Using Groups in Skype for Business: Simplifying Communication and Collaboration

When it comes to leveraging on-premise PSTN infrastructure for dial-in/dial-out to PSTN numbers, organizations without access to PSTN Calling Plans have two viable options: an on-premise deployment of Skype for Business or Cloud Connector Edition (CCE). These solutions provide a more complex setup compared to deploying Microsoft Teams, which has been designed from the ground up as a cloud-based platform. In contrast, Teams does not require an on-premise server and there are no plans to introduce one in the future.

Before diving into the deployment process for Teams, it's essential to acknowledge that Microsoft remains committed to Skype for Business Server, with a new version set to be released in the second half of 2018. Many organizations have already deployed Skype for Business in their environment and as they begin transitioning to Microsoft Teams over the coming months, there are several key aspects IT administrators should note.

One crucial aspect is the use of groups in Skype for Business. By creating groups, users can easily collaborate with each other, share information, and communicate more efficiently. Groups can be created based on various criteria such as department, project, or location, making it simpler to manage team communications and reduce noise.

Another important consideration is the integration of Skype for Business with Microsoft Office 365. This seamless integration enables users to access their contacts, calendar, and email from within Skype for Business, streamlining their communication and collaboration workflow.

In addition, IT administrators should be aware of the different roles available in Skype for Business, such as owner, member, and guest. These roles allow for granular control over group membership and permissions, ensuring that sensitive information remains secure and only accessible to authorized personnel.

By understanding how to use groups in Skype for Business effectively, organizations can simplify their communication and collaboration processes, improve team productivity, and reduce the complexity of deploying and managing their UC platform. With Microsoft's continued commitment to Skype for Business Server and the new version on the horizon, it's clear that this solution will remain a vital part of many organizations' communication strategies for years to come.

Using groups in skype for business