Skype for Business Server vs. Online

[Stefan Fried]

Are there any documents available which explain in detail why an organization should setup a Skype for Business infrastructure instead of using the Cloud service ?

i mean to setup and maintain an infrastructure costs always a lot of money.

i'm wondering about the reasons why customers are preferring an on-prem solution.

In addition to that, what are the plans for on-prem version. Is the 2015 Server the last available version for the next years or are there any plans to offer a new SfB Server in the near future ?

thanks

[#2]

There will be some announcements about the next version of Skype for Business both on-premises and in the cloud at Microsoft Ignite in late September.

As for why on-premises vs. cloud really comes down to what you want out of it and where you are located.

For example: if you want to make phone called over the PSTN using Skype for Business and don't live in a country where PSTN Calling is available with Skype for Business Online - then you'll need some on-premises infrastructure in the way of Cloud Connector Edition or a Skype for Business Server set up in hybrid form.

Another example: if you want contact centre integrate, call recording, attendant consoles, or any number of third party solutions - then you'll need to be on-premises.

You can see a comparison of Skype for Business features between Server and Online here: https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/skype-for-business-online-service-description.aspx

Ultimately if you're still not sure then I'd suggest speaking to a Microsoft account manager or technical specialist, or local Skype for Business partner who can help you decide.

[#3]

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@Loryan Strant wrote:

Another example: if you want contact centre integrate, call recording, attendant consoles, or any number of third party solutions - then you'll need to be on-premises.

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This isn't really so if you are prepared to change your call centre, most Skype based call centre apps can be federated to Skype Online e.g. Anywhere365. On premise is for where you have requirements to interface at a SIP level with exisiting services, typically for co-existence.

[#4]

Here is the session at Ignite that will talk about vNext https://myignite.microsoft.com/sessions/53241. Hopefully the content will be available afterwards.

As for reasons why people will still want on-premise is that there could be other integrations that require a Trusted Application (rather than federation). Some organisations aren't ready to move their infrastructure to the cloud and put all their eggs in one basket. Some are just doing Exchange but keeping SfB on premise due to sheer amount of users/traffic/calls they do.

Also with owning your own SfB infrastructure, the good and bad thing is that you are in control of it and the network to an certain degree. You can patch and reboot servers as and when fit's with your requirements rather than taking an upgrade/feature set when the cloud is upgraded. I'm also seeing more private clouds of SfB, so a Service Provider hosting and owning SfB for customers as a dedicated instance.

[#5]

Stefan,

Unfortunately, there is no simple answer. The answer will depend on your specific circumstances. Skype Online may ...

- cost less or cost more than on-premises Skype for Business

-- things to consider: undepreciated assets, Azure Express Route costs, per minute charges associated with some Skype Online services

- provide increased relaiability as compared to an on-prem deployment; especially if you currently don't have a strong operations team OR if you have deployed an under-powered Skype for Business design (too few servers, not enough RAM or CPU, inadequate resiliency)

-- although, some well-staffed on-premises Skype for Business teams I have coached have delivered almost 100% availability

- provide additional functionality for your users

-- this is absolutely the case related to things like Broadcast Meetings; however, Skype Online Call Queues still lack some features compared to on-prem RGS (response group services)

- may provide enhanced security OR may contravene security and data residency rules for your organization

- should eliminate the need to deal with hardware refreshes and patching cycles; although there will likely still be some on-prem hardware (for AD synch or SIP gateways, etc.)

In summary, there is no "silver bullet" or one answer fits all. I have written numerous articles trying to help people make this determination. Here is a single article that steps you through 7 critical steps: http://www.nojitter.com/post/231300501/the-goldilocks-approach-7-steps-to-get-to-just-right (An oldie but goodie. Process is still as relevant today as it was in 2011)

Kevin Kieller, author Success with Skype and Sophisticated Skype

[#6]

Valid point, but region comes into it as well. as for Anywhere365 specifically there is no localised support - so it's a very big risk for anyone who chooses to use it.