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Within a business, communication is key. Effective means of communication, collaboration, and connectivity can be the difference between project success and failure.
That’s why choosing the right messaging and video conferencing platform is essential. Which major online productivity tool is right for you and your business?
Here in this blog, we compare two of the top virtual communication tools: Skype for Business and Microsoft Teams. However, organizations no longer have to worry about choosing between these two platforms, as Microsoft Teams announced in 2017 that it would replace Skype for Business.
Skype for Business end-of-life is July 31, 2021. Therefore, Skype users should start migrating their businesses to Microsoft Teams in order to ensure a smooth transition from one service to another. But what does Microsoft Teams have to offer, and how do you migrate?
Benefits of Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams tends to be more tolerant of networks that struggle to provide sufficient bandwidth. As long as there are 1.2Mbps available, you can enjoy a smooth, high-quality audio/video experience without having to worry about frequent freezing and stuttering.
One of the other notable differences between Microsoft Teams and Skype for Business involves chat capabilities. Users can sign in to Microsoft Teams and access every private or group chat and view its full history. All conversations, regardless of when you left or were added to the chat, are available unless they are individually deleted. With Skype for Business, you have the ability to add multiple contacts in a single group chat. However, chats disappear once you close out the window. The conversation can still be saved, but it requires Microsoft Outlook to be your default mail client.
Using Microsoft Teams, file transfers can be conducted through SharePoint, and unlike Skype for Business, they are available for offline users. As an added perk, you can send GIFS, stickers, and memes to users, directly from the Microsoft Teams store.
Features of Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams can integrate more than 150 third-party applications for improved productivity. This means users can gain quick access to the most relevant files, users, and applications they need to complete their tasks. With Skype, file transfer is not available for offline users.
When an individual is granted “guest access” in Microsoft Teams, they are able to create a channel, participate in a private chat, participate in a private channel, share a channel file, as well as post, edit, and delete messages.
When it comes to Skype for Business, guests can also join a without an account, via an email or calendar invite. However, they have to install a web plugin or the Skype for Business app to attend.
Teams is available to all Office 365 account holders, and as of July 2018, Microsoft now offers a version of Teams for free. The free plan hosts up to 300 users and 10 GB of cloud storage. Members of your team can be sorted into separate channels that include audio and video calling.
Skype for Business pricing is built-in with Microsoft Office 365’s suite of products. The significant differences between the plans include email hosting and access to premium-grade features like online meetings and video conferencing.
How Do I Migrate My Site?
Whether you’re just getting started with Teams, already using Teams alongside Skype for Business, or ready to upgrade, we want to ensure you have everything you need to navigate a successful journey to Teams.
Upgrade with Strategy
Get a flawless transition from Skype to Microsoft Teams through Strategy! Our technology experts are here to help you migrate seamlessly while your organization thrives.
Connect with us to further discuss how we can start helping you get the communication platform you need, today!
