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About Skype for Business/Lync at IU

On this page:

Overview

Microsoft has rebranded its unified communications client, Lync, as Skype for Business.

Note:
Skype for Business is distinct from the Skype application for home use.

Use Microsoft Skype for Business/Lync to access Indiana University's UniCom service.

The capabilities of Skype for Business/Lync are integrated with Microsoft Office applications, and include:

  • Chat using instant messaging
  • Make audio or video calls (including audio or video conference calls)
  • Share files
  • Share your desktop
  • See others' availability and manage the information others see about you
Note:
The features you can use depend on which mode you're using, UniCom Basic or UniCom Enterprise Voice; see IU UniCom feature comparison. Students are eligible for UniCom Basic only.

Available versions

Windows

Skype for Business is included in Office 365. The older Lync client is no longer available for Windows at IU. For more about Office 365, see Microsoft Office 365 at IU.

Mac

On macOS, options include:

Note:
Skype for Business on Mac does not yet include file sharing or desktop sharing. If you rely heavily on these features, consider waiting to upgrade to Skype for Business until they are available.

Get started

Before attempting to use Skype for Business or Lync for Mac with Indiana University's UniCom service, see Get started with UniCom/Lync/Skype for Business.

To learn how to perform common tasks in the Skype for Business/Lync client, see the UniCom page. Also, see Microsoft's Skype for Business help pages or the Lync for Mac user guide.

For an introduction to UniCom, including how-to PDFs and videos, see UniCom.

Phones

IU faculty and staff can obtain compatible devices (USB devices or IP phones) by going through their department telecommunications coordinators and/or their IT Pros. For more about available devices, see About office telephone equipment at IU.

If you do not know who your telecommunications coordinator is, at IU Bloomington, call 812-856-2287; at IUPUI, call 317-274-3004. You can also email Communications Planning and Implementation.

Note:
To learn the name of your department's IT Pro, consult your supervisor or your departmental website. If you still cannot identify your IT Pro, call the UITS Support Center at 812-855-6789 (Bloomington) or 317-274-4357 (Indianapolis).

This is document bfmt in the Knowledge Base.
Last modified on 2019-03-08 16:14:45.

Contact us

For help or to comment, email the UITS Support Center.