PantherTech Support

What is Skype for Business and what features does it offer?

Skype for Business is a web and video conferencing platform that enables high-definition video conferencing, screen sharing, and instant messaging.

Skype for Business is available on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and PantherMail Web.

Logging into your Office 365 account through the Outlook Web App automatically signs you into Skype for Business. 

Uses for Skype for Business: 

Some good uses for Skype for Business can include:

• Student group project chatting
• Instructor virtual office hours
• Inter-office communication 
  (more secure than third party instant message services)

Downloading the Skype for Business Client:

The Skype for Business client should already be installed on EIU computers with Office 2013 (Windows) or Office 2011 SP4 (Mac). If Skype for Business is not available or you need Microsoft Office updated on your EIU computer, please contact Campus Technology Support at (217) 581-4357 or submit a Support Request form.

Desktop Computers:

You can download the latest version of the Skype for Business client for the Windows or Mac OS X operating systems through the Outlook Web App.

To download the client from Outlook Web App:

1. Log in at https://www.eiu.edu/panthermail/
2. Click the gear in the upper right-hand corner of the browser window. 
3. From the pull-down menu that appears, select Office 365 settings.
4. On the Office 365 settings screen, select software.
5. A Skype for Business screen will appear.
6. Follow the instructions on this screen to download and install the latest version of the Skype for Business client available for your operating system.

Mobile Devices:

iOS

Skype for Business 2013 for iPhone (iTunes store)

Skype for Business 2013 for iPad (iTunes Store)

Android

Skype for Business 2013 for Android (Google Play)

Windows Phone

Skype for Business 2013 for Windows Phone (WindowsPhone.com)

Features offered by Skype for Business:

Skype for Business Web offers:

• HD video, which brings life and expression to Skype for Business, letting people “see what you mean” in new ways.
• Voice over IP (VoIP) so you can connect to your meeting from anywhere without getting hit with call origination fees.
• Instant messaging, which ensures that you can communicate silently when necessary, such as when you’re in a coffee shop or on a train.
• Desktop, application, and PowerPoint sharing so your content can be seen by other meeting participants, enabling you to continue collaborating without missing a beat!
• Screen sharing

Skype for Business Mobile: 

• For a list of features supported on each mobile device, see the Mobile Client Comparison Tables* in the Microsoft TechNet library.

• For known issues, see Skype for Business known issues and go to the Skype for Business Mobile (release) section.

• This page (Mobile Client Comparison Tables) lists the mobile devices for which Skype for Business  mobile apps are available. Also included are links to resources that will help you get started with using Skype for Business on your mobile device.

  NOTE: Items marked with an asterisk (*) are not optimized for mobile devices and are best viewed from a PC.