At the heart of successful businesses is the fundamental need for clear communication. In the past years, as many work environments have had to transition to online meetings in order to stay in touch, applications such as Microsoft Skype and Microsoft Teams have become increasingly popular. This article will take a closer look at both platforms to see which is most suited to your organization’s professional collaboration needs.

What is Microsoft Skype?

Skype is a Microsoft application that is thought to be one of the most effective VoIP (voice over Internet Protocol) solutions currently on the market. In addition to voice messaging capabilities, Skype also offers users many popular features for more effective communications, such as group video calls, one-on-one chats, instant messaging, caller ID, and file sharing. This application works on computers, tablets, and mobile devices. Millions of people around the globe currently rely on Skype for personal and professional communications.

Why use Skype?

Skype has been around for nearly two decades, and during this time has become one of the most popular remote communication tools on the market. Here are just a few reasons people like connecting via Skype:

  • Price: Skype, as well as Skype for Business, are very affordable. Skype is currently free to use, and Skype for Business costs only $2/user as a starting price. In addition, for those who place a call to a cell phone or company line using Skype, the cost is also very low. The standard calling rate for most Skype calls is one cent/minute. Additionally, Skype plans for $15/month are available for those with frequent calling needs. These plans allow calling to 63 countries.
  • Security: Security measures, such as end-to-end encryption, ensures that conversations that occur on Skype will remain private.
  • Convenience: Skype can connect to both mobile devices as well as landlines.
  • Collaboration tools: With the help of screen sharing options, Skype users can exchange images, presentations, files, or other important documents.
  • Video & audio recording: It’s possible to record meetings that take place on Skype.
  • Messaging options: Smart messaging with the help of @mentions allows Skype users to immediately react to messages and better connect with one another.
  • Features: Skype provides an array of helpful communication tools, like live subtitles, real-time language translation, and the ability for users to create surveys or photos.
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Because it is part of the Microsoft suite of applications, Skype can integrate with Microsoft applications such as Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and Word.

What is Microsoft Teams?

Microsoft Teams is part of the Microsoft 365 family of applications. It was designed to facilitate collaborations between individuals and groups. Those using Teams can connect with others in several ways, such as by video, voice, chat boxes, and file sharing. Since its launch in 2017, Microsoft has regularly updated Teams to continue to meet the needs of its ever-growing user base. 

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, many in-person jobs were forced to transition to the online format. This led to a significant jump in the need for reliable communication tools that could keep everyone connected. During this time, Teams worked regularly, often on a daily or weekly basis, to add new features to the application.

Why use Teams?

It’s more essential than ever for individuals and groups to be able to connect remotely. With the help of Teams, teachers can connect with students, project managers can reach out to team members to keep track of progress, and friends and family members around the globe can meet virtually to stay in touch. Many helpful features are available in Teams to facilitate these communications:

  • Channels. Collaboration in Teams is possible using various channels. Standard channels are publicly accessible to all interested in joining, whereas private channels are available for users wishing to discuss a specific topic. When connecting in private channels, the channel owner controls who can join the team.
  • Storage. File storage is available in all Teams channels. File tabs are available to help Teams users quickly locate the desired file. When a channel is deleted, its content is still available on a site on SharePoint, ensuring its content is still accessible.
  • Bots. Automated T-Bots enable users to pose questions and receive timely answers.
  • Chat. There are two kinds of chats available in Teams: one-on-one and group chats. In addition, priority flagging, emojis, and file-sharing options are also offered during chats to help increase user engagement.
  • Security. Nearly all data in Teams channels are recorded and can be accessed using Microsoft’s eDiscovery tools. This ensures that regulatory constraints are followed.
  • Meetings. Video conferencing for up to 250 people is available for any Teams session.
  • Calling. Teams allows users to place outgoing calls.
  • Tabs: In order to navigate channel content, Teams provides three default tabs:
    • The Files tab stores the documents that were shared with users in a channel.
    • The Wiki tab provides a smart text editor for creating or editing notes.
    • The Posts tab saves all chats from a specific channel.
    • Customized tabs can also be added as needed.

In addition, Teams recently began allowing third-party integrations with providers like Asana, Polly, ZenDesk, and CalendarHero. Users can access these apps from live meetings, calendars, or channels. Since Teams is part of the Microsoft suite, it easily integrates with other Microsoft 365 apps. For example, content from Excel, Word, OneNote, or PowerPoint can be managed within Teams channels, and calendar scheduling is possible by connecting with Outlook. 

Which Comes out Ahead?

When deciding whether to use Microsoft Skype or Teams, there are a few variables to consider before selecting which is best for your needs. While both apps are offered by Microsoft and have many similar features, there are a few differences as well. In terms of pricing, Skype and Teams are free to use for basic plans, but those hoping to purchase more advanced business options will have to pay additionally for this option. Security-wise, Skype encrypts instant messaging and all video, file, and voice transfers, whereas Teams provides users with additional security features, such as allowing them to establish their own content retention policies. 

For organizations with fewer than 20 employees, Skype is a good option, since it is intuitive to use and has been around for almost twenty years. On the other hand, since Skype has limited functionality, it’s not a great match for larger businesses that have more robust communication needs. 

Get Started Learning Microsoft Office with Hands-on Classes

Learning the ins and outs of Microsoft Office can open professional doors across industries, as well as lead to upward career mobility. A great way to begin learning about Microsoft Office is to sign up for one of Noble Desktop’s Microsoft Office courses. These small group classes are offered in-person in Manhattan, as well as in the live online format. For students and professionals on the go, there are also in-person and live online Microsoft Office courses available through Noble Desktop or one of its affiliate schools. A variety of course options are offered, ranging in duration from three hours to three days and costing between $219 and $1,785. You can also browse in-person Microsoft Office classes in a city near you.