Skype for Business

Skype for Business is a hybrid voice messaging solution that goes beyond Skype’s standard capabilities to cater to larger business deployment. The application allows users to collaborate with their coworkers through messaging, group video calls, and screen sharing. Their system can be hosted in the cloud or deployed on-premises. Skype for Business allows users to interact with the participants via text messaging, high-definition (HD) video, and audio communication. It is available both as a standalone solution or integrated tightly with the 365 corporate packages from Microsoft Office. With this online meeting solution, users can make VoIP calls, video and audio chats with members across every device before initiating meetings with up to 250 people.

The platform supports collaboration via video conferencing to help people using the internet or phone. Users can record online meetings for future use. Since the application supports tight integration with Microsoft Office platforms, it facilitates users to make presentations and share files on the call. Through a centralized platform, Skype for Business offers multi-party 1080p HD video conferencing, advanced scheduling, desktop sharing, support for PowerPoint presentations, and real-time application.

Their online meeting solution offers calling and texting to landlines and mobile phones. Users can easily schedule meetings with their contacts and even view their online status through Microsoft Outlook. Microsoft applications such as PowerPoint or Word can also help users to start conversations. With just a single click, participants can easily join sessions from meeting notifications or calendars. Not only this, Microsoft's PSTN conferencing ensures meeting attendance from a telephone, allowing users to dial in numbers when the internet is slow or unavailable. Other key features of the platform include the ability to control other members' desktops and support for third-party dial-in.

Price:  Skype for business offers three pricing plans. Their first pricing tier, standalone pricing plan starts at $2.00 per user per month. The following pricing tier, Standalone Online Plan 2 comes at $5.50 per user per month. Their Office 365 Business Essentials is accessible at $5.00 per user/per month for at least a year, while their Office 365 Business Premium is offered at $12.50 per user/per month for at least a year.

Free Trial: Skype for Business offers a free version of their service, but there is no free trial for users.

Support: The application provides support through email and an online knowledge base.

USP: The software allows users to organize the contact information of workers within the organization, making it accessible for the people who want to join the company.

Product Advantages: Their user-friendly layout allows users to build favorite sections and groups, while the quick search option and integration with Outlook is also very useful. Users can also check if someone is available or not.

Product Limitations: Skype for Business offers limited functions with the calendar application.