Microsoft Skype for Business
A Microsoft Skype for Business licence provides organisations with a powerful solution for telephony, video conferencing and content sharing. Skype for Business Server enables efficient, secure and device-independent business communication, whether employees are working in the office, from home or on the move. By choosing pre-owned licences, organisations can benefit from a cost-effective solution while integrating Skype seamlessly into their existing IT infrastructure.
Which Skype for Business licences are available?
To use Skype for Business, organisations generally require two types of licences:
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Server Licence: Authorises the installation and operation of Skype for Business Server within your IT environment.
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Client Access Licences (CALs): A CAL is required for each user or device that needs access to the server.
Skype for Business is available in several versions, most notably Skype for Business 2015 and Skype for Business 2019. The newer version offers enhanced functionality, improved security and closer integration with other Microsoft services.
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Skype for Business Features Compared with Microsoft Teams
Skype for Business is a well-established business communication platform and includes features such as:
- VoIP telephony: Internet-based calling with internal and external connectivity
- Video conferencing: Online meetings with screen sharing, recording capabilities and participant management
- Instant messaging and presence information: Direct communication with colleagues and visibility of availability status
- Microsoft integration: Seamless integration with Outlook, Exchange and Microsoft Office
- Secure infrastructure: Deployment on your own servers or in the cloud, depending on your licensing model
While Skype for Business focuses primarily on communication and meetings, Microsoft Teams extends these capabilities by providing a comprehensive collaboration platform.
Skype for Business and End of Support
Support for Skype for Business Server 2019 ends on 14 October 2025. Mainstream support ended on 9 January 2024, and the product has since been in extended support. Microsoft recommends Microsoft Teams as the successor platform, which is already included in many Microsoft 365 plans. At the same time, Microsoft has announced a new version, Skype for Business Subscription Edition (SE). For organisations that wish to continue using Skype for Business, pre-owned licences remain an attractive, legally compliant and cost-effective option, even beyond the official support period.
Benefits of Used Skype for Business Licences
Choosing pre-owned Skype for Business licences offers several advantages:
- Cost savings: Pre-owned licences are significantly less expensive than new licences, with potential savings of up to 80 %.
- Legal compliance: All licences are verified, fully documented and compliant with applicable legal requirements, including audit readiness.
- Immediate availability: Licences are typically available without delay and can be integrated quickly into existing environments.
- Sustainability: Reusing software helps conserve resources and supports environmental responsibility.
- Flexibility: Licensing can be tailored precisely to current requirements and expanded as needed.
- Seamless integration: Fully compatible with existing Microsoft environments, including Office, Exchange and Teams.
- Scalability: Suitable for organisations of all sizes, from small teams to large enterprises.
Request a Used Microsoft Skype for Business Licence
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