Skype for Business is released by Microsoft, transition from Lync Online will be complete by May

As a part of the Office 2013 update, Microsoft’s Skype for Business, which was released recently, will replace Lync – the older enterprise communication tool currently offered to its Office 365 customers.

It was only a few weeks ago that Microsoft had released a version for technical preview and for that reason also acknowledges that the software might need additional testing. So, customers (and admins in particular) can switch between the older Lync user interface and the new Skype for Business that was just rolled out in the meanwhile.

That said, Microsoft states that this transition to Skype for Business will happen until the end of May.

Now with this software rolled out, customers will have access to Skype which resembles the popular consumer application in look and feel but has added benefits such as compliance features and enterprise-grade security.

All Skype for Business accounts are authenticated through Active Directory and encrypted as well with the IT department being able to both deploy and manage the organization’s respective user accounts. This system can also work with companies and their legacy video teleconferencing systems as well as PBX systems.

Also, Skype for Business customers will now be able to communicate via video, audio and chat within their own company as well as the 300 million customers who have a Skype ID and that use apps in Mac, iOS, Windows, Android and the web.

Finally, Skype for Business has also been built into Office which will make features such as IM, voice, presence and video calls along with online calls a part of Microsoft Office.