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Skype for Business Online Plan 1 retirement

• 5 contributors
• Applies to: Skype for Business

Skype for Business Online operated by 21Vianet in China will be retired on October 1, 2023. If you haven't upgraded your Skype for Business Online users yet, they will be automatically scheduled for an assisted upgrade . If you want to upgrade your organization to Teams yourself, we strongly recommend that you begin planning your upgrade path today. Remember that a successful upgrade aligns technical and user readiness, so be sure to leverage our upgrade guidance as you navigate your journey to Teams.

Skype for Business Online, excluding the service operated by 21Vianet in China, was retired on July 31, 2021.

The Skype for Business Online Plan 1 has been retired. However, if you have a current subscription to Skype for Business Online Plan 1, this change won’t affect you right away. As a global Office 365 admin, you’ll receive email updates and see posts in the message center (part of the Microsoft 365 admin center) with information on when you need to take action. In the meantime, you can continue to use your existing Skype for Business Online Plan 1 licenses.

When you are ready to move to a new plan — either now or during renewal — you’ll have the option to switch to Office 365 F1 or another Office 365 plan of your choosing.

You can maintain the same functionality you had with Skype for Business Online Plan 1 while taking advantage of new features and functionality from Office 365. Many plan options available include all the features that came with Skype for Business Online Plan 1, as well as IM and presence, peer-to-peer audio and video over IP, and the ability to join meetings as an authenticated user.

Switching to Office 365 F1

This option is ideal if you want to take advantage of the additional functionality that Office 365 F1 has to offer. To learn more and get pricing info, see Office 365 F1 .

How to switch

You can switch to Office 365 F1 now or wait until it’s time to renew and upgrade during the renewal process. Either way, you’ll work with your account representative or partner to make the switch, unless you bought your subscription directly from Microsoft, in which case you can switch to Office 365 F1 yourself in the Microsoft 365 admin center.

Switching to another Office 365 offer

The features that your users enjoy in Skype for Business Online Plan 1 are available in many of our Office 365 suites, either via Microsoft Teams or Skype for Business Online, depending on which service you are currently using.

When it's time to renew your subscription and Skype for Business Online Plan 1 is no longer available to you, you’ll be able to switch to another Office 365 plan as part of the renewal process. If you don’t want to wait until renewal, you can choose to switch now. Either way, you'll work with your account representative or partner to make the switch, or — if you bought Skype for Business Online Plan 1 from Microsoft directly, online — do it yourself in the admin center.

Additional resources

Licensing Guide

Client Licenses  are required to access all Skype for Business Online and Server features.

• Standard CALs enable users or devices to connect to Skype for Business Server for presence, IM, peer-to-peer VoIP and HD video, and Skype connectivity.
• For Skype for Business Server, client licenses are available through the standalone client, with Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise, or by downloading the free Skype for Business Basic client.

User Subscription License (USLs)  are required to use Skype for Business Online.

• Online Plan 1 enables presence, instant messaging (IM), peer-to-peer VoIP and HD video, and Skype connectivity.
• Online Plan 2 enables all the above plus scheduled and impromptu meetings with audio and video calling, and desktop and application sharing on mobile phones, tablets, PC, and Mac.

Client Access License (CALs)  are required to use Skype for Business Server.

• Enterprise CALs enable scheduled and impromptu meetings with audio and video calling, desktop and application sharing, and dial-in conferencing on mobile phones, tablets, PC and Mac. The Standard CAL is a prerequisite for Enterprise CAL.
• Plus CALs enable PSTN in/out, emergency calling, and other enterprise-grade phone features. The Standard CAL is a prerequisite for Plus CAL.

In addition to CALs,  server licenses  are required for every front-end server.

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Explore Skype for Business

If you already use Skype to stay in touch with friends and family in your life away from work, you'll appreciate the power and simplicity of Skype for Business where it's easy to find and connect with co-workers. And you can use the devices you already have to reach businesses through an enterprise-grade, secure, IT-managed platform.

New look and feel

If you’re a regular user of the commercial version of Skype, then Skype for Business will seem very familiar: the Contacts list, presence indicators, buttons and icons, and even the app sounds should make you feel right at home. Learn more .

Of course, all the essential Lync features are still there—like the Quick Actions buttons, which let you IM or call a contact (and more) with just one click or tap.

In the Skype Meeting window , the simplified arrangement of controls and menus makes it easy to find the command you need. In the conversation window , chat text is formatted so you can easily see who’s talking, and tabbed conversations allow you to keep track of several discussions at once.

