For millions of customers around the globe, Microsoft Teams is the preferred communications and collaboration platform, enabling chat, calling, meetings, file sharing, and application integration all from a single, cloud-based application.
However, we understand some customers wish to maintain an on-premises deployment, either as a stand-alone or part of a hybrid configuration with Teams. As such, Microsoft will continue to support Microsoft Lync Server 2013, Skype for Business Server 2015, and Skype for Business Server 2019 through Microsoft’s Fixed Lifecycle Policy that covers customers through Mainstream and Extended Support phases.
Lync Server and Skype for Business Server customers who may be considering a move to the cloud are strongly encouraged to look at Microsoft Teams, our solution for modern work and a core component of most Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Microsoft Teams is where you’ll find our latest innovations to enable modern work for your organization, as well as enterprise-grade accessibility and security. Guidance is available to plan a successful migration from Skype for Business Server 2019 to Teams.
At Ignite 2020, we announced plans for a version-less subscription for an on-premises solution we have been calling “vNext”. We continue to evaluate customer needs for this opportunity and remain committed to supporting Skype for Business Server beyond October 14, 2025, but do not have additional details to share currently. Customers who wish to remain on-premises should plan to upgrade to Skype for Business Server 2019 as this version provides the furthest window for Mainstream Service, the smoothest upgrade to the “vNext” and the easiest path to migrate users to Teams in the future.
End of Support for Skype for Business App SDK
We want to remind customers that along with the retirement of Skype for Business Online in July 2021, the Skype for Business App SDK is no longer supported for either online or on-premises deployments of Skype for Business. We encourage developers using the Skype for Business App SDK to transition to Azure Communication Services (ACS) to enable voice, video, chat, and telephony in your apps along with the ability to join Teams meetings (as a guest).
Stay tuned to this blog post for future news and announcements about Skype for Business Server and be sure to check out the Tech Community Teams Blog for the latest Teams updates.
