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Skype for Business

Skype for Business is a communications tool which allows staff connect with colleagues and students, both inside and outside the University, in a number of different ways.

About Skype for Businesss

What is Skype for Business?

The first thing to note is that Skype for Business (SfB) is not the same product as Skype. SfB offers a whole range of benefits above and beyond the simple video conferencing that ‘vanilla’ Skype provides. These benefits include:

  • Multi-party Video Conferencing
  • Presence
  • Integration with Office
  • Document / Application Sharing
  •  Instant Messaging
  • Accessible on Mobile Devices

How can I get Skype for Business?

Skype for Business is deployed as part of Office 2016. You can install this via the Software Centre on your computer (type ‘software center’ into your computer’s search box to find this application). Note though, that only machines running Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 have the option to install Office 2016. If you are currently running Windows 7,  please contact 3800@staffs.ac.uk  to request an upgrade to the latest version of Windows.

Once you have Office 2016 installed, you will need to run SfB for the first time in order for it to embed itself onto your device. Important note: If you are asked to log in, then your username needs to be in the format username@staff.staffs.ac.uk.  For example: abc1@staff.staffs.ac.uk.  The password is your normal Windows login password.

Laptops currently in circulation will already have a camera and microphone built in, so all you will need is a set of headphones in order to get going with Video Conferencing (built in laptop speakers can be used, but this is only advised in private areas). If you have a standard PC you will need a separate webcam and headset to use these features. Information Services have identified a standard package that can be purchased through the University’s main suppliers. Please contact your Business Manager in order to progress any requests for these items.

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Using Skype for Business

There are a number of quick guides from Microsoft to get you started with using Skype for Business.

Microsoft Quick Start Guides

In addition there are videos available from lynda.com which provide an overview as well as giving guidance on specific topics.

Lynda.com resources

We have created a short video to help you become familiar with Skype for Business:

 

There are also videos on lynda.com. The whole of the Up and Running with Skype for Business course can be accessed at:

Some of the Skype for Business features which you are most likely to use are covered in the following videos from the Up and Running with Skype for Business course from lynda.com

This training from Microsoft covers a wide range of topics on Skype for Business