July 14, 2023
As Cloud Telephony & Unified Communications specialists, it’s no surprise to us that Microsoft are entering a market that is set to explode over the next 5-10 years.
As users have embraced Cloud for their core IT systems, communications is the next logical step for Cloud, held back previously by high costs and lack of connectivity, this is no longer the case, with these technologies being accessible for most businesses both from a cost perspective and in terms of connectivity to deliver a consistent quality voice service.
As users have embraced Cloud for their core IT systems, communications is the next logical step for Cloud, held back previously by high costs and lack of connectivity, this is no longer the case, with these technologies being accessible for most businesses both from a cost perspective and in terms of connectivity to deliver a consistent quality voice service.
So where does Microsoft Skype for Business fit into the picture?
As in any market Microsoft enters, it’s wise to take notice, having driven the demand for Cloud Services in the IT industry, it’s inevitable that they will be a big player in the communications industry, particularly as Telephony and IT become more and more integrated.
Doesn’t Microsoft have a Unified Communications Offering Already?
The answer to this is, Yes and No!
Many people will be aware of Lync, this is a solution which has been available from Microsoft for a long time now, either as a traditional on-premise solution or as a Cloud Service via Office 365.
Lync delivers services such as presence management, instant messaging and web conferencing. However it always stopped short of offering voice, being reliant on integration with either a traditional on-premise PBX or other third party Cloud telephony services. In short Lync on it’s own does not offer a full Cloud Unified Communications service, it is missing a PBX meaning it cannot deliver telephony services such as Auto Attendant, Ring Groups etc.
Many people will be aware of Lync, this is a solution which has been available from Microsoft for a long time now, either as a traditional on-premise solution or as a Cloud Service via Office 365.
Lync delivers services such as presence management, instant messaging and web conferencing. However it always stopped short of offering voice, being reliant on integration with either a traditional on-premise PBX or other third party Cloud telephony services. In short Lync on it’s own does not offer a full Cloud Unified Communications service, it is missing a PBX meaning it cannot deliver telephony services such as Auto Attendant, Ring Groups etc.
So what Does Skype for Business Offer?
Essentially at this point Skype for Business is no different to Skype (apart from it can’t break out to PSTN), it simply gives presence, Instant messaging, and video to other Skype for Business Users.
As we mentioned at the start Microsoft are clearly posturing to enter the voice market, but their own road map shows a truly hosted PBX within Skype for Business is many years away, with no firm launch date released.
In fact breaking out to PSTN is only being rolled out over the coming years, US end of 2015 and Europe over 2016 into 2017. This means for those who require an UC Platform that includes telephony from one provider this is not an option yet.
Even when it does break out to PSTN (as per the confirmed roadmap), you will still require a PBX, be it an on premise or a hosted platform, in the same way you do with Lync currently, until such time as they release their own hosted PBX.
When available it will no doubt appeal to current adopters of Office 365, offering seamless integration between the different platforms, such as Outlook, and Dynamics.
As we mentioned at the start Microsoft are clearly posturing to enter the voice market, but their own road map shows a truly hosted PBX within Skype for Business is many years away, with no firm launch date released.
In fact breaking out to PSTN is only being rolled out over the coming years, US end of 2015 and Europe over 2016 into 2017. This means for those who require an UC Platform that includes telephony from one provider this is not an option yet.
Even when it does break out to PSTN (as per the confirmed roadmap), you will still require a PBX, be it an on premise or a hosted platform, in the same way you do with Lync currently, until such time as they release their own hosted PBX.
When available it will no doubt appeal to current adopters of Office 365, offering seamless integration between the different platforms, such as Outlook, and Dynamics.
So what about Cloud Telephony Now?
The good news is that if you are looking for a truly Hosted Unified Communications platform, or are interested in the concept, it is already here with a Global, established Cloud Telephony provider that has been gearing up for this shift in technology since the early 2000’s.
These providers have a massive head start in developing their technologies, building loyal customer bases, and integrating with solutions such as CRM, Support Desk, Social Media services , Cloud Contact Centre and even Office 365 (and much more).
As businesses have come to understand the benefits Cloud can deliver with their IT systems, the case for moving Telephony to the Cloud is a very compelling one, dramatically increasing flexibility, eliminating down time, and often reducing costs at the same time.
Microsoft will be late to the party this time, but then they can afford to be, and no doubt have a much longer term strategy, potentially targeting the younger generation that will not have the same memories as many of us do of early Skype conversations.
These providers have a massive head start in developing their technologies, building loyal customer bases, and integrating with solutions such as CRM, Support Desk, Social Media services , Cloud Contact Centre and even Office 365 (and much more).
As businesses have come to understand the benefits Cloud can deliver with their IT systems, the case for moving Telephony to the Cloud is a very compelling one, dramatically increasing flexibility, eliminating down time, and often reducing costs at the same time.
Microsoft will be late to the party this time, but then they can afford to be, and no doubt have a much longer term strategy, potentially targeting the younger generation that will not have the same memories as many of us do of early Skype conversations.