Discontinuation of the Skype for Business service

Background for the change

Microsoft has chosen to discontinue Skype for Business as a cloud service on July 31, 2021 and only deliver it as a local solution to businesses.

KTH has chosen not to set up a local Skype for Business environment. That means we will discontinue Skype for Business and replace it with Microsoft Teams.

When will we make the change

We will transfer users who used Skype for Business to Teams on July 13, 2021, but we will make Teams available to Skype for Business users on June 17th so we can prepare for service discontinuation.

What will it mean for me

For you as a user, this will mean that you will be logged in to 2 clients, Teams and Skype for Business for some time to come.

Incoming calls, chats scheduled meetings will be redirected to the Teams client, and Skype for Business meetings that you scheduled or received as an invitation will use the Skype for Business client for a transition period. When the transition period is over, you will no longer need to have the Skype for Business client installed as the Teams client will take over that functionality.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Question: Why don't you permanently shut down Skype for Business?
Answer: Unfortunately, we can't do that as there are still companies and government agencies that only use Skype for Business for meetings. 

Question: Will I be able to create scheduled Skype for Business meetings with external ones?
Answer: Unfortunately, you won't be able to create new Skype for Business meetings with external ones, but will only join meetings. If you want to schedule a meeting with external ones, we recommend that you use Zoom or Microsoft Teams for these meetings.

Question: Will I have to have the Skype for Business client installed on my computer?
Answer: Yes you will need to be logged in to both Skype for Business and Teams in order to have meetings/chat after the migration date of meetings that are Skype for Business.

Question: When will I be able to uninstall the Skype for Business client from my computer?
Answer: As long as you have booked Skype for Business meetings booked, you will have to have the Skype for Business client installed and logged in. Skype for Business will also inform you through your client that you've been upgraded to Teams, and after that, you no longer need to be signed in to the Skype for Business client.

Question: How do I install Teams?
Answer: You can learn more about Teams and how to install the client on the following page, Microsoft Teams .

Question: How do I book meetings with external in Teams?
Answer: You can read more about Teams and how to book meetings on the following page, Microsoft Teams .

Question: What happens to my existing Skype for Business meeting bookings?
Answer: On July 13th, these will be converted to Teams meetings. This conversion will mean that those who are going to attend these meetings must either have the Teams client installed or use the web version of Teams to join the meeting.

Question: Will I be able to access my chat history after the migration?
Answer: To access your chat history, you must have the Skype for Business client installed and be logged in to the application.