![skype for business end of life skype for business end of life](https://mle39qlbnxio.i.optimole.com/qRzFlWQ.lzQU~85ce/w:auto/h:auto/q:100/https://telecommetric.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/skype-for-business-end-of-life.jpg)
![skype for business end of life skype for business end of life](https://176g4u2eqkgm30b0371yje33-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/SkypetoTeamsBlog-280x180.jpg)
#SKYPE FOR BUSINESS END OF LIFE UPGRADE#
In most cases, it is better to upgrade users to a new platform in small groups rather than flip the switch for an entire agency in one go - managing risk is much easier that way. Agencies must also ensure that the new platform meets any regulatory standards required for storing and transmitting communications. In the technical stages of the project, always have a rollback plan or an alternative means to provide critical functionality in case of a failure. The framework should also include a risk mitigation plan risks can be both technical and connected to user acceptance. For example, if an agency is migrating from Skype for Business Online to Microsoft Teams, Microsoft already has a framework to adopt and rely on. Start by looking at the vendor of the destination platform. A structured framework will provide both the governance required for a successful project and make sure business and IT goals are aligned. If a framework that’s already been tried and tested exists, there’s no point in reinventing the wheel. Once the project goals have been established, agency IT staff can understand both the technical steps required to move to the new platform and how users will be impacted. Orchestrating a complex migration and completing it on time is always challenging. Will there be a full, immediate transition to the new platform? Will a team coexist on both platforms for a while? Whatever the plan, make sure that the two platforms have parity among features. Once the stakeholders are identified, establish the goals of the project. This might include the CIO’s office, IT professionals, project managers and someone responsible for managing user adoption. Like any project, transitioning to a new collaboration tool should be supported by key people with a vested interest in its success. No matter what collaboration tool an agency intends to transition to, careful planning and communication will provide a successful outcome. But moving to a new collaboration platform, whichever one it is, isn’t without complications. When Skype for Business Online reaches end of life in July 2021, Microsoft expects agencies will migrate to Teams, its replacement.