Skype for Business Server Improves Management, Interop

Skype for Business Server 2015 retires the Lync brand and introduces a small set of management and interoperability features. The version will most interest organizations that want to keep a hybrid installation in sync with the Microsoft-hosted service or intend to migrate to the service. Some will also upgrade because they are facing end-of-life with an existing deployment or are able to leverage connectivity to integrated video-teleconferencing equipment. In-place migration is available from Lync Server 2013, which could limit hardware costs. The roadmap calls for new online-only features that will require hybrid deployments for on-premises customers.

Skype for Business Server Overview

The Skype for Business (formerly Lync) client and server software enables a unified communication solution for users to view and publish presence status (for example, available or away) and initiate communications sessions that include instant messaging (IM), voice, video, and application and desktop sharing. “Enterprise voice” capabilities enable Skype for Business installations to integrate with or replace on-premises private branch exchange (PBX) telephone networks. Microsoft’s primary competitors in the unified communications arena are Avaya, Cisco, and IBM.