
Internally, Skype for Business is ideal for hosting virtual meetings across multiple offices, or with those working from home. It’s widely used for both internal and external communication. Skype for Business has been a popular communication platform for businesses across the globe since creation in 2015. As of July 2021, support for Skype for Business Online will cease, and in 2025, the server itself will exist no more.

Now Microsoft has begun the sundown process.

The purpose of this was to bring a new communication and corroboration platform to the world of business one that could easily be used alongside the other Microsoft apps such as Word, Excel and Outlook. Then, in 2015, Microsoft decided to expand the platform and bring us Skype for Business. In 2013, they replaced their existing messenger service, MSN, with Skype. It was sold to eBay in 2005, then a majority stake to three companies before Microsoft bought it outright in 2011. Since then, the software has seen multiple owners. Scandinavian software writers Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis built the original Skype platform that surfaced in 2003.


It is part of the Microsoft Office 365 suite of applications, which are all cloud-based. Skype for Business is a platform designed to enhance communication and collaboration within businesses. Find out more about this platform, with our introduction to Skype for Business. The same simple communication could apply to businesses, in more ways than just video calling.Īs part of the Microsoft Office suite of software, Skype for Business could seamlessly integrate with Microsoft’s other apps, allowing users to make the most of all the options at their fingertips. Then in 2015, Microsoft built Skype for Business. As Skype for Business Online will no longer be available after this date, an upgrade to Microsoft Teams will allow businesses to enjoy similar features but with even more benefits.Īfter the creation of Skype in 2003, international communication was revolutionised as people could easily video call their friends and family anytime, anywhere in the world. Businesses using Skype are advised to upgrade to their flagship Teams application to continue benefitting from communication and collaboration features within Microsoft 365. *As of July 31st 2021, Microsoft has announced that it will “retire” Skype for Business.
