Microsoft is replacing its corporate instant communication offering, Lync, with ‘Skype for business’ in the first half of 2015.
Lync has voice, video, instant messaging and video conferencing options integrated with the Microsoft Office package. However, the new service will get a Skype make over, including Skype icons for calling, adding video and ending a call. The service will still include Lync’s own content sharing and telephony services.
With 300 million Skype users already, Microsoft hopes combining Lync with Skype will strengthen the offering and boost the product’s popularity.
Gurdeep Pall, corporate vice president for Skype, said in a blog post: ‘Microsoft is already a market leader in communications. I’m confident that no other company in the world can connect people like Microsoft can. Stay tuned for more updates on Skype for Business and how we reimagine the technologies people use to communicate. If you’re a current customer, ask your Microsoft sales specialist or partner about Skype for Business and follow our social channels.’
