Skype for Business is being retired on May 21, 2021

Summary

• Microsoft is retiring Skype for Business in July 2021. The University is moving to Microsoft Teams tools for chat and online calling.
• On Friday, May 21, Yale ITS will decommission all Skype for Business accounts at Yale. 
• You will still be able to chat with a Skype user if they initiate the chat. The system will automatically push the chat through to Teams.
• This retirement will not impact personal Skype accounts. 

Details

ITS updated all managed machines with Teams. If you are not using an ITS-managed computer, visit the Teams web portal using your Yale credentials to download the Teams app.

Teams has similar chat and call functions to Skype:

• Chat 1:1 or with groups and retain your chat history 
• Send and receive chats to Skype users 
• Quickly initiate audio/video calls from chat using your Outlook contacts 
• Transfer calls 
• Set up distinctive ring tones
• Paste images and files directly in the chat 
• Easily use from mobile devices
• Access training links to help navigate the tool

Helpful tutorials to transition to Teams for your chat and call needs:

• Quick Guide   
• Start a Chat
• Formatting Chats & Messages
• Call a Phone Number

Need help?

If you are experiencing an issue or have a question you cannot resolve through the Microsoft Teams service page or Microsoft Training, contact the ITS Help Desk at 203-432-9000. You can also visit the website to view answers to trending questions, search how-to articles, start a chat, or report a problem.