Microsoft Urges Users To Switch From Skype To Teams Before Shut Down In 6 Months

Microsoft issued a six-month warning to all Skype for Business Online users to switch to Microsoft Teams before they run out of time.

The software giant recently reminded Skype for Business Online users that the intention to retire the solution is getting closer. It is giving them until July 31, 2021, to complete their migration to Microsoft Teams.

The Redmond-based company originally announced its plan to shut down Skype on July 30, 2019. That gave the users of the telecommunication application ample time to prepare for their migration.

One year after the announcement, Microsoft outlined several resources that could help the companies’ transition from Skype for Business to Microsoft Teams. In a tech community post, the software giant mentioned why their customers should migrate to Teams and provided tips on successfully migrating.

Since the call to work remotely and rely on the telecommunications platform increased during the pandemic, Microsoft said it wanted to make sure that its customers plan to migrate to Teams. As such, the advisory was made not only to inform them of the shutting down of Skype. It was also meant to ensure that those who decide to transition have full access to the new platform's benefits.

Microsoft specified a list of training, workshops, and technical guidance that it offers to customers who plan to upgrade. Program offerings include Upgrade Guidance, Planning Workshops, Instructor-led training, and fast track and partner support.

On a Microsoft Teams Blog posted on Feb. 1, the tech giant reminded companies planning for a transition that this season is an important checkpoint to ensure that organizations are on track to upgrade to Teams.

Microsoft acknowledged that while the pandemic has halted many operations and impacted IT personnel's availability, some are making the transition at their own pace. It encouraged companies to take advantage of the time left.

“In fact, there are numerous examples of organizations that have made the upgrade from Skype for Business Online, or hybrid deployments or Skype for Business Server to Teams in a matter of months,” Microsoft said through its blogpost. “With six months until retirement, we encourage you to begin planning today to accommodate the technical, process, and user scenarios that may be unique to your organization,” the software giant added.