Updated: July 15, 2020 (July 6, 2015)

Comparing Skype for Business Server and Online Features

Andrew analyzes and writes about Microsoft's data management, business intelligence, and machine learning solutions, as well as aspects of licensing... more

Skype for Business Online delivers most of the presence, instant messaging (IM), voice and video calling, application sharing, and Web conferencing capabilities of Skype for Business Server 2015. Shown here are the capabilities of the Skype for Business Online service and the Skype for Business Server 2015 software installed on-premises.

The online service has also been successful with larger enterprises with multiple distributed offices and Skype for Business on-premises because it supports coexistence with the online service in a hybrid configuration. However, Skype for Business Online does not currently integrate with an organization’s on-premises private branch exchange (PBX) network or an on-premises Skype for Business Enterprise Voice implementation, which prevents online users from placing and receiving external phone calls through the service.

The ability to administer Skype for Business Online has improved with the release of PowerShell administration for Skype for Business Online and new features in the on-premises Skype for Business Control Panel and Admin Center that enable administrators to view and update users in Skype for Business Online, and move users between on-premises and Online locations.

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