
The full set of emoticons available with Skype consumer will be available to Skype for Business users, as well. But many of the Lync-specific features, like the Quick Actions button, allowing users to IM or call a contact with a single click, will still be there, too.Ĭall Monitor - which allows users to move back and forth between a full Skype for Business window and a compact view of that window - will be part of Skype for Business client. The contacts list, presence indicators, buttons, icons and app sounds will be consistent. The new user interface will make Skype for Business look and feel more like the consumer version of the Skype video-calling software. While rebranding is a big piece of change from Lync to Skype for Business, there are some new features that Lync client users will see, too, as part of the transition. The new Skype for Business Server will be available for download from Microsoft's Volume Licensing Service Center on May 1, the spokesperson confirmed.Īs Microsoft officials noted in March, the public Office 16 preview currently includes the Skype for Business client preview. When it rolled out the public preview of Skype for Business - aka Lync - in mid-March, Microsoft officials had said to expect general availability of the new client, server and services to happen in April. But those using Lync Server today will continue to see the Lync UI as the default experience.Ī Microsoft spokesperson said the plan is to roll out the Skype for Business client "to all customers by the end of May." Microsoft also will be automatically updating the Lync Online Service to "Skype for Business Online" by the end of May.
The Lync client replacement will be rolling out "as an update to Lync on April 14th as part of Office monthly updates," according to a Microsoft blog post, though IT administrators will be able to control how and when the Skype for Business update is rolled out to users.Ĭustomers currently using Lync Online with Office 365 ProPlus, Office 365 Business Premium or Office 2013 will see the new Skype for Business client replace the Lync client. Microsoft has now pinned a more specific date on the coming Skype for Business client.