One of the best communication apps for businesses
Large, multinational companies are becoming more and more common in today’s globalized society. It’s not rare to find companies working in tandem with teams in other countries to reach a larger audience for their services. As a result, communicating via the Internet has become a paramount concern among businesses. However, even smaller businesses need fast and fluid communication because it is an important factor that could affect the entire operation and workflow of the company. Skype for Business is an instant messaging and video calling app developed by Microsoft Corporation. It is the enterprise version of Skype, and it caters primarily to the needs of businesses.
History
Skype was first released on August 29, 2003, by Skype Technologies. In 2011, it was acquired by Microsoft Corporation. Since it’s acquisition, Microsoft has been integrating Skype into its own core products. In 2015, Microsoft replaced its primary messaging app for businesses known as Lync with the new Skype for Business. It combines elements and features from both Lync and the consumer version of Skype.
Video and Audio Call Features
As a communication app, Skype for Business’s best features is devoted mostly to its video and call functions. With Skype for Business, users will be able to make high-quality audio and video calls. In addition to the high-quality calls, Skype for Business has amazing tools that companies dealing with multinational calls will appreciate. For example, there is a Live Subtitles feature. This lets subtitles to be displayed on the screen in real-time as calls are in session. This feature is best used in conjunction with Skype for Business’s real-time translations of calls and messages. This allows different languages to be interpreted quickly without the need for additional language software or personnel. You can also use Skype for Business to record calls to make it reviewing conference calls easier. Speaking of conference calls, Skype for Business supports free online meetings with up to 10 people without a subscription. However, the number will be limited to 3 people after 60 days.
Phone Call Features
People can also use Skype for Business to send and receive calls from mobile and landline. Users can get low call rates thanks Skype Credit. Local Skype Numbers are available in 26 countries/regions, and users can answer phone calls from any platform. Skype for Business also has call forwarding that allows users to forward calls from their desktop Skype to their mobile phones. Other useful call features include voicemail support and caller ID set-up. Caller ID displays your number on the receiving phone when you make calls.
Instant Messaging Features
Skype for Business has all of the standard features required for an instant messaging app. It supports emojis, reactions, and GIFs which lets users add more flavor to their chat messages. Additionally, locating certain parts of conversations is easier with Skype for Business thanks to its useful search function. Skype for Business also allows users to edit and delete past messages. Finally, any communication sent through Skype for Business is secure and private thanks to its end to end encryption.
Sharing and Accessibility
Being able to send and receive files with ease and convenience is a necessary function of any communication app in a professional setting. Users can send files using Skype for Business, but the app can only support files less than 300MB. Files can be sent easily by dragging onto the chatting window. Keeping track of media files sent throughout the conversation history can be quickly accessed by clicking on the Gallery button on the chat window. Users can also share their location with other users with Skype for Business. Finally, Skype for Business has powerful web-integration tools. It has a browser extension that makes sharing media from the web to Skype faster and simpler. The extension can also be used to enter calls quickly from the web. For people who also use MS Outlook, it has a plugin that allows users to use Skype for Business within the email client.
A Professional Communication App
Skype for Business has solid features and it performs great. Whether you have a large or small company, getting Skype for Business as your primary communication app is an acceptable choice. It may not have any fancy or creative features, but it will no doubt get the job done.
