Phone calling for NAU is moving into Microsoft Teams
Microsoft is retiring Skype for Business, meaning organizations and universities alike are migrating phone functions fully into Microsoft Teams.
- Skype for Business
- Microsoft Teams
- Ongoing Projects
Why is this happening?
Microsoft recently announced the retirement of Skype for Business, meaning organizations that relied on the service for phone functions will need to move all phone features into Microsoft Teams. While many university users already leverage Microsoft Teams for their daily work, NAU is working to fully migrate the university’s phone service into Teams in preparation for the discontinuation of Skype for Business.
What can I expect?
To migrate the entirety of NAU into Microsoft Teams, we’ll be breaking out the migration into smaller batches throughout 2024. Our project team will be reaching out with additional information and resources to help guide users through the migration process.
During a migration, a user won’t need to take any additional action unless instructed to do so by ITS, and won’t need to be physically present for a migration. The migration will happen overnight, and upon the next working day, phone functions will be immediately available for use within Microsoft Teams. However, some desk phones and common area phones may need to be replaced or reconfigured.
To ensure a successful migration, our support staff will be on-site the morning after migration to support users getting set up with Teams, and replacing or reconfiguring any legacy hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will happen to my phone service?
All phone functions will be moved from Skype for Business into Microsoft Teams. You’ll be able to make and receive calls, leave and receive voicemails, as well as any other telephony tasks you previously used now within Microsoft Teams.
What will happen to my desk phone or headset?
Moving forward, NAU’s preferred phone hardware will be the headset. Desk phones that don’t support calling within Microsoft Teams may need to be replaced or reconfigured, and by default will not be replaced by ITS. If you feel that you have a business justification to maintain a desk phone, send us an email.
Why can’t I keep my desk phone—what will I use to make phone calls?
Rather than an NAU user needing a desk phone to complete phone tasks in Skype, Microsoft Teams allows users to complete phone calls and other phone tasks with only an NAU computer, or a mobile device. Users can use headsets, headphones with microphones, or webcams to complete phone calls—even just your computer’s built-in microphone and speakers will allow you to complete phone calls. Users can also take advantage of the Microsoft Teams mobile app for calling, as well.
Have a question not listed above?
Contact our ITS Service Desk and ask any questions you may have regarding the migration from Skype to Teams.