Skype for Business, Microsoft’s replacement for Lync, is rolling out to the public

Microsoft released a technical preview of Skype for Business – a replacement for its old business-centric video chat app – nearly a month ago. Now, Skype for business is ready for a full roll-out.

If you need a refresher, Skype for Business carries Skype’s recognizable design, but integrates numerous Lync features, like online meetings, enhanced security, and control tools for IT departments. It also adds communication with any Skype user, which should make it easier to contact users outside of an individual organization.

Users currently using Lync Online in Office 365 will be updated to the new Skype for Business UI in the coming weeks. Administrators can switch between the new and old interfaces if they’re not ready to make the switch to Skype just yet.

Microsoft says Skype for Business is rolling out to Office 365 customers around the world via an update for Office 2013, and that the process should be complete by the end of May.

➤  Skype for Business is here! [Office Blogs]