In April 2015, Microsoft unleashed Skype for Business, and Skype beta features replaced its Lync services. Now, Microsoft has unleashed 3 new Skype for Business services including PSTN Conferencing, Cloud PBX with PSTN Calling and Skype Meeting Broadcast.

Microsoft said in an official statement “The Office 365 Skype for Business voice and video services are based on an intelligent real-time network, spanning Microsoft’s global data centers, to deliver secure, high quality voice and video traffic at the speed of light across the globe.”

BJ Haberkorn, Skype’s Business Product Marketing Director said “The 10,000 [users] number is our first release target, where we’re going to aim all of our testing to ensure that we’re really delivering at enterprise grade.”

Details of 3 new Skype for Business services

1. PSTN Conferencing
This service will allow users who are invited to Skype for Business meeting to join by dialling in using a landline or mobile phone. Users can also add members to the Office 365 Skype suit, just by dialling out on their numbers and they will be added to the ongoing Skype call. Initially the service will be available to customers in the United States only.

2. Cloud PBX with PSTN Calling

Cloud PBX with PSTN Calling will provide users the ability to make and receive traditional phone calls within Skype for Business. Users will also be able to manage the calls with additional features like holding the call, transferring the call and forward the call. This service will also be available only in the US, but the company is planning to ship Cloud PBX to users globally later this year, along with a configuration option for customers to use existing phone lines for inbound and outbound calling.

3. Skype Meeting Broadcast

This new feature by Skype will allow users to broadcast a Skype for Business meeting on the web to up to 10,000 users and they can also access the call through their web browsers, without the need of any additional plugins. Skype Meeting Broadcast service has been designed in such a way that it makes it easier to host large virtual meetings like “Public Webinars”. This feature is available globally while the other features are limited to the US.

Microsoft has unleashed 3 new Skype for Business services to improve the existing services and add new customers. In addition to these new services, AT&T, Orange Business Services, Telstra, TATA Communications, Vodafone and Verizon have all confirmed that they will deliver direct connections to Office 365 Skype for Business customers later this year.