On April 14, 2015, Microsoft will start to deliver updates that will switch all Lync clients and servers to the rebranded Skype for Business. Microsoft is giving customers a short window to apply the updates, stating that the Lync 2013 client will be updated with Skype for Business through the April Office update will roll it out to all customers by the end of May. The company has offered some PowerShell cmdlets to help those administering Lync Online and Lync 2013 to delay the update to ensure testing can be done.
Microsoft has spent a lot of time talking about the switch for businesses, speaking only about Office 365 Pro Plus, Office 365 Business and Premium, and Office 2013. So, it was interesting when I was asked about Lync Basic. Microsoft has provided no statement for this piece of Lync.
Lync Basic is a limited version of Lync. It provides the base components of Lync functionality including instant messaging, audio and video calls, Lync Meetings, availability information, and sharing capabilities. But, it doesn’t include things like advanced call features, calendar delegation, gallery video view, OneNote sharing, Recording, Skill search, and VDI, which are business features.
So, I asked Microsoft about the future of the Lync Basic client and my contact confirmed:
…Lync Basic will take the same update as the Lync client.
There's still a short bit of time until the switchover happens, and if you've not yet, you should grab the Skype for Business client preview to get a good feel for what to expect.
