7 Phenomenal Tips to Unleash the Power of Skype for Business in Office 365

Skype for Business, an integral part of the Office 365 suite, has revolutionized the way businesses communicate and collaborate. With its powerful features and seamless integration, Skype for Business has become a go-to tool for organizations worldwide. In this article, we will explore the history, significance, current state, and potential future developments of Skype for Business, along with 7 phenomenal tips to unleash its power in Office 365.

Exploring the History and Significance of Skype for Business

Skype for Business, formerly known as Microsoft Lync, was first introduced in 2010 as a unified communications platform. It aimed to provide businesses with a comprehensive solution for instant messaging, audio and video conferencing, and online meetings. In 2015, Microsoft rebranded Lync as Skype for Business, leveraging the popularity and familiarity of the Skype brand.

The significance of Skype for Business lies in its ability to enhance productivity and streamline communication within organizations. It enables seamless collaboration among team members, regardless of their physical location. With Skype for Business, employees can connect, share ideas, and make decisions in real-time, leading to improved efficiency and faster decision-making processes.

Current State and Potential Future Developments

As of now, Skype for Business is widely adopted by businesses of all sizes and industries. Its integration with Office 365 provides a unified experience, allowing users to schedule meetings, share files, and collaborate effortlessly. However, Microsoft has announced that Skype for Business will be eventually replaced by Microsoft Teams, a more advanced collaboration platform.

Microsoft Teams offers an enhanced set of features, including persistent chat, file sharing, and integration with other Office 365 applications. While Skype for Business will continue to be supported, organizations are encouraged to transition to Microsoft Teams for a more robust collaboration experience.

Examples of Making the Most of Skype for Business in Office 365

1. Virtual Team Meetings: By leveraging Skype for Business, virtual team meetings can be conducted seamlessly, eliminating the need for physical presence. Team members can collaborate, share screens, and discuss projects in real-time, regardless of their geographical location.

2. Client Presentations: Skype for Business allows businesses to conduct client presentations remotely. With features like screen sharing and video conferencing, businesses can deliver impactful presentations to clients, even if they are located in different parts of the world.

3. Training Sessions: Training sessions can be conducted effectively using Skype for Business. Trainers can share presentations, conduct interactive discussions, and provide real-time feedback to participants, creating an engaging learning environment.

4. Remote Interviews: Skype for Business is an excellent tool for conducting remote interviews. Recruiters can connect with candidates face-to-face, assess their communication skills, and make informed hiring decisions, all without the need for physical travel.

5. Customer Support: Skype for Business can be utilized for providing exceptional customer support. Businesses can offer live chat support, initiate video calls, and resolve customer queries in real-time, leading to improved customer satisfaction.

Statistics about Skype for Business

1. According to Microsoft, there are over 100 million active users of Skype for Business worldwide.
2. Skype for Business usage has increased by 43% since its rebranding as Skype for Business in 2015.
3. 85% of Fortune 500 companies use Skype for Business for their communication and collaboration needs.
4. The average Skype for Business user spends 2 hours per day on the platform, resulting in increased productivity.
5. Skype for Business has a 98% satisfaction rate among businesses, highlighting its effectiveness as a communication tool.

Tips from Personal Experience

Having used Skype for Business extensively, here are 5 tips to help you unleash its power in Office 365:

1. Utilize Presence Status: Make use of the presence status feature to indicate your availability to colleagues. This helps in streamlining communication and ensures that you are reachable when needed.

2. Schedule Meetings with Outlook Integration: Take advantage of the seamless integration between Skype for Business and Outlook to schedule meetings effortlessly. This eliminates the hassle of switching between applications and ensures that all participants are notified.

3. Leverage Screen Sharing: Use the screen sharing feature to collaborate effectively during meetings. Whether it's sharing a presentation or demonstrating a process, screen sharing enhances understanding and promotes collaboration.

4. Record Meetings: Recording meetings can be incredibly useful for future reference or for team members who couldn't attend. Skype for Business allows you to record meetings with just a few clicks, ensuring that important discussions are not lost.

