Today, the majority of business owners and employees are working on some form of a virtual office. Whether that be Office 365, G-Suite etc. most businesses can’t get away from the need to work, and communicate with team members while they are away from the office. While there are many conferencing services out there that relatively accomplish the same thing, there are slight variations in each service that could ultimately make or break your team’s productivity while working remotely.
As a Microsoft user, your business is familiar with all the same productivity tools such as PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, OneNote etc. Because these tools are easily integrated, your team can sense value knowing they can seamlessly work from one application to the next without worry of disruption.
Why use Skype for Business Conferencing?
Skype for Business is a Microsoft productivity tool that integrates directly with your current Office 365 license while seamlessly working with your various Microsoft applications. Skype for Business enables you to connect to your team from anywhere, while providing the enterprise security, compliance and control that businesses expect from Microsoft. Now you can stop wasting money on expensive, monthly phone bills. Particularly helpful for startups or businesses with smaller budgets, you can now make phone calls and connect with anyone over the Internet! And as far as portability goes, your team can use Skype for Business on any digital device as long as they have a Wi-Fi signal. This truly lets you work from anywhere at anytime!
What are the features in Skype for Business Conferencing?
Skype for Business gives even the smallest of companies an affordable way to manage teams that are on the road. Connect with your team in the Office applications they use everyday. See how Skype for Business can simplify your infrastructure with one platform for calling, conferencing video and sharing!
1. Skype Meetings
Skype Meetings is an online tool that provides audio, video, and web conferencing via the Internet. Available on most mobile devices and all desktops and tablets, easily bring together up to 250 people with one single touch. With all client and staff information already integrated to your current Office 365 applications, go to a meeting from your calendar, schedule a meeting in Outlook, or Skype a client directly.
And if you work better in a visual manor, Multi-party HD video conferencing allows up to 6 people collaborate and work simultaneously while focusing on things you’re doing together even when your apart. Easily share content, desktops screens, applications and PowerPoint presentations with only a few clicks!
2. Skype Meeting Broadcast
Skype Meeting Broadcast extends the reach of Skype Meetings to up to 10,000 people. This feature is best used for webinars or other one-to-many presentations. With integrated controls to manage your guests entire experience, you can add unique URLS to the broadcast to make it easier for your audience to take the next step! Choose when attendees can see video, content or both, no need to learn a second tool.
And if you miss something during a broadcast you can now pause, rewind, and fast forward using the Microsoft Azure integration!
3. Audio Conferencing from Microsoft
Audio Conferencing from Microsoft allows anyone to join your Skype meetings using only a telephone. This is particularly useful for anytime a phone is more convenient than a tablet or any place that does not have Internet access. Easily join the Skype meeting using the dial-in number that is automatically included in every Skype invite. Adding a person to a Skype meeting in real-time is simple too! Just type their phone number in and Skype for Business will dial them for you! You can also use the meeting roster to see who has joined your meeting over the Internet and via phone, here you can see who’s speaking and also mute people in noisy environments if needed.
The Benefits of Using Skype for Business
Probably the most useful tool of all is the ability to transform your small meeting spaces into large conference rooms that are equipped with a rich, collaborative Skype for Business experience that is simple to use and easy to deploy. When you take advantage of Skype for Business your business can begin to:
1. Cut the cost of your business calls with Cloud PBX
By integrating Microsoft Phone System in Office 365 to replace your current PBX system, your company can benefit from low-cost calls – including international calls and calls to mobiles. In addition, your employees can use Skype for Business Online to take care of basic call control tasks, such as placing and receiving calls, transferring calls, and muting and unmuting calls
2. Keep track of your expenses
Skype Manager enables you to manage your Skype accounts centrally. You can set up accounts for your staff, allocate credit and keep track of how much everyone spends – making it easier for you to budget for your calls and identify where savings can be made.
3. Reduce business travel costs
Using Skype can help you and your employees cut down on non-essential business travel. A Skype video call is the perfect replacement for a face-to-face meeting – it’s just as personal as a traditional meeting, but you can schedule it into your normal work day at the office, saving you time and money.