We are quickly approaching the kickoff of our migration from Skype for Business to Microsoft Teams. The migrations will occur from July through August. Here are a few things you need to know as we begin.
Skype for Business Clients will stop working
Once an account is migrated to Teams, the Skype for Business client will no longer allow you to login. If you use Skype for Business for phone service or for messaging/screensharing, you will need to move to Teams this summer. You can move anytime as Teams should already be installed on SMU computers.
Screen sharing impacted between Skype and Teams
While instant messaging will continue to work between users on Skype and users on Teams during the migration, some of the functions like screen sharing will no longer work.
Click to Call vs Dialing an Extension
The TEAMS desktop client offers two ways to call someone. If you dial the extension using the dial pad, it will connect to the recipient using their Skype phone if they have not yet migrated or their Teams client if they have. However, if you use the click-to-call feature, the call will default to a Teams to Teams call. It will ring in their Teams client (if they are logged in) or go to voicemail. It won’t ring their Skype phone if initiated using click to call.
Handset vs Headsets
If you have a current handset, that will no longer work after your account is migrated. Several surveys were sent to determine if you would like to receive a new handset device or switch to a headset. Based on your response (or non-response) to that survey, our team will deliver the appropriate device to your location one week prior to your migration. We will make multiple attempts to deliver the device. We know many employees will be out of the office during our delivery times. If we do not connect with you during the delivery week, you can always pick up a device from the IT Help Desk.
Conference Room and Common Area Phones
Any phones located in conference rooms or in common areas will also be moved to Teams and OIT staff will be responsible for upgrading these devices throughout campus.
Migration Schedule and Communication Plan
We compiled a migration schedule that takes into consideration office location, departments, and shared accounts. You will receive multiple emails prior to your migration. We will send one three weeks in advance, one week in advance, and one day prior to your migration. The migration will take place around 5:30 a.m. and be completed around 7 a.m.
If you do not currently have SMU voice service but use the Skype client for instant messaging, your account will be migrated in early June. When that migration occurs, you will no longer be able to sign into Skype but will need to start using Teams.
Our migration schedule will be posted once we are cleared to begin the migrations. Please note that if you have an executive phone, we will be reaching out to you to arrange your migration at a time that works best for you.
UPDATE 06/12/2024: Post updated with clarifications of dates.
