Skype for Business and Lync Overview

The next major version of the Skype for Business Server software (previously named Lync) became generally available in May 2015, although Microsoft lists the beginning of life as July 30, 2015. A new Skype for Business desktop client for Windows was released in Apr. 2015. Current and upcoming versions of the server and related services are shown above. Microsoft partners also released updated conference room systems based on a specialized client (not shown).

Live Communications Server 2005 left Extended support on Apr. 14, 2015. Organizations still on Live Communications Server 2005 should move to a supported version to ensure their systems are protected and receive security patches.

In 2015 and beyond, the user interfaces for Skype for Business and Skype consumer clients will probably continue to converge. Skype for Business Online will offer access to public telephone networks and support for large online meetings that can handle thousands of attendees. New versions of the on-premises software have typically appeared every two years. Microsoft has said it intends to speed up the pace of releases, but the company might just release feature improvements between versions, as it did in 2014.