The impending shutdown of Skype has enormous ramifications for businesses around the globe. Most organizations’ favored communication solution is the rapidly maturing Microsoft Teams. As a replacement for Skype, Teams has features that make it more modern, user-friendly, and conducive to the kinds of streamlined, digital-first operations that businesses are increasingly pursuing. So, in this guide, we cover what you need to know about the shift from Skype to Teams.
Why the Skype Shutdown is Important for Businesses
Skype has been a fixture in the world of business communication. Nevertheless, Microsoft has chosen to phase it out in favor of Teams, and businesses now need to prepare for the transition to keep any Skype services from being disrupted. Suppose your company has used Skype, especially for voice and video calls, messaging, and collaboration. In that case, you should get to know Teams, as it’s its replacement in the Microsoft cloud. When it comes to integrated file sharing and spaces for collaboration, as well as fundamental security, Teams offers more. At the same time, Skype provides some essential services on those same fronts.
Why does this matter?
- At the end of support, Skype will no longer send updates, bug fixes, or security patches to businesses.
- Disruption to the business: Continuing to utilize Skype puts your company at potential risk for any number of disruptive technical problems. In contrast, Skype’s support continues to drop. And what kind of problems could occur when relying on an unsupported platform?
- Chance to get better: The shutdown gives us the opportunity to switch to a more advanced platform with more features, such as Microsoft Teams.
What You Need to Know About Transitioning to Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is far more than a stand-in for Skype. It’s a full-fledged collaboration powerhouse that works with (and sometimes within) Office 365 apps, has cloud storage spots, and knows how to get along with many different tools. Key elements to know about Teams:
- Chat, video conferencing, file sharing, and task management—thanks to Teams. There may not be a more explicit example of unified communication in action.
- Office 365 and other Microsoft tools integrate so well with Teams that it’s possible to create an almost entirely seamless workflow. Truly, Teams is even more impressive when considered part of the larger Office 365 ecosystem.
- Security on the advanced level: Microsoft Teams protects your data and communications through multi-factor authentication, encryption, and rigorous adherence to the most pertinent industry regulations.
The move to Microsoft Teams from Skype is more than just switching to new software. It’s not a direct substitute for Skype’s communication and collaboration capabilities.
Steps to Prepare Your Business for the Skype Shutdown
Moving from Skype to Microsoft Teams necessitates a few essential actions to keep your business functioning smoothly during the switch. Here’s how to get ready:
Assess Your Current Skype Usage
Determine how your company employs Skype. This includes the apparent kinds of communication with clients and the many less visible ways in which Skype is used internally. Its applications are numerous and varied, and there is a good chance you are using them. Identify those uses and make a plan to reconstitute them in Teams.
Choose the Right Microsoft Teams Plan
Different businesses have different requirements for collaborating with their employees and customers. Microsoft Teams satisfies this need by offering several plans. Be sure to select one that is compatible with your company’s size and budgetary constraints.
Plan for Data Migration
Examine your current data on Skype, which entails assessing the chat history, call logs, and shared files. Then, devise a plan to migrate said data into Teams. Do this securely so as not to endanger any of the shared files. Also, ensure continuity so that the data on these platforms functions like those on the old platforms.
Prepare for Device and Software Updates
Verify that all staff devices and programs are compatible with Teams. This means updating all operating systems, downloading the Teams app, and checking that the requisite hardware (headsets, cameras) meshes with the platform.
Communicate the Change
Let your team know about the changeover well in advance. By informing them earlier rather than later, you can avoid many misunderstandings and ensure everyone is ready for the new way.
How Managed IT Services Can Simplify Software Transitions
Software migrations can be intricate, particularly when moving to a large-scale application like Microsoft Teams. Managed IT services can ease this process by providing the following.
- Tailored Solutions: Companies can tailor Microsoft Teams to their business needs within managed IT services, guaranteeing that the platform is optimized to serve their workflow.
- Best Practices: IT professionals can provide guidance on the most effective and efficient way to carry out a migration. They can ensure that alternate paths are considered and the new environment is set up for success.
- Managed services offer ongoing support—”Ensuring a smooth transition with no major disruptions.” This pretty much covers everything we said before. It is what it is.
Utilizing managed IT services allows you to lessen the stress of migrating and guarantee a smooth and efficient transition from Skype to Teams.
The Role of Cloud Solutions in Migrating to Microsoft Teams
The application of Microsoft Teams, which functions as a tool for cloud communication, relies on a potent cloud infrastructure to operate, where real-time collaboration takes place. Your business, which has migrated to communication over Teams, must have its cloud systems tailored to how Teams operates.
- Scalability: As your company expands, cloud solutions can grow with it. You can add more users and storage when necessary.
- Flexibility: You can access Teams from anywhere—the office or your home office.
- Data Storage: Effectively securing your data in the cloud guarantees ease of access and a safe environment. At the same time, you move to the new cloud architecture.
With the appropriate cloud infrastructure in place, your organization can realize a smooth transition to using Microsoft Teams and can use Teams more effectively and efficiently.
