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Microsoft releases Skype for Business and Office 2016 technical preview

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Microsoft releases Skype for Business and Office 2016 technical preview

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Back in December, Microsoft demoed how it was unifying Lync – it’s old business-centric video chat app – and Skype into a singular Skype for Business product, with the promise of giving organizations reach to Skype users outside of their business’ walls.

Now it’s offering up a technical preview, which it announced at its Convergence conference today. Lync customers can trial it to get ready for the full transition to Skype.

Skype for Business Get Ready 1 1024x682 730x486 Microsoft releases Skype for Business technical preview

Skype for business is obviously based on Skype’s design, but pulls in many of Lync’s features, such as online meetings, enterprise-grade security and compliance and control tools for IT departments. It also connects Lync customers with any Skype user, regardless of whether or not they are part of their organization.

The new app also offers some additional flexibility for businesses with integration directly into Office, allowing users to connect via Skype right from Outlook, for instance.Skype for Business Get Ready 2 Microsoft releases Skype for Business technical preview

Microsoft first announced it was integrating Lync into Skype in February of 2013. It’s been a long time coming, but Skype for business is the final step in that transition.

The company says businesses set up for Lync 2013 should also be qualified for Skype for Business. If your company is interested, you can check out the demo at Microsoft’s TechNet Evaluation Center.

Asuquo Eton founded talkmediaafrica.com, now one of the most visited TV, music, tech and features website, in 2011. He is also a social media analyst, media and entertainment consultant.

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