Microsoft Skype for Business to replace Lync

MUMBAI, INDIA: Microsoft has started rolling out Skype for Business.

Skype for Business is built right into Office, so features like presence, IM, voice and video calls, and online meetings are an integrated part of the Office experience.

The software is built into Office, making features such as presence, IM, voice and video calls, as well as online meetings a part of the Office experience, Microsoft said.

If you currently use Lync Online in Office 365, a new Skype for Business user experience will appear for you in the coming weeks. For customers that need a little more time to prepare for Skype for Business, Microsoft has have provided the ability for administrators to switch between Skype for Business and the traditional Lync user interface, the company said.

However, the transition from Lync Online to Skype for Business Online will complete for all customers by the end of May, Microsoft noted.

According to the analysts, the new communication tool can replace the software major’s older version of enterprise unified communication tool, Lync. Microsoft which began the roll-outs yesterday also asserted that it is now rolling out Skype for Business Online to its Office 365 customers who currently use Lync Online.

Microsoft’s plans to replace Lync were announced last year, as the company began unifying its products under the for Business branding. That brand also includes OneDrive for Business, Microsoft’s cloud storage service.