Social media and online communication continues to amaze us at every turn.

It seems like every day I wake up and check my phone, there is a new app or advertisement telling me that there is yet another way that I can communicate via the web.

I’m sure that we’re all familiar with the classic social media communications tools such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Spiceworks, Google+, Snapchat, etc…

Heck, I’m sure we can admit that we use at least one of these on a daily basis, and I’m also sure that we depend on at least one of these to communicate with just about everyone we know.

Do Kids Even Know What a Landline Is?

I honestly couldn’t tell you the last time I used classic technology, such as landline, to communicate with anyone.

In fact, most children today have at least a cell phone or a tablet, so I think we can say that the “old school” methods of communication are slowly but surely coming to an end. In the past two decades the world has seen more online communications tools come to life than at any other point in history; one of which is a software communication platform called Skype.

Now, I know, you’re going to say, “Skype has been around for a while now – it’s nothing new,” but let’s stop right there and really think about that.

Yes, the free version of Skype has existed since about 2003, however, around the beginning of this year, a new form of Skype emerged called “Skype for Business”.

So, naturally, questions like, “What is Skype for Business?” and, “What’s the difference between the two?” typically arise; and since I am one of those people who asked, I decided to find out.

Comparing Skype and Skype for Business

Both Skype and Skype for Business are web based software platforms that specifically utilize VoIP communication methods in order to provide clear communicative power via the internet.

The differences between the two are solely these:

Skype (Free Version)

• It’s Free – simply download the program to your computer, mobile device, tablet, or gaming device to begin using it immediately. (Download Here)
• Group Calls – you can have up to 25 people on group audio calls at one time – pretty cool, right?
• Mobile to Landline – make calls from your mobile phone using your Skype app to directly call a landline phone via the internet.

Skype for Business

• Not Free – Skype for Business is now the new name for Microsoft Lync, as Skype was bought by Microsoft in 2011; meaning that it is now a part of the Microsoft family and is the new instant communication application that works alongside the Microsoft Office Suite. The cost per user for Skype for Business is only $2.00/mo – which really isn’t much considering what you’re getting.
• Group Calls – You can meet with up to 250 people via Skype for Business – even if the people you want to meet with don’t have it themselves. All you’d need to provide them with is the call-in number and access information and you’re ready to go.
• Secure – Skype for Business is protected by strong authentication and encryption methods that provide the security needed to produce and archive private communications. As a Skype for Business provider, you would be able to control your user’s accounts – allowing you to remove subscriptions and enable features that will accommodate any user’s collaboration needs.
• Reduce Cost – By being able to utilize PBX and/or VoIP phone systems, you will be able to significantly reduce the cost of communication, and also will be able to support services like voice, video, and online conferencing on one, unique platform.

More information about the differences between Skype and Skype for Business can be found on Skype’s Website if you still have more questions, you can even reach out to Microsoft to find out more about Skype for Business’ capabilities.

In the meantime, stay tuned for more information about Skype for Business from VoIP Supply as we begin to unravel its mysteries. Coming soon we’ll discuss how current Microsoft Lync users can transition their current account over to a Skype for Business account.