#Skype vs skype for business features full#
#Skype vs skype for business features free#

Skype encrypts all activity in both versions with a combination of AES and TLS encryption, but the Business version gives administrator control over which users have account and service access. However, as commercial software, Skype for Business offers enterprise-level security.

#Skype vs skype for business features full#

The most expensive options allow full use of all Office 365 software and apps, while cheaper options scale down app availability and software options.Д«oth versions of Skype come with some built-in security measures, as well as the active support of Microsoft. The level of app integration in the Business edition scales depending on the package to which the company has subscribed. Users can also schedule Skype meetings through Outlook, which sends a customized link to guests to directly join the meeting. Primarily, Skype for Business is integrated into Office 365, allowing for use with Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and OneNote.

#Skype vs skype for business features free#

Skype for Business is much more integrated with other Microsoft products than the free version of Skype. App IntegrationДЄpp integration is another function in which Skype for Business differs greatly from its free alternative, all deriving from its basis in Lync. Without Cloud PBX, the free version of Skype still allows a user to set up voice mail and caller ID outgoing from their account, and to set up call forwarding from their Skype account to their phone. These options are designed to allow Business users to replace regular land-line systems with the Skype interface if needed. In conjunction with its integration into Meetings and Office 365, it also has auto attendants for meetings, camp-on, device switching, Skype calling, team calling, and video call monitoring. It includes caller ID, call hold/retrieve, queues, call waiting and forwarding, voice mail, music on hold, and call delegation (among other options). Skype Cloud PBX offers features to be expected of regular land-line systems, as well as unique cloud options. Due to these multiple integration options, Skype Cloud PBX can be run entirely through the cloud or managed alongside physical, on-site communications (such as land-line phones). This system, called Skype Cloud PBX, uses either a companyвЂ™s regular land-line phone system or SkypeвЂ™s PSTN calling services to manage phone calls. Skype Cloud PBXД«esides the extended conferencing, Skype for Business offers an advanced call management system unavailable in the free version of Skype.

PSTN calling is used on both versions to reach domestic and international phone numbers, which is a paid service. The free version of Skype does have PSTN calling, but not for large-scale meetings. The Broadcast mode has several roles available for users: Organizer, Producer, Event team members, and Attendees (the 10,000 or less participants who watch online).ДЇor businesses or employees who need to use a phone, Skype for Business also offers PSTN conferencing as a per-user add-on, which allows Skype meetings to be joined from a dial-in number instead from an app interface. Analytics are available for the hosts to interpret the traffic of these large broadcasts. Skype for Business is also optimized with Bing Pulse and Yammer, so users can add polling and conversations for the extended audience. All production controls are integrated within Skype, removing the necessity for any outside hosting software, and the broadcast can be watched later if the host uses Microsoft Azure to record it. Using Skype Meeting Broadcast, a meeting can furthermore be broadcast online to up to 10,000 participants. Skype for Business offers more options in conferencing as well. With Skype for Business, a video conference can host up to 250 users. The regular edition of Skype allows for video conferencing with up to 25 users for free.

Skype is known for its video call capability, and video conferencing, particularly user limits, is the primary area where these two versions of Skype differ. However, Skype for Business includes more enterprise-optimized options and is available within Office 365, while the free version of Skype is aimed at non-commercial use or small businesses. Skype also provides some file transfer ability within its messaging interface. Both versions allow users to message one or more users, have peer-to-peer or group audio and video calls, and hold meetings. SkypeвЂ™s basic functionality, in both versions, is as an instant messaging and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service. In 2015 it re-branded Lync as Skype for Business, meaning that, although both versions of Skype are similar at their core, they have functional differences stemming from their background as separate applications.

However, at the time Microsoft also owned an in-house collaboration product, called Lync, for business use. Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011 as the popular free version of Skype in use today. Skype is a communications product provided by Microsoft, both in free and enterprise options.