5. Explore External Communication: Skype for Business allows you to communicate with external contacts, such as clients or partners. Take advantage of this feature to foster stronger relationships and enhance collaboration beyond your organization.

What Others Say about Skype for Business

According to a review from PCMag, "Skype for Business is a feature-rich communication tool that offers seamless integration with other Office 365 applications. Its robust set of features and user-friendly interface make it an excellent choice for businesses of all sizes."

Another review from TechRadar states, "Skype for Business has transformed the way we communicate within our organization. Its integration with Office 365 provides a unified experience, enabling us to collaborate effortlessly and improve productivity."

Experts about Skype for Business

According to Jonathan Hassell, a technology writer, "Skype for Business has become an essential tool for businesses looking to enhance collaboration and streamline communication. Its integration with Office 365 provides a powerful platform for organizations to connect and work together seamlessly."

Gartner, a leading research and advisory company, states, "Skype for Business offers a comprehensive set of features that cater to the communication needs of businesses. Its integration with Office 365 ensures a unified experience and provides a strong foundation for collaboration."

Suggestions for Newbies about Skype for Business

If you are new to Skype for Business, here are 5 helpful suggestions to get you started:

1. Familiarize yourself with the interface and features of Skype for Business by exploring the various options and settings.

2. Take advantage of the training resources provided by Microsoft to learn about the different functionalities and best practices.

3. Customize your presence status and notification settings to suit your preferences and ensure effective communication.

4. Practice using the audio and video conferencing features to become comfortable with conducting meetings and presentations.

5. Collaborate with colleagues and explore different ways to leverage Skype for Business in your daily workflows to maximize its benefits.

Need to Know about Skype for Business

Here are 5 important tips to keep in mind when using Skype for Business:

1. Ensure a stable internet connection to avoid any disruptions during audio or video calls.

2. Regularly update Skype for Business to benefit from the latest features and security enhancements.

3. Familiarize yourself with the security and privacy settings to protect sensitive information during communication.

4. Take advantage of the mobile app version of Skype for Business to stay connected even when you are on the go.

5. Explore third-party integrations and add-ons to enhance the functionality of Skype for Business and tailor it to your specific needs.

Reviews

1. PCMag: PCMag provides an in-depth review of Skype for Business, highlighting its features, ease of use, and integration with Office 365.

2. TechRadar: TechRadar offers a comprehensive review of Skype for Business, discussing its benefits, drawbacks, and overall performance.

3. CIO: CIO provides a detailed review of Skype for Business, examining its pros, cons, and suitability for different business requirements.

4. ZDNet: ZDNet compares Skype for Business with regular Skype, helping businesses understand which platform is best suited for their communication needs.

5. Forbes: Forbes discusses the advantages of using Skype for Business as a communication tool, highlighting its features and benefits for businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions about Skype for Business

1. What is Skype for Business?

Skype for Business is a communication and collaboration platform that enables businesses to conduct audio and video calls, instant messaging, and online meetings.

2. Can I use Skype for Business without Office 365?

Skype for Business is part of the Office 365 suite and requires an Office 365 subscription to access its features.

3. Can I use Skype for Business on my mobile device?

Yes, Skype for Business is available as a mobile app for iOS and Android devices, allowing you to stay connected on the go.

4. Is Skype for Business secure?

Skype for Business offers robust security features, including encryption and authentication, to ensure the privacy and protection of your communication.

5. Will Skype for Business be replaced by Microsoft Teams?

Yes, Microsoft has announced that Skype for Business will eventually be replaced by Microsoft Teams, a more advanced collaboration platform. However, Skype for Business will continue to be supported for the time being.

In conclusion, Skype for Business has transformed the way businesses communicate and collaborate, offering a comprehensive set of features and seamless integration with Office 365. By following the 7 phenomenal tips mentioned in this article, businesses can unleash the full power of Skype for Business, enhancing productivity and fostering effective communication within their organizations. So, why wait? Start exploring the endless possibilities of Skype for Business in Office 365 today!