Microsoft recently rolled out some important updates and improvements to the Skype for Business UC platform, changes aimed at winning over a broad range of enterprise companies with improved support and features that will quickly become essential to the enterprise workflow.
While some have already been released at the preview or beta level, a handful of these innovations are still on the dock, with a full launch expected by the end of the calendar year.
Skype for Business Mac Client General Release
The most visible improvements to S4B center around accessibility. Mac and iOS native integration became available in October 2016 after a few months in private preview, and puts a strong emphasis on the user experience. Essentially, S4B will now work just like a phone on any iOS device or Mac computer, although it runs independently of your cellular phone’s functionality. In other words, you can accept a Skype call and then put it on hold to take a cellular call, providing an experience that integrates seamlessly into your day-to-day routine. Other enhancements include high-definition edge-to-edge video calls, high quality audio, desktop sharing and more, all on the popular, versatile and user-friendly Mac operating system.
Advanced Analytics
Another end-of-the-year advancement to look forward to is S4B’s new dashboard analytics tool, which promises detailed diagnostic functionality as well as displaying reports on conferencing and other calling features usage. Advanced Analytics will also provide detailed information on devices in use within the S4B environment, allowing administrators to diagnose call quality issues and generally debug down to the single user level.
Salesforce Integration
Skype for Business’ integration with Salesforce’s CRM platform represents a powerful partnership in the S4B arsenal. It combines the flexibility and functionality of communicating in the S4B environment with the most powerful customer relationship management tool available today. This new SDK feature embeds S4B features into the Salesforce control panel, allowing users to see which of their contacts is online and then connect with a single click. This effectively eliminates the need to switch gears in order to instantly connect with your prospects via phone, video call, text, or chat. Considering the speed at which business is done these days, being able to respond to your customer’s needs this quickly will almost certainly push you ahead of the competition.
S4B Partner Products
Skype Room Systems transform any meeting room into a feature-rich experience, with high-definition audio and video, plus support for many other collaborative features. New hardware that has been developed specifically for Skype Room Systems include Logitech SmartDock, Creston’s Skype Room Systems and the Polycom MSR Series, all of which offer a centralized console from which to manage its features. Share multimedia content in high 1080p resolution, and connect up to 250 users using any device or phone, each of whom can join with a single click from their calendar or meeting reminder, no matter what their preferred device. These dedicated S4B products are due to rollout in early 2017, and are available to reserve now. In addition, meeting connectivity with non-S4B endpoint devices can be enabled through Microsoft Azure-hosted Polycom RealConnect Service for Office 365, allowing you to continue to use your current devices with the upgraded systems.
Transcription and Translation Services Coming by the End of 2016
One of the most exciting new developments in this rollout is the introduction of real-time transcription and translation services. Slated to land by the close of 2016, Skype Meeting Broadcast allows the user to host and broadcast meetings to large audiences on a global scale. The live captioning feature supports several languages, delivering translations and transcriptions in real-time, serving the dual purpose of removing language barriers between cultures and encouraging global collaboration. This bold new innovation will almost certainly have implications in the areas of training and education as well, allowing individuals or groups to learn from top talent no matter what language they speak.
CCG’s S4B Professional Services
CCG will make your transition to Skype for Business as seamless and effortless as can be. Our technicians have been working with the S4B framework since it was first introduced, and there is nobody more knowledgeable when it comes to cloud migration, S4B deployment and integration with Office 365.
While many of these exciting new features are still in the beta or preview phase, we can expect wide release by the beginning of 2017. If you have been thinking about migrating to the Skype for Business platform, there has never been a better time to start. The possibilities, the opportunities and the potential it presents is truly boundless.
Launching your business communications into the next generation of connectivity is easier than you think. CCG’s dedicated S4B technicians will design and implement a system that works with you and for you, empowering your workforce with the tools they need to succeed in today’s competitive marketplace. Call CCG today to find out more about the new Skype for Business features and how they can support your long-term vision.