If you’re still using Skype for Business at your firm, be advised that Microsoft recently sent another friendly reminder out to all users of the service. The reminder says that it’s going away as of July 31, 2021, so you’ll need to complete your migration to Microsoft Teams (or an instance of Skype for Business Server), or have some other solution in place by then if you don’t want to suffer any business disruptions.
In Microsoft’s most recent blog post about the matter, they drew customer attention to a number of key changes, which include:
- Services that integrate with Skype for Business Online will not be supported beyond the July 31, 2021 retirement. This includes support for third-party audio-conferencing providers, Skype for Business Online Cloud Connector Edition, hybrid voice configurations, and Skype Meeting Broadcast.
- Customers will not be able to move online users out of Teams Only mode after retirement.
- Coexistence modes enable customers to operate Skype for Business Server/Teams side-by-side experiences until they are ready to move users to Teams Only.
- Users can be moved directly from Skype for Business Server to Teams Only after configuring Skype for Business hybrid with Microsoft 365 or Office 365.
The company also announced that in the weeks ahead, they’ll begin scheduling Microsoft-assisted upgrades. These are for firms utilizing “cloud-only” or hybrid deployments as a last-mile transition service and are scheduled to begin in August.
COMMON FAQ’s
Is Skype for Business end of life?
Microsoft has communicated the end of life date for Skype for Business Online as July 31st 2021.
Is Skype being discontinued?
Skype is not being discontinued but Skype for Business Online will be discontinued on July 31st 2021.
Is Skype for Business being phased out?
Microsoft has announced that Microsoft Teams has achieved feature parity with Skype for Business. Furthermore, Skype for Business Online has an end of life date of July 31st 2021. There is no formal communication from Microsoft regarding the Skype for Business end of life date for on-premises versions of Skype for Business.
What is replacing Skype for Business?
Microsoft’s answer is Microsoft Teams.
Does Microsoft still support Skype?
Yes, Microsoft will continue to support Skype. It is important to make the distinction between Skype for Skype for Business. Skype for Business Online will no longer be supported by Microsoft on July 31st 2021.
Needless to say, big changes are afoot. If Skype for Business has become an entrenched part of life at your company, then it’s time to kick your transition plans into high gear, because one way or the other, Skype for Business is coming to an end, and the deadline is looming. If there’s a silver lining to be found, it lies in the fact that Teams really is a great alternative, the predictable grumbling about having to switch notwithstanding.
Start empowering your users now by providing them with world class Intelligent Communication sooner than later. Contact Burhani for your Free, No-Obligation Microsoft Teams Strategy Session Today!
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