Microsoft Ignite 2016
Free Download2Pager update on Skype4B post Microsoft Ignite 2016.
Microsoft used to host the Lync Conference which was dedicated to ... Lync. That conference has folded into the larger Microsoft Ignite conference which covers the entire enterprise portfolio. Skype4B wasn't even mentioned in the opening 2 hour keynote, but to be fair they did demo a Surface Hub and one touch meetings (powered by Skype4B).
Actually, there was quite a bit of content at Ignite on Skype4B. Overall the solution is becoming more complete with significant progress in video conferencing, support on non-MS devices, and a clear commitment to cloud and global UCaaS.
Many of the vendors that transitioned from premises to cloud simply hosted their server products in a data center with a per seat/month model. That was effectively the strategy Microsoft provider partners took. Skype4B Online is based on a totally different and new product. Microsoft is taking an evolved approach to its development - for example the beleaguered Response Group feature will never likely appear in the cloud. Instead Microsoft has announced a new Call Queues feature for its cloud customers.
Download this complementary 2Pager for more information on Skype4B and the Ignite conference. An extended version of this report is available.