Skype for Business ups the ante on the already impressive online collaboration capabilities of Office365. In this post, we’ll explain to you what Skype for Business is, what it brings to Office 365, and where its value lies for small businesses.
If you’d like to know more about the benefits of moving to Office 365 specifically, check out our post.
What is Skype for Business?
Skype for Business is Microsoft’s cloud-based solution for instant messaging, VoIP (Voice over IP), and video conferencing. It’s wrapped in the same Skype user interface that everyone is so familiar with but backed by a host of enterprise-class features.
One of its key components is Skype Meeting, an online meeting solution that enables users to perform audio, video, and web conferencing through the internet. It’s capable of accommodating up to 250 people in a single meeting. It’s so convenient because attendees can join in on any device from anywhere in the world.
Specialized Features of Skype for Business
Skype Meeting supports 1080p HD videos, which means that anything shared on screen will be crystal clear. You can share a PowerPoint presentation, an application, or even an entire desktop. Essentially, presenters can let other attendees see virtually everything they have on their device if they want.
Its integration with Office 365 simplifies tasks. You can schedule a Skype Meeting in Outlook, initiate a spontaneous ad hoc conversation from Word or PowerPoint, or automatically insert meeting notes into emails addressed to all attendees.
Just like in Skype, you can see the availability of your contacts, so you’ll have an idea whether it’s appropriate to interrupt for an ad hoc meeting. During a meeting, you can conduct polls, which can come in handy if, for example, you’re putting something to a vote.
Skype for Business also includes the Cloud PBX feature. The Cloud PBX system works just like a normal phone system, but this one is cloud based. Which means that it’s easier to administer and way more affordable. It can also be seamlessly integrated into your existing telephone lines.
How Small Businesses Benefit
When Office 365 came along it introduced real-time online collaboration. And it effectively put an end to having to pick up the phone to get work done fast from outside the office. If you were innovative, you probably found a way of working on an Office 365 document while on a Skype session.
With Skype for Business, you have a single solution that allows you to do both and more.
Skype for Business levels the playing field by empowering small businesses. It allows small businesses to elevate their productivity, collaboration, and communication capabilities to practically the same level as large traditional enterprises.
If you want to take full advantage of the benefits of Skype for Business but don’t know how to get started, it would be a good idea to hire someone who can help you out. Seasoned IT experts like our consultants here at BRITECITY have both the experience and leadership to fully integrate Skype for Business into your operations.
BRITECITY is an Orange County IT Services firm supporting local businesses in the area of Managed IT Services, Cyber Security, Cloud Services and Strategic IT.