Microsoft will end Skype for Business service July 31, 2021. Individuals still using Skype for Business don't need to stop using it yet, but should start reviewing options for what they and their contacts would like to use instead.

Microsoft encourages switching to Microsoft Teams. Teams has chat and meeting features similar to Skype for Business's, and also provides group collaboration and file sharing. To learn more, visit IT@Cornell’s Teams website. For web meetings, Zoom is another option.

A direct mailing to individuals who had any activity in Skype for Business in April will be sent Tuesday, May 4, 2021, informing them of the situation and suggesting options. A list of recipients has been provided to IT Service Group Directors.

Skype for Business and Teams currently work independently at Cornell, so it's possible to start using Teams while continuing to chat or meet in Skype for Business. As July 31 nears, some activities like meetings set up in Skype for Business will switch to Teams to reduce disruption when Skype for Business ends. An update will be provided to individuals still using Skype for Business before changes occur.

Teams is available on many Cornell computers as part of Microsoft Office. Individuals with the ability to install software can download Teams Apps from Microsoft. On some managed computers, Teams is available through Software Center for Windows and Self Service for Mac. Anyone unsure about installing software should check with their IT support provider first.

Training videos produced by Microsoft explain how to make the most of Teams. (Not all features in the videos are available at Cornell.) See also: 

• How to Start a Chat (text) 
• Start and Pin a Chat (video) 
• Make Calls (video)
• Schedule a Meeting in Teams (text)

Register for a live Introduction to Teams training that Microsoft is holding for Cornell Tuesday, May 18, 2021, from 1 to 2pm. (The session will be recorded and a link will be provided on Cornell’s Microsoft Teams website.)

If you have questions, see Skype for Business Shutdown Frequently Asked Questions, or once you're using Teams, you can share questions on Teams Q&A.