Frequently Asked Questions
Your Skype for Business contact address is your userid@sunderland.ac.uk (ab0abc@sunderland.ac.uk)
Skype for Business is an easy-to-use interface that allows users to communicate through text chat, voice calls, video calls and online meetings. You can use Skype for Business from nearly any Windows PC or mobile device (Lync on Macs), on campus or anywhere in the world you have Internet access.
Skype-to-Skype communication is a term we use to denote a direct connection between two Skype for Business clients for the purposes of voice, video, chat and/or desktop sharing. Skype-to-Skype communication does not use the campus or public telephone network.
We always recommend a wired connection instead of wireless, as it will provide a much more consistent and reliable experience with real-time audio and video applications. However, Skype for Business audio and video can work well over wireless networks given sufficient signal strength and available capacity.
It depends on the other organisation. The University of Sunderland has implemented "open federation," which means you can connect with other Skype for Business users at more than 800 institutions around the world that also have open federation. If you're not sure if the other person's organisation has open federation, contact them first by phone or email to ask. If the organisation has open federation, you can add users in that organisation to your Skype for Business Contacts list by adding their Skype for Business address to your contacts list. Then, use Skype for Business to chat and make voice and video calls just as you do with other University of Sunderland Skype for Business users. You can also find Skype users within the contact list, so if your friends or family use Skype you can add the as contacts too.
If you are using a UDS machine, IT Services will send the Skype for Business software you need to your machine, you can find how to install the software here. If you require the software for your mobile device, you will need to search for Skype for Business in your appropriate app store. You can find further information on how to configure the Skype for Business software on your device here.
The Skype for Business mobile client is compatible with iOS, Android and Windows phones and tablets. You will need to download the Skype for Business mobile client from the appropriate app store for your device. More information about Skype for Business for mobile devices is available on Microsoft's Skype for Business website.
If you sign in via a UDS machine, the system should log you in automatically. When using either a mobile device or the Skype for Business client on a personal device you will need to provide login details the first time you use the software, your username is youruniversityuserid@sunderland.ac.uk, click advanced options and add uni\youruniveristyuserid
Skype for Business will work with built-in speakers, microphones and cameras, however, we recommend Skype for Business-optimized headsets or external speakerphones for Skype for Business voice and video. You can see Skype for Business-optimized devices on the Recommended devices for Skype for Business page
Yes. People outside of the University of Sunderland who do not use Skype for Business can join your meeting as a guest using the Skype for Business Web App. When external people join a Skype for Business online meeting the first time, it will ask them to install the Skype for Business Web App, which is a small web plugin. Learn about the Skype for Business Web App Supported Platforms.
In most cases the attendee will be able to download and install the plug in on their own.
Internet Explorer, Firefox and Safari browsers are all supported for Skype for Business.
You can invite up to 250 attendees.
Can I schedule online meetings with any email client other than Microsoft Outlook?
No, Microsoft Outlook for the Mac or PC is required to schedule online Skype for Business meetings.
Yes. You will be able to view their video feeds. You will just be unable to send your own video.
Skype for Business only updates presence based on your University Outlook calendar. You could, however, synchronise other calendars to your Outlook calendar so that presence information is available.
Open Skype for Business, click "My Status," then click "Reset Status."
Skype for Business can receive calls from external telephone lines and other Skype users, to make the most of the this service, we have to change the behaviour of your telephone. When we introduce Skype for Business, the telephone handset on your desk will ring for 15 seconds (around 4 rings) before transferring to the Skype for Business client on your PC or Laptop where it will ring for an additional 30 seconds (around 8 rings) before transferring to voicemail if you have that set up.
When you login to your PC, the Skype for Business client will load and sign you in to the service. This will make you available to receive instant messages, voice and video calls, to ensure you do not miss a call, we have enabled sequential ringing on lost extension, which means your desktop telephone handset will ring for 15 seconds and will then transfer to call on your PC or laptop for 30 seconds before transferring to voicemail if it is available. To answer the call you will need a headset with microphone or you can use the the built in speakers and microphone in your laptop. If it is a video call you will need a web cam so that others can see you, but you will be able to see video if it sent to you.