Microsoft Teams and Skype for Business

Why is Microsoft planning on bringing Skype for Business and Teams

together?

This is the opportunity to more seamlessly integrate Microsoft communication

capabilities into Teams so users can have a single place for their conversations,
contacts, and content. With Teams, new experiences for meetings and calling, including
preparation, delivery, and follow-up are created.

Is Microsoft teams the same as Skype for business?

Skype for Business could be seen as a more niche tool, while Microsoft Teams was a
completely collaborative environment. Though Microsoft Teams and Skype for Business
does differ, there is some significant overlap. Both Skype for Business and Microsoft
Teams involve team chats, direct messaging, and voice calling.

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Is there a firm deadline by which customers need to move from Skype
for Business Online to Teams?

Customers can determine the timing for moving to Teams that best meets their needs.
Customers not quite ready to upgrade can still realize the benefits of Teams by adopting
it alongside Skype for Business. To learn more, please click here.

What is the future of Skype for Business Server?

We recognize that customers are using Skype for Business Server and many need to
continue to use Skype for Business on-premises for some users or geographies due to
their requirements. In these instances, we encourage organizations to adopt Teams in
conjunction with Skype for Business on-premises to drive teamwork and collaboration
as well as integration with other productivity apps.

What does this mean for existing Office 365 customers?

We’re bringing the key set of Skype for Business capabilities in Office 365 into Teams
over time along with new voice, video, and meetings innovation. We encourage all
Office 365 customers to start using Teams today, whether independently or side-by-side
with Skype for Business.

Why upgrade Skype for Business to Microsoft Teams?

There are many features and benefits to Microsoft Teams. Upgrading Skype for
Business to its superior self is a natural step for progressive companies wanting to
make the transition to persistent chat and team working.
The key features are:
Teams — Find channels to belong to or create your own. Inside channels, you can hold
ad-hoc meetings, have conversations, and share files.
Meetings — See your entire schedule or schedule a new meeting. This calendar syncs
with your Outlook calendar.
Calls — In some cases, if your organization has it set up, you can call anyone from
Teams, even if they’re not using Teams.

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Activity — Catch up on all your unread messages, @mentions, replies, and more.
Commands — Use the command box at the top to search for specific items or people,
take quick actions, and launch apps.
The transition to Microsoft Teams opens the door a new way of team working. Teams
now empowers businesses of all sizes to collaborate more effectively without having to
leave their Office 365 stack.

What do you recommend for customers who are currently in the

process of deploying—or planning to deploy—Skype for Business in
Office 365?

Customers should evaluate the Microsoft 365 Roadmap to determine whether

capabilities will meet business needs and timing requirements. If so, they should adjust
their strategy to deploy Teams only. We encourage all new Office 365 customers to
start using Teams, independently of or in parallel with Skype for Business.

My organization is already running Teams alongside Skype for

Business. Can I just disable Skype for Business?

No, you'll want to switch users to Teams Only mode to complete the upgrade to Teams.
If your organization is ready to upgrade to Teams, take time to communicate to users to
let them know what’s happening and allow them to acclimate to Teams. This will help
ensure they have a positive upgrade experience and help alleviate calls to your
helpdesk.

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Useful Videos:

Upgrade from Skype for Business to Microsoft Teams:

Administrator experience for the upgrade from SfB to Teams: