Skype application for business. Skype for Business: for important things

Skype manager - This is a corporate control panel with which you can centrally create Skype accounts, pay user bills and give them access to various functions.

2015. Microsoft launched Skype for Business

Microsoft has officially launched sales of Skype for Business, the new name for Lync's corporate communications system (and even earlier, it was called Microsoft Office Communications Server). Not only the name has changed, but also the philosophy. Unlike Lync, the new solution provides business users with the familiar Skype interface, but with the necessary security and administration options for business (message encryption, authorization through Active Directory, user control panel, integration with PBXs). And of course, now employees will be able to chat, audio and video not only among themselves, but also with any of the 300 million Skype users. Both the local version of Skype for Business (which can be installed on your own server) and the online version of Skype for Business Online, which is part of Office 365, are already available. ***

2010. Skype Connect is officially available

Skype Connect (this is the new name of the Skype for SIP service) has left the beta status in which it has been since its launch last year. Skype Connect allows you to connect a corporate IP PBX to the Skype network. Thus, employees get the opportunity to use regular office phones to make outgoing calls via IP-telephony at low Skype rates. In addition, the company can receive incoming calls from Skype users and process them using its IP PBX (including distribution among employees who use ordinary phones). You can also place a Skype “Click to Call” button on your site to handle calls from the site in the same way. Skype Connect can be connected in the control panel of Skype Manager, which is also used for centralized payment for Skype in the company. The cost of using Skype Connect is 4.95 euros per channel (+ regular Skype tariffs for calls). On one channel at a time, only one incoming or outgoing call can be made.

2010. Skype is preparing new products for business

Today, Skype has applied for an initial public offering on the stock exchange. The company plans to attract $ 100 million investment. Along with the application, Skype published some indicators of its business and told about plans for its further development. It turned out that the company is doing pretty well. In the first 6 months of 2010, Skype earned $ 406 million, which is about 25% more than last year. Nevertheless, given that the Skype user base already numbers more than 560 million (this is more than that of Facebook), the company's management quite reasonably wants to earn at least an order of magnitude more.

In addition, they are concerned that almost 90% of Skype’s revenue comes from a single service, SkypeOut. Therefore, one of the main goals of attracting investment in companies is the creation of new paid business applications. ***

2010. Skype Business Control Panel has evolved into Skype Manager

The online control panel for business users Skype Business Control Panel received new functionality and a new name - Skype Manager. Using Skype Manager, company administrators can create accounts for employees, manage them, enable or disable certain functions, create voice mailboxes, set tariff plans and pay a common bill. In addition to this, administrators can monitor the use of Skype by employees in real time (by department, by group, individually and by company as a whole). Among other things, the solution can also be used to configure Skype for SIP. Skype Manager is available as a free trial until the end of October 2010.

2009. AllVoip Introduces Skype Gateway for Corporate Users

AllVoip Introduces AV6104GSM VoIP Gateway for Small and Medium Businesses. PBX and Skype Converter gives corporate users access to all the benefits of using the Skype service. AllVoip AV6104GSM - a PBX and Skype converter with GSM support connects regular office phones to the Skype network, which allows you to contact all Skype users in the world for free, as well as call PSTN and GSM subscribers at a low SkypeOut tariff. The converter allows you to use Skype, FXO, FXS, GSM, CDMA, as well as an interface router. AV6104GSM users can control 4 Skype lines from one computer. The converter opens up the possibility of multi-user conferencing. The converter is equipped with a fully functional network administration system. The system registers all information exchange operations and provides the system administrator with a complete report of the connection history.

2007. Skype attracts small businesses by offering a new service package

Skype offers a new package of Small Business Pack services for small businesses, which includes a range of Skype programs (Skype Pro, Skype for Windows Business Edition) and a subscription to telephone services for several users at once. Small Business Pack costs 99 euros (plus VAT). A specific benefit of Skype Pro is the free local and long distance telephone calls within the customer’s home country for all employees using it. The software has a control panel that allows you to assign each user a limit on the use of funds, thereby ensuring complete control over the costs of telephone communications. However, despite the attractive opportunities, it is not clear whether small businesses will unconditionally trust Skype after the recent serious failure of Skype services.

2007. Corporate Skype

Skype has begun testing a variety of its Internet telephony service, addressed to large enterprises, and is inviting companies with more than 1,000 employees to participate in a preliminary familiarization program with it. As noted in Skype, its service in its current form is already used in small and medium-sized enterprises, especially after the release of Skype 3.0 at the end of last year with functions that provide the system administrator with the ability to control the use of the service on the network. A message about the preparation of an enterprise-level version of Skype instead of posting on the company's official website was sent by it to a number of online diary owners

2007. Skype invented features for corporate people

Skype has announced the release of a business version of Skype for Business. According to a press release published on the company's website, Skype can now be installed on several computers using the Windows Installer, and administrators have more advanced options when setting up the program. Separate items include "loans" allocated to users for conversations with "external" subscribers (SkypeOut). In addition, Skype for Business includes the so-called Extras, which includes video conferencing and the possibility of organizing a call center.

2006. Skype 3.0 for Windows - Enterprise Edition

On the day the first public beta version of Skype 3.0 for Windows was released, an alternative assembly appeared on the developers' website, intended primarily for corporate users - Skype 3.0 for Windows Business version. The main purpose of this version is to provide enterprise system administrators with great opportunities to control and manage Skype clients on the corporate network. To achieve greater security when using Skype IT, Administrators will be able to centrally configure the settings for the entire Skype network of an enterprise using Windows Group Policies. Skype client security policies can be set using a single configuration file - Skype Group Policies Administrative Template (example). The Skype 3.0 for Windows Business version distribution is presented as an MSI file.

Skype for Business: for important things

Skype is preparing VoIP for business

The new software modification will allow system administrators to use standard Windows management tools to establish how Skype connects to the Internet, or disable half a dozen software features, including file transfer. Using Skype in business is widespread. Of the 113 million registered Skype users, 30% use it for business. However, the private communication protocols used by the Skype communication system have increased enterprise concern about network security. Theoretically, it was possible to use Skype as a transport for transferring unwanted software. Together with experts from Intel, Skype developed the ability, like a proxy server, to disable access to the network from Skype software if a security problem is identified.

2006. Skype wants to be corporate

The “wish list” of further expansion to the corporate market, published on Wednesday, includes corporate authentication based on security policies. Automatic authentication based on PKI (public key infrastructure) does not allow the second side to determine who is currently using the terminal. A mechanism will be proposed for companies to create access policies, with the ability to create accounts for each employee. “If you have 200 people in the department, managers want people to be added to the access list when applying for a job and removed when they are fired. These are the features that large companies need. Skype is currently not suitable for use in big business. ” Among other technologies that will solve the problem, support for LDAP is considered - "lightweight directory access protocol" in Skype software. The protocol will associate the software terminal with other applications.

2006. Skype promises to expand its services for business

Skype plans to offer new business opportunities. But this will not be a new VoIP product, but an extension of the existing service. Skype already has a number of features for business customers, like the ability to use a single account by multiple users to pay for Skype services. In addition, the company collaborates with equipment manufacturers such as Plantronics, a headset supplier. About 30% of Skype customers use its services for business. First of all, for such users issues of data protection and software support on portable devices will be studied. Skype is becoming increasingly useful for business customers who want to reduce mobile costs. Skype software is already running on Windows Mobile; development for Symbian is currently underway.

2006. Skype for Business

Skype has announced the release of Skype for Business (Skype for Business). The new solution is addressed to very small companies with less than 10 employees, according to Skype, they make up about half of the network's business subscribers. The solution complements the company's existing business offerings in three areas. Firstly, a special Skype.biz website has been created dedicated to Skype for Business. Secondly, the Plantronics' new Voyager 510 headsets that work via Bluetooth and allow you to switch from an Internet phone to a cell phone and vice versa are included in the list of proposed subscriber equipment. Other products on offer include the Actiontec Vosky Exchange gateway, which can receive up to four Skype calls to the office PBX; Linksys Wireless Internet Phone, adapted for use with Skype; Polycom Computer Calling Kit for connecting Polycom SoundStation2T and SoundStation2WT (wireless) conferencing systems to an Internet telephone network; USRobotics high-quality USB Internet Speakerphone headset.

Some time ago, Microsoft launched the Skype for Business service, which replaced Microsoft Lync. Skype for Business combines the familiar interface and way Skype works with Microsoft Lync-specific corporate security, compatibility, and control.