If you've ever had someone send you a file during an IM conversation, then file transfer preview is another feature of the new Skype for Business look and feel you'll appreciate. When someone sends you a file, select Download in the IM window to update the file's icon, or right-click or tap and hold to forward, preview, or delete it.

Call from Skype for Business using your desk phone for audio

Important:  This feature is available only if your organization has Skype for Business Server 2015.

If you have a Phone System in Microsoft 365 desk phone and your IT department has configured it to work with Skype for Business you can search for people in your organization and place calls to them from within the Skype for Business user interface, while audio for the call flows through your standard Phone System desk phone. You can also place calls from the Skype for Business client using any phone near you (like your mobile, home, or hotel phone). The person you’re calling sees your phone number as though you were calling from your company's main phone number. When you make a Skype for Business call with audio routed through your desk phone, you get great audio, plus:

IM—so you can do a quick copy/paste of a URL you want to share, for example

Desktop and app sharing—so you can easily show and tell, work through problems, or explain stuff with visuals

Attachments—send files to the other person without leaving Skype for Business

Server admins enable and configure this feature for the enterprise. End users have limited configuration capabilities, which include turning the feature on or off for their individual account (once it's enabled at the enterprise level) and setting the phone number that Skype for Business should call. If the number has been set and locked by the administrator, then outgoing call options will be unavailable.

For more information, see Make a Skype for Business call but use your Phone System in Microsoft 365 desk phone for audio

Integration with the Skype directory

Important:  This feature requires:

The Skype for Business user interface (not supported inLync)

Skype for Business users can connect over the Internet with hundreds of millions of Skype users right from the Skype for Business user interface. The first step is to search for your contact.

In the search box on the Contacts view of the Skype for Business main window, type a name, IM address, or desk phone number (if they are in your organization). As you type, search results will start appearing below the search box and the tabs will change from Groups, Status, Relationships, and New:

to My Contacts and Skype Directory:

If the person you are searching for is in your organization, keep the My Contacts tab selected (that's the default). When My Contacts is selected, Skype for Business searches in your organization's address book.

If the person you are searching for is not in your organization but you know they have a Skype account, click the Skype Directory tab to search for them among the millions of Skype users out there. Knowing their Skype ID and location helps narrow the search quickly. You can also search using their email address or Microsoft account (for example, [email protected]).

Note:  Your administrator enables or disables the Skype Directory search feature in accordance with your organization's search policy. If you don't see a Skype Directory tab like the one shown in the screen shot above, then you won't be able to search for Skype users.

When you search for contacts in the Skype directory, you can add them to your contact list, have an instant messaging conversation, see their presence information, and have an audio or video call with them. Note that the Skype directory only contains contact information for Skype users, not Skype for Business users. A Skype user who wants to add a Skype for Business user to their contact list must use the Skype for Business user's full email address, such as [email protected].

Call Monitor

Call Monitor is a popular Skype feature that's now available in Skype for Business. With Call Monitor, you can move back and forth between a full Skype for Business window, for those times when you're actively participating in the call, and a compact version that lets you continue to monitor call progress—and mute or end the call—while focusing on other tasks.

The compact Call Monitor window appears during an audio or video call whenever the main conversation window is minimized. To show the full conversation window again, simply double-click or double-tap the Call Monitor.

Rate My Call

The Rate My Call feature lets Skype for Business Server 2015 administrators collect call data, access standard reports, and export raw data for further analysis. Users are prompted to take a survey after completing a call.

Rate My Call reports are not available to Skype for Business Online tenant admins at this time.

Quick access to call controls

Access to the dial pad and call controls is much improved. For Calling Plans in Microsoft 365 calls, the dial-pad and call controls remain visible throughout the call. For other calls, the dial-pad and call controls are accessible with one click.

Skype for Business now includes the same set of emoticons found in the consumer version of Skype. You can turn off emoticons in Skype for Business by going to Options > IM . No server setting is available.

Skype for Business is now on Mac

Skype for Business on Mac gives you a fresh new interface, simplified controls, and some great new additions.

If you’re a regular user of the commercial version of Skype, then Skype for Business for Mac will seem very familiar: your photo, presence indicator, and easy to use buttons and icons will make you feel right at home.

Improved meeting experiences

Easy one-click join feature, full-screen video, and a choice of views make the experience for meetings smoother and easier than ever.

One-click join     See your schedule for today and tomorrow, preview meeting details, and join right from the Meetings tab.

