Skype for Business is a communication app from Microsoft designed for business purposes. It is free to download and use, and available for Android devices. The app's ID is com.microsoft.office.lync15 and its genre is Business. It allows users to make audio and video calls, send instant messages, share files, schedule meetings, and more. In this review, we will take a look at some of its features, as well as its pros and cons.
Features
Audio and video calls
Skype for Business allows users to make audio and video calls with other users within the same organization or outside it. The app supports up to 250 participants in a single call, making it suitable for large meetings or webinars.
Instant messaging
The app also features instant messaging, allowing users to have real-time conversations with their colleagues. Users can send text messages, emojis, and even files or photos through the chat.
File sharing
Users can easily share files with each other through the app. They can send documents, images, or videos directly from their device or from OneDrive, SharePoint, or other cloud storage apps.
Meetings
One of the standout features of Skype for Business is its ability to schedule and join meetings. Users can send invitations and manage their meetings through the app. They can also join meetings remotely and participate in a conference call or video chat.
Pros
Integrates with Microsoft Office
Since Skype for Business is from Microsoft, it integrates seamlessly with Office. Users can access their contacts and files from within the app, making it convenient to use.
Enterprise-level security
The app is designed with enterprise-level security features, including encryption and multi-factor authentication. This makes it safe to use for business purposes and ensures that sensitive information is kept secure.
Rich set of features
Skype for Business offers a rich set of features that cater to the needs of businesses. From audio and video calls to file sharing and meeting scheduling, the app has everything a team needs to collaborate and communicate effectively.
Cons
Requires login credentials
In order to use Skype for Business, users need to have a Microsoft account and their organization needs to have a suitable subscription. This can be a barrier for some users who don't have access to the app through their workplace.
Can be confusing to set up
Setting up Skype for Business can be a bit confusing, especially for those who are not familiar with the app. Users may need to spend time learning how to use the app, which can be frustrating for some.
Comparison to similar apps
Compared to other communication apps for businesses, Skype for Business stands out with its rich set of features and its seamless integration with Microsoft Office. It offers more than just audio and video calls, allowing users to share files, schedule meetings, and more. However, some users may prefer other apps that are easier to set up or have a more user-friendly interface.
Tips for using the app
Customize your status
Users can customize their status in Skype for Business to indicate whether they are available, busy, or away. This can help co-workers know when it's okay to contact them.
Share files directly from other apps
Users can share files directly from other apps on their device, such as Google Drive or Dropbox. This makes it easy to collaborate and share documents with colleagues.
Use the virtual whiteboard
During a video call, users can use the virtual whiteboard feature to draw and sketch on a shared screen. This can be useful for brainstorming sessions or presentations.
Conclusion
Overall, Skype for Business is a great app for businesses looking to communicate and collaborate effectively. It offers a wide range of features that cater to the needs of modern workplaces, including audio and video calls, instant messaging, file sharing, and meeting scheduling. While it may be confusing to set up at first and requires login credentials, its seamless integration with Microsoft Office and high level of security make it worth considering for any business. We highly recommend giving it a try.
Updated 10-31-2022
Overview
Skype for Business is a communication app from Microsoft designed for business purposes. It is free to download and use, and available for Android devices. The app's ID is com.microsoft.office.lync15 and its genre is Business. It allows users to make audio and video calls, send instant messages, share files, schedule meetings, and more. In this review, we will take a look at some of its features, as well as its pros and cons.
Features
Audio and video calls
Skype for Business allows users to make audio and video calls with other users within the same organization or outside it. The app supports up to 250 participants in a single call, making it suitable for large meetings or webinars.
Instant messaging
The app also features instant messaging, allowing users to have real-time conversations with their colleagues. Users can send text messages, emojis, and even files or photos through the chat.
File sharing
Users can easily share files with each other through the app. They can send documents, images, or videos directly from their device or from OneDrive, SharePoint, or other cloud storage apps.
Meetings
One of the standout features of Skype for Business is its ability to schedule and join meetings. Users can send invitations and manage their meetings through the app. They can also join meetings remotely and participate in a conference call or video chat.
Pros
Integrates with Microsoft Office
Since Skype for Business is from Microsoft, it integrates seamlessly with Office. Users can access their contacts and files from within the app, making it convenient to use.
Enterprise-level security
The app is designed with enterprise-level security features, including encryption and multi-factor authentication. This makes it safe to use for business purposes and ensures that sensitive information is kept secure.
Rich set of features
Skype for Business offers a rich set of features that cater to the needs of businesses. From audio and video calls to file sharing and meeting scheduling, the app has everything a team needs to collaborate and communicate effectively.
Cons
Requires login credentials
In order to use Skype for Business, users need to have a Microsoft account and their organization needs to have a suitable subscription. This can be a barrier for some users who don't have access to the app through their workplace.
Can be confusing to set up
Setting up Skype for Business can be a bit confusing, especially for those who are not familiar with the app. Users may need to spend time learning how to use the app, which can be frustrating for some.
Comparison to similar apps
Compared to other communication apps for businesses, Skype for Business stands out with its rich set of features and its seamless integration with Microsoft Office. It offers more than just audio and video calls, allowing users to share files, schedule meetings, and more. However, some users may prefer other apps that are easier to set up or have a more user-friendly interface.
Tips for using the app
Customize your status
Users can customize their status in Skype for Business to indicate whether they are available, busy, or away. This can help co-workers know when it's okay to contact them.
Share files directly from other apps
Users can share files directly from other apps on their device, such as Google Drive or Dropbox. This makes it easy to collaborate and share documents with colleagues.
Use the virtual whiteboard
During a video call, users can use the virtual whiteboard feature to draw and sketch on a shared screen. This can be useful for brainstorming sessions or presentations.
Conclusion
Overall, Skype for Business is a great app for businesses looking to communicate and collaborate effectively. It offers a wide range of features that cater to the needs of modern workplaces, including audio and video calls, instant messaging, file sharing, and meeting scheduling. While it may be confusing to set up at first and requires login credentials, its seamless integration with Microsoft Office and high level of security make it worth considering for any business. We highly recommend giving it a try.