Keeping Your Data Safe with Cybersecurity During Migration
One of the significant worries in any move to a new software platform is security. When a company switches from Skype to Microsoft Teams, it must ensure that all sorts of delicate information—client conversations, project paperwork, even the nitty-gritty of daily business—remains under wraps and out of the hands of anyone who might misuse it. Here are some ways to do that.
- Data Backup: Ensure all data linked to Skype is backed up before moving to Teams.
- Control Who Sees What: During the move, ensure only authorized personnel have access to sensitive info, so nobody’s committing a data breach and living on the edge.
- Encrypt Your Data: Ensure your business data is secure by configuring Microsoft Teams to use strong encryption.
An IT provider specializing in cybersecurity can help you move to the cloud safely. They will work with you to prevent data loss or breaches and secure your assets in the cloud.
Enhancing Communication with Cloud Phone Systems After Skype
Individuals who use Skype for business often depend on it for voice and video calling. With Teams, these functions are greatly enhanced, and you have the added benefit of cloud phone system integration. After you’ve migrated to Microsoft Teams, you can:
- Allow VoIP: Microsoft Teams allows businesses to make calls directly through its interface using VoIP, or Voice over IP. This lets companies use Teams for chat and video communication and for actual voice calls. Teams is a highly scalable platform that can be used for chats, video conferences, or voice calls for small to huge groups.
- Integrate with Current Telephone Framework: Teams can merge with your current corporate phone framework, allowing a gentler shift from ordinary telephones to Microsoft Teams.
- Handle Calls and Conferences: Teams offers enhanced features such as voicemail, call forwarding and call queues.
This improved communication functionality is a strong alternative to Skype’s voice and video features, making it easier for teams to stay in touch.
Training Your Team to Maximize Microsoft Teams Features
Training your team on the new platform is essential to ensure a successful migration. Microsoft Teams has many features that might not be immediately intuitive for all users. Keep the following in mind:
- Provide Hands-On Training: Conduct training sessions for employees to experience the fundamental aspects of Teams. These aspects include chatting, sharing files, and conducting meetings in a virtual space.
- Create Quick Reference Guides: Provide simple instructions or videos on using Teams and its advanced features effectively.
- Offer Ongoing Support: Provide continuous assistance to staff members post transition. This can come from either IT personnel or Microsoft support.
A well-trained team will maximize Microsoft Teams’ features and improve business productivity.
Common Challenges When Switching from Skype to Teams and How to Solve Them
Making the shift from Skype to Teams can be challenging for some users. Challenges might include:
- Resistance from Users: Some employees may resist the transition. To counteract this, ensure that you communicate clearly about the benefits of Microsoft Teams and provide adequate training.
- Data Migration Problems: Moving large amounts of data from Skype to Teams can be a real problem. An IT pro could securely and efficiently do it.
- Software or Compatibility Issues: An IT expert can diagnose and correct the issues and ensure all systems work together with Teams.
Benefits of Microsoft Teams for Small and Large Businesses
Microsoft Teams caters to companies of all sizes, providing them with specific advantages.
- Enhanced Teamwork: Instant document distribution and joint workspaces let connected teams work steadily and synchronously.
- Cost-Effective: Teams eliminate the need for multiple communication tools such as Skype, Slack, and Zoom, making it a cost-effective solution for business communication.
- Scalability: Regardless of your business’s size, Microsoft Teams can be adapted to your needs, whether you are an individual or a company with many teams.
Microsoft Teams offers numerous advantages, making it an ideal solution for organizations that want to boost communication and productivity.
How Procision Provides Expert Support for a Smooth Transition
Here at Procision, we focus on assisting organizations in the smooth transition to Microsoft Teams. We accomplish this with a specialist team that offers the following services:
- Comprehensive Assistance: From the initial stages of migration to the steps with which one will require assistance afterward, we are there for you.
- Data protection: We ensure that your information is transferred properly and that your systems are working correctly and set up for future performance.
We customize Microsoft Teams to fit your business needs. We ensure that your move to Microsoft Teams is smooth and efficient, causing as little disruption as possible to your business operations. We also offer ongoing managed IT services to keep your installation running well after the changeover.
Why Moving to Microsoft Teams is a Long-Term Investment
Changing platforms from Skype to Microsoft Teams is a better strategy for future-proofing your communication channels. Teams is constantly advancing, with new features added constantly, allowing businesses to stay at the forefront of platform-based communication.
- Boosted Productivity: The sleek tools and improved collaboration features enable your team to work more efficiently.
- Prepared for the Future: Microsoft keeps pushing the envelope with new ideas. As a result, Teams keeps moving ahead, too, bringing along fresh tools and features that give your business even more opportunities to collaborate.
- Cost Savings: Consolidating all your communication tools into one platform can lower your IT overhead and licensing costs, saving your business a lot of money.
Transitioning to Microsoft Teams is not only a requirement because Skype’s demise has occurred; it is also an astute business move that positions the company for growth and success long into the future.
Embracing the Future of Communication
The Skype shutdown presents both a challenge and an opportunity for businesses. By transitioning to Microsoft Teams, you can modernize your communication systems, enhance productivity, and ensure your business stays secure and efficient. Proper preparation, support from managed IT services, and understanding the benefits of Teams will enable your business to make the most of this transition.
