Following the launch of Skype for Business on Windows Phone, Microsoft releases app previews for iOS and Android devices.
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The goal is to help Microsoft better compete in a modern “mobile-first, cloud-first” world by broadening its user base.
The product’s iOS and Android apps are slated to ship later this year. Microsoft’s Cortana has launched on Android.
“We’re different from other solution providers in the marketplace since we’re very closely aligned with Microsoft and have developed the only truly comprehensive full-service software and services offering that focuses exclusively on the Skype for Business platform”, Aggarwal said. Even though Microsoft Office 2013 and Office 365 is now platform agnostic, the only native app for Skype for Business was found on Windows Phone, until today.
It’s now available for selected iOS and Android smartphone and tablet users.
According to The Next Web, the app offers features that show the user’s contacts, recent conversations and upcoming meetings all on their dashboard unlike the normal Skype app which just shows the users recent conversations by default.
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Microsoft is allowing IT admins to nominate up to eight participants (four on iOS, four on Android) within their organizations to participate in the preview. Administrators have to apply by Friday to be considered for the first testing batch. Skype for Business users now benefits from features that include IM, voice and video calls, online meeting management and an integrated Microsoft Office experience that extends to email, calendar and chats. Lastly, you will have to have Lync 2013 for mobile added to your system to join the program. if you are already running Lync, then you will automatically see the update pushed through later in the year.