Meeting actions     Easily mute, add participants, IM your colleagues, and share and view the desktop.

Contacts     Finding and adding contacts has never been easier. Call, chat, and share your desktop in a snap.

Groups     Add or remove contact groups and distribution lists. When you send a message to a contact group or DL, everybody in that group gets the message. (Applies to Skype for Business Online users and to Skype for Business Server 2015 with December 2016 or later updates .)

Chats     Use instant messaging (IM) to connect with your contacts in real time and on a moment’s notice.

Chat history     Find a previous conversation and rejoin a conversation at any time.

Presence     Let people know that you're available, and also see whether people are offline or online, and whether they’re busy, in a meeting, or available.

Personal notes     Add a message to your presence status to give people more information about what you’re up to.

Video     Full screen and high-definition video for a better meeting experience.

Group video calling     See up to four meeting participants in the meeting window at the same time, with better video quality, smart transitions from presenters and participants, and the ability to share content

Calls     Manage all aspects of calling with voice mail, missed calls, call logs, call forwarding, and simultaneous ringing.

Accessibility     Improved keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, and visual enhancements help make Skype for Business on Mac friendlier for everyone.

More good things to come

New features will be available in the coming months, including offline messaging, video-based screen sharing, application sharing, and meeting recording. For more information, see What's new in Skype for Business and Known issues .

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Skype for Business Licensing – On Premise vs Cloud, OpEx vs CapEx, Common Area Phones, and Piecemeal Approaches

Microsoft Teams has now completely replaced Skype for Business as the communication and collaboration app for Office 365. Please see our guide on Teams licensing for the most up-to-date information about Microsoft Phone System solutions and licensing.

Last year I wrote this compilation of all the different ways Skype for Business could be licensed from the great deal of research I needed to perform constantly based on different client scenarios. This blog had a great deal of interest, and in classic Microsoft fashion, there have been a great deal of changes since it was posted, so I decided it’s time to update the content.

There are a number of ways to license Skype for Business/Teams for  on-premises, hybrid , and cloud-based deployments . I’ve spent a great deal of time working with Microsoft to come up with the different options available for Skype for Business Licensing, so I’ll explain my findings and the best ways to leverage them.

Skype for Business Licensing for On-Premises Deployments

I’ll start out with a simple breakdown of all of the Client Access Licenses (CAL) for On-Premises deployments of Skype for Business (using list prices as of 2/15/2018):

• Standard CAL: enables users for Presence, IM, peer-to-peer VoIP, and HD Video
• Enterprise CAL: gives users the ability to schedule meetings for audio/video conferences with desktop and application sharing and dial-in conferencing
• Plus CAL: enables PSTN in/out, emergency calling, and other enterprise-grade phone features
• Skype for Business Client: allows users to download the local client onto PCs for leveraging the toolset. This comes with Office Pro Plus and other versions provided through Office 365 plans

Office 365 Skype for Business Licensing

Now we’ll look at the various plans available on a monthly subscription version through Office 365 . Keep in mind, not all of these plans apply to both the On-premises and Online only solutions, which we’ll get into later:

• Skype for Business Online (Plan 1): Basic standalone plan for Skype for Business Online. This plan does not include the local client download, and users would need to use the web application version to access the features. In addition, it does not allow users to create and schedule Online meetings. This provides rights to the Standard CAL for on-premises deployments, and is included within the Office 365 Business Essentials, Business Premium, and Enterprise E1 plans.
• Skype for Business Online (Plan 2): All the functionality of the Skype for Business Online Plan 1, but also gives users the ability to create and initiate Skype for Business Online and on-premises meetings. Keep in mind, this doesn’t provide PSTN conferencing online, as that would require the PSTN conferencing add-on. It does however provide the licensing needed to schedule the PSTN conferencing if the organization has a 3 rd party Dial-in Audio Conferencing solution (example: IntelePeer providing a SIP conferencing service). This subscription also does provide the local client so the users can use the full Skype for Business client.
• Microsoft Phone System (Previously Cloud PBX):  provides the ability for a user to receive and transfer calls. They would be able to call any colleagues or peers also using Skype for Business, but would need an additional add-on to be able to make outbound calls using Microsoft as the PSTN calling provider. Phone System is available as an add-on SKU, or is included within the Office 365 E5 plan. In order to use the Phone System plan, the user needs an Enterprise Office 365 subscription (E1, E3, E5)
• Microsoft Calling Plan (Previously PSTN Calling):  provides users the ability to make outbound calls using Microsoft as the voice provider. Calling Plan is available for purchase as unlimited domestic per user, unlimited domestic AND international per user, or consumption based if certain groups of users will be making fewer outbound callers
• Microsoft Audio Conferencing (Previously PSTN Conferencing):  Provides the ability to create a Skype for Business Online meeting that contains a PSTN dial-in number for users to call into. This can be added to nearly all Office 365 subscriptions (including Business Premium or Skype for Business Online Plan 2 Standalone), but is also included with the Enterprise E5 plan
• Skype for Business Plus Add-on : This provides the same functionality as the Skype for Business Plus CAL for on-premises deployments of Lync/Skype for Business, but is provided in an OpEx approach similar to Office 365. This would be added to users with an E3 subscription in order to get the exact functionality that was provided by the Office 365 E4 plan.

