Microsoft Skype for Business Online goes into software retirement

Around a year ago, Microsoft announced that the online version of Skype for Business to officially retire software on July 31, 2021. The service will therefore soon no longer be available. As the designated successor, the communication platform is Microsoft Teams It is already being used successfully by numerous companies.

Companies that still today Skype for Business Online , can access the full functionality of the communication service until July 31. After the end-of-life date, there will be various restrictions, including with regard to mixed operation with Microsoft Teams. IP Dynamics explains what that means in practice:

• Third party conference bridges will no longer be supported in the future
• There is no cloud connector (CCE) or hybrid voice scenarios
• Users in teams-only mode can no longer switch to another mode

Hybrid solutions that consist of Skype for Business Online and Microsoft Teams It will no longer be possible to put them together in the future. But for companies that want to continue using both platforms in mixed operation, there is a solution!

hybrid solution? Know how!

The on-premises version of Skype for Business continues to work without restrictions. The current version of the software (2019) will be supported by regular support for another four years. In addition, the installed on premises can be Skype for Business continues as part of a hybrid solution with Microsoft Teams operate. The interoperability of these two services is maintained. It is therefore recommended that all online users of Skype for Business in the teams-Only mode or migrate back to the on-premises version. In this way, you create the technical conditions for smooth cooperation between your colleagues.

Contact Center

In addition, the on-premises version of Skype for Business continue to be used in conjunction with a contact center solution. But here too, the switch to Microsoft Teams possible. IP Dynamics has with the Dynamic Agent develops a future-proof solution that natively integrates Contact center technology enabled into the communication platform.

If you have any questions about the end-of-life of Skype for Business Online have or sign up for a switch to Microsoft Teams If you are interested, we will be happy to advise you at any time.