Skype for Business

Skype for Business icon

Skype for Business is a Unified Communications (UC) service. Currently, this service provides Enterprise Voice, Instant Messaging, Presence, Desktop Sharing and Conferencing for faculty and staff. Skype for Business offers the following functionality.

  • Make voice calls to and from campus, from on premises or remotely, using an IP Phone or a UC Headset
  • Ability to make a video call or conference with other federated Skype users
  • Ability to provide a conference bridge for meetings with external phone users
  • Secure enterprise IM client to quickly and safely communicate with SMU Faculty and Staff
  • Ability to create groups of contacts and conference or IM the entire group
  • Ability to transition from a Skype voice call to a desktop sharing conference or a video conference
  • Ability to view presence of contacts to know when they are available for communication
  • Ability to save IM conversations to Outlook for future reference

Getting Started

The Skype for Business client is available for all faculty and staff to install on their SMU computer and mobile device.

Windows

The latest version of Skype for Business is automatically included in the Office 2016 installer. 

mac OS

Skype for Business is available for download, for office and home, at www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=54108

After clicking the link above:

  1. Skype for Business Download Button
    Click on the Download button to download the installer.
  2. Skype for Business Installer Package
    Double-click on the installer package and follow the instructions.
  3. Skype for Business Install Window
    You should be able to "Install for all users of this computer."

If you are having an issue, please contact the IT Help Desk at 214-768-HELP.

Mobile

SMU now provides support for Skype for Business Mobile clients. Clients are available for Android, iPhone/iPad, and Windows Mobile devices.

Downloads


Settings

The server name is sip.smu.edu.

For Android and Windows mobile devices, you must provide your SMU email address and password.

For iOS devices, the sign in format is your SMU email (example: alias@smu.edu) and your account password.

Video Introduction

Documentation and Training

Video Tutorials (LinkedIn Learning)

Skype for Business Essential Training
with Nick Brazzi

Skype for Business includes instant messaging, audio and video conferencing, online meetings, and screen sharing. In this course, Nick Brazzi shows how to take advantage of all the capabilities of this robust collaboration platform. Nick begins by showing how to install Skype for Business and navigate the interface. Next, he explains how to send instant messages, initiate audio and video calls, and share and present files in a meeting. Plus, Nick demonstrates how to set up scheduled meetings and impromptu gatherings, and covers how to use Skype for Business via mobile apps for iOS and Android.

Learning Skype for Business
with Gini von Courter

This course helps you understand and use Skype for Business, the enterprise version of Microsoft's popular conferencing and communication app. First see what plans are available, then see how to best Skype with contacts. Author Gini Courter also explores the instant messaging (IM), audio, and video features, including how to send files, start and join conversations, and add contacts to existing calls and IMs. Plus, learn to schedule meetings and poll participants, use the presenter toolkit, and connect with mobile devices.

Video: Using Skype for Business with Your SMU Phone Number

This video summarizes how to use Skype for Business to make phone calls from your SMU phone number.

Documentation (Microsoft)