There are a few other applicable add-ons, but this list is a relatively simple compilation of the most relevant features and plans available for Skype for Business Licensing. One thing that helps is to come up with different use cases that would help determine the best route to license users.

Example #1: Company has Skype for Business On Premises with Enterprise Voice and is using Exchange Online for Email.

In this case, the organization would need to have some sort of Office 365 subscription for the email functionality, but they have options for how to license Skype for Business. For a company with a preference for pure Operational Expenditures, this way would be the best route for their Skype for Business Licensing:

Office 365 E3 @ $23/user/month (which covers the Skype for Business Standard and Enterprise CALs) + the Skype for Business Plus CAL @$2/user/month. The Skype for Business Front End servers would still need to be licensed, but I’m just going to focus on end users.

If this organization preferred the Capital Expenditure model, then they would need to purchase Exchange Online Plan 2 (or another plan that leverages this subscription as the Exchange Online portion), as well as the Skype for Business Standard, Enterprise, and Plus CALs. This would be a mixture of the OpEx and CapEx models, but would still be more heavily CapEx, at least the Skype for Business side.

Example #2: Company has Skype for Business Online for Enterprise Voice and using Exchange Online for Email

In this case, the organization is relying entirely on Microsoft’s subscription-based services, which would be entirely OpEx. I will preface this with the caveat that I do NOT recommend this first approach, but if I’m breaking it down as granularly as possible, this is how it can be accomplished. With this in mind, here’s the piecemeal method of the various components needed to yield a pleasant user experience:

• Office 365 E1 – Base license that’s needed for other add-ons.
• Exchange Online (Plan 2) – Allows for email online and Plan 2 provides voicemail capabilities in Exchange Online
• Skype for Business Online Plan 2 – Provides the Skype for Business client
• Phone System Add On
• Calling Plan (Domestic, International, or Consumption)
• Audio Conferencing (if user will be scheduling conferences)

Starting from the itemized list can help determine the best way to package users. Let’s start from the high technology user approach, and license in the simplest model:

• Skype for Business Online (Plan 2)
• Exchange Online (Plan 2)
• Phone System
• Audio Conferencing
• Domestic Unlimited @ $12/user/month
• Domestic & International Unlimited @ $24/user/month
• Consumption – Calculated based on country of origin, country of termination, etc.

If the organization only wants to call domestically, this puts the OpEx cost at $50/user/month. Keep in mind, that the Office 365 E5 subscription comes with a great deal of additional value on top of Exchange Online and Skype for Business Online. There’s a plethora of security and collaboration benefits that should be looked at before dismissing this as a viable option (Power BI, Advanced Threat Analytics, etc.).

For the same situation, c ertain organizations simply want their users to have the ability to send/receive emails, send/receive calls, and have local downloads of Office. These organizations may not need their users creating conference calls, and may not see value in the additional security components that come with E5. For these organizations, the below may be a better approach:

• Phone System Add-on @ $8/user/month

Keeping consistent with going Domestic only for calling, this puts the organization at $43/user/month. This saves a bit on the E5 route, but for organizations that keep their email security and business intelligence needs outside of Microsoft, this may be the best route.

Non-Recommended (Though Possible) Methods of Skype for Business Licensing

I will preface that these remaining options are “technically” supported ways to license users, but I will say that we have never gone with any of these routes, as this adds massive amounts of complexity trying to understand how users are licensed and managed by the administrative team. I simply want to provide these options as they are possible, but they may not yield a desirable end user experience.

Calling and Email Functionality Plus Office Online Apps

If an organization has a user base that is very limited in its technology needs, there are a couple of options that would be a bit cheaper than the previous two routes. Again, I wouldn’t advise going this route, but in theory they are doable.

• Office 365 Enterprise E1 Plan @ $10/user/month
• Exchange Online Plan 2 @ $8/user/month (allows voicemail to be stored in Exchange Online)

This is not an ideal approach to Skype for Business licensing, as you would be paying for both Exchange Online Plan 1 and 2, and your users would still be unable to have local downloads of office (unless those have been previously purchased in something like Open Business or OEM). This option comes out to $38/user/month, and I would advise against going with this route. These users would still be able to use the online versions of the Office suite in case the organization needs them for editing/viewing documents and spreadsheets.

Cheapest Possible Licensing Combination to get Voice Solution

Getting someone at Microsoft to put this in writing was nearly impossible, but I have confirmed that it is possible to get the add-on SKU’s put onto just the Skype for Business Online Plan 2 standalone plan without the need of an Enterprise Plan. Here’s the breakdown of what that licensing looks like, should the client ONLY want Skype for Business for voice (without Audio Conferencing):

• Skype for Business Online – Plan 2 @ $5.50/user/month
• Phone System Add-on – $8/user/month
• Consumption plan option, using Communications Credits in a non-unlimited fashion

Keeping with Domestic calling, this puts the price at $25.50/user/month to have the ability to use Skype for Business Online to make and receive calls. This will provide users with the full local client of Skype for Business, as well as the ability to use a supported desk phone. One key piece that this DOES NOT include is the ability to use Voicemail, as that comes with Unified Messaging and requires Exchange Online Plan 2 in some form. If that is required (which it is in most cases), users will need that plan @$8/user/month, bringing the total to $33.50/user/month. When I look at the additional value that the E3 approach above provides for the additional $9.50/user/month, it becomes a no brainer to go with the E3 route.

Common Area Phones

For a common area phone that’s not a true Skype Room System, there are ways to provide functionality that does not require assigning a license. AudioCodes has provided information in their support forums stating “Common Area Phone (CAP) online support phones can now be defined as CAPs when using a cloud PBX. Defined per physical phone rather than per user, a CAP requires a special sign-in method called ‘CAP Provisioning’ exclusive to Cloud PBX. Before signing in, users must enable the phone as a CAP and then sign in using this special ‘CAP Provisioning’ method. CAPs in server mode are unchanged. The change applies only to Cloud PBX.”

Jeff Schertz has written a fantastic blog about how to assign the licenses and get them setup in your environment, found here . 

As of March, 2018, Microsoft has finally released a dedicated SKU for Common Area Phones, coming in at $8/user/month, and is available within the Office 365 Admin portal under the “Other Plans” section. This should greatly simplify things, and allow the devices to show in the reporting and management toolsets.  This license however still requires a calling plan if it needs to dial out, so if it will be used outside of simply joining Skype for Business Conference bridges, it will require a calling plan ($12/phone/month), making each phone $20/phone/month with the two licenses.   

Skype for Business Voice and Microsoft 365

With the Microsoft 365 bundles available today, the complexity does not increase greatly. For the scenarios above, below are the impacts for organizations needing to leverage the full voice capabilities of Skype for Business Online:

• Microsoft 365 Business – Need to upgrade to the Enterprise options in order to provide the add-ons as of today
• Microsoft 365 Enterprise E3 – Need to purchase the Phone System, Calling Plan, and Audio Conferencing Add-ons for additional functionality
• Microsoft 365 Enterprise E5 – Need to purchase the Calling Plan for additional functionality
• Microsoft Teams

With the onset and future of Teams, a great deal of focus is around planning the transition to Teams from Skype for Business Online, which many organizations are concerned about. Currently, Teams is available for Office 365 subscriptions, with enterprise voice capabilities available as well. There is a great deal available from a feature standpoint, with a great deal more scheduled to roll out in Q2 CY2018. The licensing is planned to be consistent with Skype for Business, so the above scenarios should hold true, but I will update accordingly. To see the roadmap, as well as all resources I’ve used to build this blog, please follow the links below or feel free to comment!

If you would like to discuss the licensing options further, I would be happy to discuss what I know. Just shoot an email to [email protected] , and I’ll reach out to you directly.

Martin Feehan , Director of Client Relations, PEI

This blog was updated to reflect license price changes that Microsoft implemented on March 1, 2022.

Please See this List of Resources for More Information on this Topic:

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INSTANT MESSAGING, ONLINE MEETINGS, BROADCASTING. SKYPE FOR BUSINESS DOES IT ALL FOR A LOW MONTHLY PRICE.

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All Our Skype for Business plans include

Free end-user support, free migration help, 24 x 7 phone, chat, & email, online knowledge base, savings on it costs, fully automatic updates, regular data backup, highest security levels, guaranteed 99.9% uptime, tier-1 partner expertise, faq - your questions we got answers, how exactly will apps4rent help me with these plans.

Apps4Rent will help you to set up your DNS server and external firewall to optimally deal with Skype for Business Online network traffic. We will also assist in setting up mobile clients and creating new users. We advise you on the right choice of plans, for using Internet Protocol (IP) phones with Skype for Business.

Is a Skype for Business accounts separate from personal Skype account?

Yes. Skype for Business will use the Active Directory credentials. Personal Skype account will continue to use the individual’s Skype ID.

As a current customer, how do I get Skype for Business?

If you are a current Lync Server customer with Software Assurance, you will automatically be able to use Skype for Business. Office 365 customers with Lync Online will receive updates automatically. The way Lync was earlier, Skype for Business will also be an integral part and experience for Office as well as Office 365.

Is Skype for Business a different brand than the current Skype Brand?

No. Both belong to the same Skype Brand. User accounts, contacts, user interfaces, and functions will be the same for both.

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Seamless Skype for Business Upgrade to Teams – A Complete Guide

In July 2019, Microsoft announced that Skype for Business Online is retiring on July 31, 2021. This means that after its cutoff date, it will no longer be accessible or supported. To maximize benefits and ensure that your organization is given proper time to deploy your Skype for Business upgrade to Teams, it's best you begin your journey to Microsoft Teams today.

Built exclusively to integrate with the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, Teams is  highly likely  to surpass and replace Skype for Business in terms of adoption and functionality.  The Skype for Business upgrade to Teams  may not entirely mean a 1-to-1 transition, but it's an upgrade  mode that delivers a lot of value.

Microsoft  Teams vs Skype for Business Online

Extending the capabilities of  SFB , t he latter service from Microsoft brings together chat , meetings, calling, collaboration, app integration, and file storage into a single interface. This new  central hub and collaboration tool for teamwork  can help streamline the way users get things done, improving  customer  satisfaction and accelerating business outcomes. Microsoft is constantly expanding the capabilities, enabling  Teams user s to communicate and  collaborate internally or with external party  in new ways, break down organizational and geographical barriers, and drive efficiency in process and decision making. 

As we all know,  both the services under consideration  would do the basic things quite smoothly i.e., Calling, Chatting or Meetings etc. But one certainly would be curious to know what are the extras that come w ith the new service of Microsof t which makes it a better and refined  mode   to upgrade to for their company .  So, let's have an incredibly detailed look at the feature difference between the two.

The features comparison information is primarily collected from Luca’s Skype for Business and Teams Features Comparison Table shared over TechNet gallery.

Skype for Business Upgrade to Teams

A flourishing technical environment, sustained user adoption, and the understanding of your business goals all begin with proper planning. A solid plan gives you a framework for your upgrade and makes sure that all stakeholders are working simultaneously.

O nce you're ready to make your move , Microsoft has two upgrade paths that can help with your migration:

1. Microsoft Teams Upgrade Basic (Cutover)

2. Microsoft teams Upgrade Pro (Co-Existence)

1. Upgrade Basic  (Cutover)

The U pgrade Basic mode  is designed for smaller organizations or those  people  that are using  SFB as their primary chat tool  and meetings only. It's a quick action plan for implementing your Skype for Business upgrade to Teams that includes recommended activities, and relevant resources. The Skype for Business Upgrade to Teams upgrade is designed to keep in mind that you'll be shifting your entire organization to  the new service at once.  The Skype for Business Upgrade to Teams process typically takes around 30 to 45 days.

The following ten steps furnish everything you need for a successful Skype for Business Upgrade to Teams. They're designed to be completed in the estimated 30 to 45 days but can be adjusted based on your organization's upgrade schedule.

• Notify your key stakeholders
• Prepare your organizatio n for the move
• Know your Skype for Business users
• Notify your users about the upgrade
• Activate the user upgrade notification
• Give your users a reminder of the shift
• Upgrade all users to Teams
• Monitor Teams usage against your baseline
• Measure user satisfaction
• Maximize your ROI with Teams

You can learn in detail about all these steps in this  article by Microsoft  After your users are upgrade d to Teams Only mode):

• Their  SFB client will be disabled, and all chat and calls go to Teams. This will not uninstall the client on their desktops.
• Any  SFB meetings that were scheduled before the upgrade will work as designed, but all the new meetings will be scheduled in Teams. The Skype for Business plugin will no longer be available in Outlook.
• If a user tries to sign in to Skype for Business, they will get a notification from their client that they've been upgraded to Teams.
• Users would need to manually uninstall Skype for Business client on their devices.

2.  Upgrade Pro  (Co-Existence)

The Up grade Pro (coexistence mode for journey to Teams)  is designed for organizations larger in size, or those that acquire a more complex deployment of  SFB and not only use this tool for some features . It is comparatively a more prolonged upgraded lifecycle that would be completed in phases and offers extensive guidance and planning resources. This phased approach typically takes around 120 to 150 days. You can learn more about this  mode  in an incredibly detailed article to  Upgrade from Skype for Business to Microsoft Teams  After your users are upgraded to  Teams Only mode:

• Their  SFB  client will be disabled, and all chat  communications   and phone call experience go to Teams. This will not uninstall the client on their desktops.
• Any Skype for Business meetings that were scheduled before the upgrade will work as designed, but all the new meetings will be scheduled in Teams. The Skype for Business plugin will no longer be available in Outlook.

How to choose Your Skype for Business upgrade to Teams Strategy

There is a question to answer that which Skype for Business upgrade to Teams path would be good for you. To have an answer to this question please have a look at the below comparison of both approaches which would help you decide in the end which option to go with.

Microsoft offers several options for running Skype for Business Online and Teams together which is also known as Teams Skype for Business Interoperability. These coexistence modules allow users to familiarize themselves with Teams while helping accelerate your upgrade to Teams ONLY. Here’s how you can use Teams and Skype together in the meanwhile.

Microsoft Teams Licensing

To begin discussing this portion, we need to understand the current standings of Skype for Business Online Plans that how Skype for Business Online retire announcement has affected them and what are the aftereffects.

Skype for Business Online Plan 1 retired

Skype for Business Online Plan 1 has retired. However, if you have a current subscription to Skype for Business Online Plan 1, this change won’t affect you right away. As a global Office 365 admin, you’ll receive email updates and see posts in the message center (part of the Microsoft 365 admin center) with information on when you need to act. In the meantime, you can continue to use your existing Skype for Business Online Plan 1 licenses.

When you are ready to move to a new plan — either now or during renewal — you’ll have the option to switch to another Office 365 plan of your choosing.

You can maintain the same functionality you had with Skype for Business Online Plan 1 while taking advantage of new features and functionality from Office 365. Many plan options available include all the features that came with Skype for Business Online Plan 1, as well as IM and presence, peer-to-peer audio and video over IP, and the ability to join meetings as an authenticated user.

S kype for Business Online Plan 2 retired from sale

Skype for Business Online Plan 2 retired from sale on July 1, 2019. This means that you will no longer be able to acquire Skype for Business Online Plan 2 for instant messaging, presence, meetings, and peer-to-peer voice and video. These features will continue to be supported in all plans that include Teams, including Office 365 suites.

When your plan expires at the end of your current term, to have continued access to these features, you'll have to switch to a different plan. We recommend that you evaluate the Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Business Premium, or any other Office suites for users that currently have Skype for Business Online Plan 2 assigned.

How to purchase Microsoft Teams License?

Microsoft Teams may be used without cost but with extremely limited functionality. The free version of it comes with certain limitations of meeting time span, small cloud storage etc.

Apart from  the Free version ,  it comes along with any of the Office 365 or Microsoft 365 Plans and is not available as a standalone license option.

To acquire Teams Licenses, you’d primarily have two options to go with. Microsoft 365 Business Plans or Microsoft 365/Office 365 Enterprise Plans . We do get both the Licenses i.e., Skype for Business Online Plan 2 and Microsoft Teams License within each package as shown in screenshot below for Office 365 E3.

Last Updated 9 months ago

About the Author

Ateeb is a Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate. He aids clients in deployment, and management of Microsoft technologies - for both, on-premises and on the cloud environment. With significant experience in deploying stand-alone and enterprise solutions, Ateeb enjoys helping organizations with their digital transformation journey.

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Add more people to your Skype for Business Online Plan

If you purchased a Skype for Business Online Plan , you may want to add more people to your plan.

When you purchased a Skype for Business Online Plan , you created a Microsoft 365 user ID at the same time, even though you didn't purchase Microsoft 365.

Using your Microsoft 365 user ID, sign in to Microsoft 365 at https://portal.office.com/ .

Then follow the instructions to add users to Microsoft 365 , only in your case, you'll be adding them to your Skype for Business Online subscription and not a Microsoft 365 subscription.

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How To Write A Basic Business Plan

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Creating a successful business starts with a strong plan. Regardless of your experience level, learning how to write a basic business plan is essential to mapping out your company's path to success. With a clearly defined plan, you can identify potential challenges, set goals, and create a roadmap for growth.

Business plans can be incredibly beneficial for entrepreneurs in any stage of their business venture. Whether you're just starting out or seeking funding to expand, a well-crafted business plan can serve as a roadmap for success. Not only does it provide direction for your business, but it can also help you identify potential roadblocks, set realistic goals, and track your progress over time.

A well-written business plan can help potential investors or lenders understand your business model , mission, and strategies, making it easier for them to provide the resources you need to grow your business. So, if you're looking for a tool to help ensure your business's success, consider crafting a comprehensive and engaging business plan.

Your business plan doesn't become obsolete once your business is up and running. In fact, your business plan can continue to guide your decision-making even after your doors are open. Your plan serves as a blueprint for success and can remind you of your original goals and objectives.

By referring back to your business plan, you can ensure that your decisions align with your overall mission and vision for your company. With a solid business plan in place, you can keep your business on track and ensure that you continue to achieve your goals as your business grows and evolves.

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A’s president dave kaval is having delusions of grandeur about relocating to las vegas, manipulated kate middleton photo sparks royal frenzy of jokes and memes, business plan basics.

At its core, a business plan is a written description of your company's future. It outlines what you plan to do and how you plan to do it.

Here is what you typically find in a basic business plan:

1. Executive Summary

A snapshot of your business plan as a whole, touching on your company’s profile, mission, and the main points of your plan. Think of it as an elevator pitch that presents your company's profile and core mission in a concise yet engaging manner.

2. Company Description

A more detailed look at your business goals, and what sets it apart in the marketplace. It is imperative to stand out from the competition to succeed, so list your differentiators and how you add value.

3. Market Analysis

It involves delving into your industry, identifying potential customers, and analyzing your competition to develop a strong understanding of the market. By garnering this knowledge, you can tailor your marketing and sales strategies to better meet the needs of your target audience.

4. Organization and Management

Your business's legal structure, organizational structure, and product or service life cycle. By keeping a close eye on your organization and management, you can ensure that your business is positioned for success in the long term.

5. Marketing and Sales Strategy

How you plan to attract and retain customers. It's not enough to simply offer a great product or service, you need to be able to effectively communicate your value proposition to your target audience.

6. Funding Request

If you are seeking funding, how much you need and what it will be used for. Securing funding can be a crucial component to kickstarting your business ventures.

7. Financial Projections

Projecting your profits, losses, and cash flow helps you plan in advance and make informed decisions. By crunching the numbers and analyzing past data, you can estimate future earnings and get a better understanding of your company's financial health.

8. Appendix

This is where you can include any additional information, such as resumes, permits, leases, and other legal documentation.

The bottom line is that a well-crafted business plan not only provides direction and structure but also helps you articulate your vision and goals. With a clear understanding of your target audience, competition, and financial projections, you're better equipped to make informed decisions and navigate the complexities of running a business. Ultimately, a business plan is an investment in your success, and it's essential for building a viable business.

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The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace any professional or expert accounting and/or tax advice whatsoever.

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Office 365 Education A1 Plan and Skype for Business Retention

Looking at the differences between the Office 365 Education plans, there is a contradiction between two sections of the article that leave the question of whether server-side archiving and eDiscovery of Skype for Business chat content is included under the A1 plan.

About A1 (under Skype for Business): "Archiving for Skype for Business Online depends on the Exchange In-Place Hold feature, which is not included in this plan." Also about A1 (under Exchange Online): "In-Place Hold and Litigation Hold: Yes" Can you please advise which is incorrect (and update the article to amend)?

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Hi Bruce Albany,

In-Place Hold and Litigation Hold are available in Exchange Online Plan 2, but not in Exchange Online Plan 1. The Exchange Online service that included in Office 365 A1 Plan is Exchange Online Plan 1. So, actually, it doesn't contain In-Place Hold and Litigation Hold in Office 365 A1 Plan.

Of course, thank you for your kind reminder for the feature. If you still have any concern about this, please feel free to let us know.

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