Overview

Skype for Business ("Skype") is an internal instant messaging tool tied to your SPU account and Microsoft Outlook. Basic features include Chat (via Webmail), Video, Conference Calling, and Meetings. 

It was formerly known as "Lync", and was acquired by Microsoft in 2011.

Features

Here are some of the features of Skype:

• Get real-time presence information—including photos, availability status, and location—and enhanced instant messaging (IM) to connect efficiently and effectively.
• Make voice calls through your computer to other Skype users in your organization or in other organizations that use Skype for Business.
• Create, moderate, and join pre-planned and on-the-fly audio, video, and web meetings with people inside and outside your organization.
• Enhance online presentations with screen-sharing and virtual whiteboards.
• Conversations are saved to the "conversations" folder in Outlook.

Designed For

Skype for Business is available to all current faculty/staff, plus current, and former SPU students.  

Getting Started

Skype for Business is already installed on SPU-Managed computers. To locate the program, click on the start button and search for Skype for Business. Searching for Lync will still pull up Skype for Business. Select the program to launch the client. It will automatically sign you into the service.

Skype for Business clients are available for the following devices:

• Windows Phone
• iPad
• iPhone
• Android
• Skype for Business Client (SPU Download Center Current Employees and Students Only)

Former students will not have access to the SPU Download Center, but may use Skype for Business through Webmail, the mobile apps or through the Office Suite if they already downloaded it while they were attending SPU.

Technical Support and Training

Questions about using Skype can be addressed by the CIS Help Desk, at help@spu.edu.  This is a Microsoft product, so online documentation is also available.  

Administration and Maintenance

CIS maintains SPU's Skype instance.