(Microsoft plans to eventually offer a configuration option where you can use existing on-premises phone lines.) You’re given blocks of numbers to choose from based on your region, and you can assign these numbers to your users.

Cloud PBX with PSTN Calling: This feature lets people make traditional phone calls through their Skype for Business client without having a traditional on-premises PBX.

PSTN Conferencing: This feature lets people dial into a call from a landline or mobile phone if they don’t want (or cannot) join in through their PC, mobile device, or browser.

Skype Meeting Broadcast: This feature allows as many as 10,000 people in a meeting broadcast, such as for webinars.

There are Skype clients for Windows, OS X, Linux, iOS, Android, BlackBerry, and Fire OS they do not work with the Skype for Business servers.īecause Skype for Business Online doesn't support enterprise voice and PSTN features, IT organizations moving their Exchange and SharePoint deployments to the cloud must continue to use a third-party telephony platform or the on-premises Skype for Business Server.įor now, Skype for Business Server offers several key advantages over its cloud version: Its features are similar to those of Skype for Business but usually are more limited in scope for example, consumer Skype supports 25 people on a conference call versus 250 in Skype for Business.

Skype: This client is available for consumer download, providing free service for personal use.

Clients are available for Windows and Windows Phone clients for OS X, iOS, and Android are planned, but in the meantime you can use the current Lync clients on these platforms with Skype for Business as long as you enable client access in your global policy. It works with Skype for Business Server or Skype for Business Online. Skype for Business: This client replaces the Lync client as part of the Office suite.It does not provide enterprise voice or PSTN connectivity, but Microsoft says these features are in development. Skype for Business Online: This service in Microsoft Cloud or Office 365 provides IM, presence, peer-to-peer VoIP and video, and conferencing.Skype for Business Server 2015: This on-premises server provides IM, presence, peer-to-peer VoIP and video, conferencing, enterprise voice, and telephone-system (PSTN) connectivity.There are two client types available as well. After all, there are two Skype services (the free consumer version and the paid-for online or on-premises version). Today, many people are confused with what is actually available and how it works.

But last year Microsoft announced it would drop Lync in favor of Skype for Business, which would combine features of both Lync and Skype. Then Microsoft bought the company in 2011, continuing to offer it as a consumer product along with Lync as a business application. First there was Skype, a well-liked app for instant messaging, video chat, and voice calls.

Is skype free with office 365 business