However, despite the similarities, Skype and Skype for Business are practically different applications that require separate accounts, but at first the name of the new service misled many users who thought of it as an updated version of Skype.

Now everything has fallen into place, but if you are still confused and not sure what the similarities and differences are between Skype and Skype for Business, then the information in this article will be useful to you. After reading, you will know everything you need to know about Skype for Business.

The ability to conduct conversations between hundreds of people at the same time

The standard Skype client currently limits conferences to 25 people. Skype for Business raises this limit to 250, which makes it much more suitable for large-scale presentations. Meeting participants on Skype or Skype for Business do not have to join them using the Skype client, this can be done from a landline or mobile phone, but this is an additional cost.

Convenient integration with Office applications

Skype for Business integrates directly with Microsoft Office 365. Essentially, this means that the user can use Outlook directly with chat, video calls, conference calls, and many other features that Skype for Business offers. For example, just click on a contact to start a conversation with him or make an appointment. You can take advantage of this integration in other Office 365 applications. In particular, you can start a conference and let other users see their screen without leaving PowerPoint or Excel.

Security

All traffic over Skype (both Skype and Skype for Business) is encrypted using the AES algorithm. However, Skype for Business uses stronger authentication methods that provide more control over the account and access to it.

Conference hall

In cases where two remote offices want to communicate with each other via video, Skype for Business is a very good choice. The new Skype Room Systems feature allows you to use Skype with Polycom's cameras, monitors and audio equipment, while the Microsoft Surface Hub can be used as a digital online whiteboard. Skype for Business also integrates with a number of enterprise-class PBX systems, providing a convenient way to communicate via VOIP phones.

Price

Skype is available for free, but Skype for Business is a paid service that has two main plans. The “Online 1” plan will cost you 100 rubles per user per month (subscription for a year), but it covers only the basic functions. In essence, "Online 1" will give you very little compared to standard Skype. But you can get much more, including high-definition video in group conferences, the ability to join meetings via a web browser and sharing your desktop if you select the “Online 2” plan for 275 rubles per month.

Have a great day!

Skype for Business is a new service from Microsoft for communicating with hundreds of people simultaneously in video mode; MSI - client. But do not confuse: Skype is a completely different program, the predecessor of Skype Business Edition is Microsoft Lync.

What it is

Skype for Business is a great solution for those who want to make a conference online with hundreds of people at the same time. In addition, the distinctive features of this software product are:

Saving corporate security.
Everyone knows the Skype interface.
Obvious qualitative differences from Skype in the functions performed.
Holding conferences for 250 people.
The ability to bind to other programs from Office 365, for example, to Outlook.
When working with other applications, such as Excel or Power Point, you do not need to stop any of them in order to chat on Skype. The same applies to the demonstration of your screen and the operation of these programs during a video call.

Learn more about the benefits.

Security

Skype for Business has several significant advantages, one of the most important is security. What is Microsoft doing to ensure the security of its users, namely those who have purchased Microsoft Skype for Business? Judging by the descriptions of this software product - everything is possible.

During communication between any acceptable number of participants, all information coming from each of the parties is encrypted. For this, the so-called AES encryption is used. In addition, strong user authentication methods can further protect all participants.

Conference

The capabilities of the Skype for Business program have been expanded in the field of massive simultaneous multilateral online broadcasts. In this version (unlike the classic Skype, which differs dramatically and is free), you can invite up to two hundred and fifty people to a video conference. This is very convenient for individual organizations conducting online negotiations on the Internet, as well as for large corporations that collect intra-organization meetings with a large number of participants.

This software has new features. For example, “Skype Room Systems” is needed to use a variety of equipment that helps to achieve certain goals of such communication, that is, it helps to combine many devices (including equipment from Polycom) into one special messenger.

If you need a digital online whiteboard, you can use the Microsoft Surface Hub for these purposes - another example of a useful new feature available in this software product. Skype for Business is also used where it is necessary to use PBX systems for corporations and other users of VOIP phones.

Special program cost

The cost varies depending on the dollar against the ruble. It turns out on average about one hundred Russian rubles per month for each user (this is an approximate price, in dollar terms it is two units). Such a price has, for example, the first plan, called "Online 1". The second proposed tariff plan contains more services, the price difference is significant - 2.7 times more expensive. But the clarity and great quality of communication is provided!

Convenient remoteness

If your employees are located outside a centralized office, there will be no need to pay rent, because communication and negotiations will be carried out online, approximately like in Skype, with only a large number of participants. In addition, you will not need to pay for the work of technical personnel servicing equipment and software, and you can also look for your remote workers for negotiations through Outluk mail.

How to download and install?

To use the Microsoft Skype for Business program, you need to download the file from the official Microsoft website in your portal (this is possible when your company uses the Office 365 package and the programs included in it; in particular, you must first check the licensing, that is, the availability of purchased licenses for this software product). An alternative download option, such as Torrent, can only be used when downloading a file from an unofficial source.

Installation and configuration is as follows:

1. Go to https://portal.office.com/ in your browser.

2. Go to the "Office 365" section.

3. At the top of the page, find the image of the little gear. These are the settings. Enter them.

4.You will see the settings page. In the "Software" section, select "Install and manage software."

5. If there is a link “Skype for Business” on the next page, click on it and, choosing Russian, click on the “Install” button; if you see a page that lists the products included in the “office” package, and if there is one among them, then you need to click the “Install” button and all the programs from this package will be installed on your computer, including Skype for Business ".

If this package is not in your package, you need to open access to it (buy it). To do this, you need to contact Office Product Support at this address: https://support.office.com/home/contact.

7. After the process of saving the file is completed, find it (it is called “setupskypeforbusinessentryretail.exe”), double-click on it, and click on “Run”.

If the installation is interrupted by accident, use the downloaded file again to resume it.

8. When the program is installed, on the monitor screen you will see a message stating that the Office installer has finished its work. Launch the application with a double click.

9. When the window with the text of the license agreement appears on the screen, read it and click “Accept”. Thus, you can install the program on four more computers.

If necessary, you should use the program without installation, which can be entered through the Web App browser.

Already a large number of enterprises and corporations have tested in practice "Skype for Business", which is so easy to download and configure and, if necessary, delete. For communication in conference mode, it is also convenient to use the version for Android.

Select your device type to use Skype

You can use one account for all types of devices.

Download Skype for Business for free

Skype provides the opportunity to communicate and exchange information within enterprises and in the external environment.

Almost all Skype features are completely free, but some commercial features must be paid. A company that implements Skype in its processes gets the opportunity to optimize its business processes. By using the application, you can speed up workflows.

Skype subscribers are available:

Voice and video calls;
Secure online file sharing;
Calls to landlines and mobiles and many other features.

Skype business - VoIP telephony for office

What else can skype business version?

Skype subscribers can use such business functions as conference calls, call forwarding (call transfer), caller identification, subscriber status monitoring (free, busy), Skype To Go ™ number, remote access and sending SMS.

Benefits of Skype Business Version:

Simplification of information exchange with remote clients and contractors
Significant facilitation of the business life of a modern person
Centralized installation on all corporate computers
Easy integration into office VoIP telephony

Skype is fully integrated into the Asterisk IP PBX and allows you to make calls, as well as receive calls from Skype directly to work phones. Our company offers Skype integration services in the corporate telephone system.

Would you like to purchase and configure Skype for your business? Address our experts for consultation! We will help you set up your company's telecommunications infrastructure and provide all the features of IP-telephony.

SKYPE Features

Use the program at full power

Free calls between users

Calls between Skype subscribers are always free, regardless of whether they are made within the country or between countries.

Call your best friend to discuss weekend plans with her, or contact a customer on the other side of the globe and talk as much as you like.

Group calls

Video calls between subscribers

Face-to-face communication is priceless. That's why we offer free video calling.

Chat for free with people who have Skype, a webcam, or a compatible smartphone.

High quality Skype video calling lets you be closer to your friends and family.

Convenient and fast chat

Wherever you are, your friends are always there thanks to the instant messaging feature in Skype.

Discuss weekend plans with friends, chat with loved ones, or send messages to colleagues - all in a free chat.

Calls to mobile and landline phones

you can send greetings to your friends and relatives, even if they are not on Skype. Make international calls to mobile and landline phones at any time at an affordable price. It's amazing that you can call people - even to the other side of the planet, even to a neighboring house - and spend so little money.

Download SKYPE

Getting started with Skype for Business

Since Office 365 offers a 30-day free trial, I signed up for Office 365 Business Premium to test Microsoft Skype for Business.

As soon as my subscription was ready, I saw Microsoft Skype for Business in the list of available applications and could install the client program.

After installation, Skype opens a product overview with tips on using Skype for business.

Or you can immediately enter the service using the address of your organization.

In my case, my password was used in Office 365 because I used the service as part of the Office 365 suite.

If you have a separate data plan, you will use an account associated with Microsoft Skype for Business.

And if you have Microsoft Skype for Business Server, you use the standard data of your company after setting up the software to work with the domain of your organization.

Video Conferencing Features

Microsoft offers high-definition video (1920 × 1080) for peer-to-peer calls among Microsoft Skype for Business users.

It seems that there are no restrictions on how many people can have a video on - this is a bit surprising, since most conference tools have certain limits.

I was able to test the function with six users; my local network was struggling, but the application itself did not overload.

Video screens are displayed in gallery mode, which allows you to immediately see all the participants.

During video calls to which more than five people are connected, the application displays icons at the top of the five most active speakers.

Below is a series of smaller icons - those who speak less.

You can always see who is performing at the moment.

Microsoft Skype for Business Tariff Plans

Microsoft Skype for Business is easy to use, you just need to deal with the maze of prices and features of the plans.

You can choose a separate Microsoft Skype for Business plan with an annual fee, or subscribe to one of the Microsoft Office 365 business class plans, which include Microsoft Office, Microsoft Exchange, and Microsoft SharePoint.

A separate entry-level Microsoft Office Business Basic plan ($ 5.00 per user per month) offers only group instant messaging, HD audio and video calls to other users, as well as access to online versions of Microsoft Office products and 1 TB of data.

Microsoft Office 365 Business Premium ($ 12.50 per user per month) is a little more functional, it also supports group video calls in HD, screen sharing and applications, recording audio / video.

This package also allows you to schedule meetings using Microsoft Outlook, join meetings via a web browser, remotely control the participants' desktops, and place participants in the lobby before the meeting begins.

In addition, the user will receive fully installed versions of all Microsoft Office applications.

You can also purchase Microsoft Skype for Business as a standalone product at a cost of $ 2 or $ 5 per month per user - depending on whether additional features are needed, such as scheduling meetings via Microsoft Outlook, connecting to a meeting via a browser, remotely controlling participants' screens and “ waiting room ”before the meeting.

Step-by-step installation instructions

3 steps are left before using the program.


1. Download the latest version of the program	2. Install the program	3. Launch the program and go online
Installing Skype requires approximately 1.6 MB of free disk space. After launching the installation file, the installer will download the Skype application (approximately 20 MB) in the background.	After launching the installation file, the installer will download the Skype application (approximately 20 MB) in the background.	Create an account and log in to the network.

How to install the application on a smart watch

How to remove Skype for Business

If you had the imprudence to click once on launching the Skype for Business application, now this utility will be launched every time the OS is launched. If you do not use this program and want to learn how to remove Skype for Business, then below you will find instructions.

Delete Skype for Business

Let's start with the bad news - you can remove Skype for Business only with the Microsoft Office 365 package, since the program was originally sewn into this office suite. If you do not have this package, then you will not have problems with the utility, but if you want to use all the functions of Office 365, but you do not need Skype, then there is a way out.

Remove from autorun

No wonder people compare Skype for Business with the virus. This utility does not allow you to remove yourself from the registry so simply. Even if you run a special optimizer, for example, Advanced SystemCare Free, then in the cleanup section of the startup area, you will not find any mention of Skype. It seems that the developers did everything so that you could not remove the utility. But everything is much simpler.
You can remove Skype from autorun directly from the program itself. To do this, you do not have to log in, but you need to restart the device. After fully loading the OS, this program will load, and will offer you to log into your account. Next, you need to find the settings icon on the right side of the screen, and select the “Service” section in the drop-down menu, in which click on the “Parameters” item. In the window that opens, go to the "Personal" section and uncheck the corresponding items, as a result you will receive the following settings:
We apply the changes by clicking on the “OK” button and then the program will not bother you anymore. If you reinstall the office suite, then just do not launch Skype, since before the first launch the program is always in a sleeping state and does not cause problems. And if you have already launched, either intentionally or accidentally, now you know how to remove Skype for Business with Windows 10. If you still need a means of communication, then you can try the usual home version of Skype, which does not differ in similar tricks with autoload .

Key features:

Create a group conversation or video chat and add participants to them.
Join Skype for Business meetings, exit, re-join, or organize meetings yourself. Easily discuss all important issues and work with colleagues.
Video calling lets you see the speaker and others you at the conference.
Manage a meeting (mute participants 'microphones or withdraw users from a meeting) and receive information about participants' capabilities.
View upcoming meetings and join them with one click.
Find the latest conversations and resume them from where you left off.
Find contacts by username, phone or email
Enhanced security with Active Directory Authentication Library (ADAL).

Note!

Any user can use the Skype for Business Mobile application if they have been invited to a meeting for Skype for Business or Lync 2013. However, to take full advantage of the Skype for Business Mobile application, you must have a Skype for Business or Lync account. In addition, some features require updating the application to the version of Skype for Business Server or Lync Server. Otherwise, the functions will not be available. If you do not have accurate account information, contact your IT department.
This program requires connecting to properly licensed copies of Microsoft Skype for Business Server or Lync Server or Office 365. Skype for Business Online / Lync Online will only work under this condition. For proper operation, you may need to upgrade the program to Microsoft Skype for Business Server or Lync Server. Some features may not be available in all countries. If you don’t know exactly what your company license and / or deployment of Skype for Business or Lync is, contact your organization’s IT department. Skype for Business is only supported on Android OS 4.0 and later.

For the formation of the article used materials from sites:

programmok.net
skype-asterisk.ru
en.pcmag.com
trashbox.ru

To summarize

In this article, you were introduced to the capabilities of Skype for Business. You have learned about the possible tariffs and benefits of this program. Now you can easily start using Skype with your business partners, hold conferences and use all the features of Skype.

You will need to download Skype for Business from the Office 365 portal and install it on your computer. It usually takes 10-15 minutes. Select your preferred instructions below.

Install Skype for Business on a Windows computer

Download and install Skype for Business with Office 365

These instructions explain how to download and install Skype for Business.

Tip: If you cannot find the Skype for Business download on your portal, verify that the application is part of the purchased Office 365 for business plan. Ask the person who purchased the plan if they assigned you a license.

https://portal.office.com/.

At the top of the Office 365 page, select\u003e Office 365.

Select Software.

Depending on your Office 365 plan:

Important: Remember where you saved the file on the computer. If Skype for Business installation fails, use this file to restart it.

After downloading the file setupskypeforbusinessentryretail.exe select Run.

The Office installer will start and display a message about installing Office. However, only the Skype for Business application will be installed, not the entire Office suite.

When the Office installer completes, a message appears stating that Office is installed on the computer. But in fact, only the Skype for Business application is installed. Select Close.

Launch Skype for Business. If you accept the license agreement, on the "First and foremost - most important" screen, select To accept.

Skype for Business can be installed on up to 5 computers at a time. To install Skype for Business on another computer, follow these steps:

Repeat the above steps to download and install Skype for Business.

Congratulations! Skype for Business installation is now complete. Now you are ready to complete your first login to Skype for Business.

The first entry into the application

Congratulations! You are now ready to start your Skype for Business video tutorials.

Install Skype for Business with Office 2007, 2010, or 2013

If you have Office 2007, 2010 or 2013, you can install Skype for Business 2016 and work with it without fear of problems. Existing Office programs will not be overwritten, unless you install Office 365 ProPlus. Before installation, read all the information below.

What happens if you install Skype for Business 2016 on a computer with Office 2007, 2010, or 2013 products installed?

Skype for Business Basic is a free application with a minimum set of functions: instant messaging (IM), voice and video calls, online meetings, information on the status of availability (presence), demonstration of materials.

Press button Download On the page. You will be prompted to select a boot file that matches your version of Office applications (32-bit or 64-bit). If you don’t know which version you have installed, select 32-bit. The installation tool will check the version by itself.

To deploy Skype for Business Basic for a large number of company employees, see Deploy a Skype for Business client in Office 365 for information about deployment tools.

Additional Skype for Business Installation Instructions

Did not find what you were looking for in this article? Check out the other installation instructions: