About Skype for Business at IU

On this page:

Overview
Available versions
- Windows
- Mac
Get started
Phones

Overview

Note:

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

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

The capabilities of Skype for Business 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 Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365).

Mac

On macOS, options include:

Skype for Business is included in Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365).
You can download Skype for Business on Mac from IUware. For information about features of Skype for Business on Mac, see Explore Skype for Business.

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 with Indiana University's UniCom service, see Get started with UniCom/Skype for Business or Microsoft Teams at IU.

To learn how to perform common tasks in Skype for Business, see UniCom. Also, see Skype for Business help & learning.

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, your departmental website, or IT People. If you still cannot identify your IT Pro, call the UITS Support Center at 812-855-6789 (Bloomington) or 317-274-4357 (Indianapolis).