As promised, Microsoft has begun the process of replacing its older Lync business-themed messaging software with the new Skype for Business client. The transition, which was first announced in November, is being rolled out as part of the Office 2013 April monthly update for business customers.
Microsoft says that the transition from Lync to Skype for Business will be completed for most Office business users by the end of May. However, it has given IT administrators the ability to control when the Skype for Business user interface is rolled out to their customers in order to help make the change easier to handle.
Microsoft added:
Skype for Business is based on the familiar Skype experience that more than 300 million people use every month to connect with friends and family. It is built right into Office, so features like presence, IM, voice and video calls, and online meetings are an integrated part of the Office experience. And with Skype for Business, you can search for and connect with anyone in the Skype network–inside or outside your organization.
The company has indicated that most existing hardware and software that supports Lync should also support the new Skype for Business software.
Source: Microsoft
