Skype for Business: Online Meetings, Instant Messaging, and More

Posted March 12, 2018 by Academic and Institutional Technology
Tags: Updates

Skype for Business: Online Meetings, Instant Messaging, and More

At Wheaton College, we use Skype for Business for instant messaging, online meetings, and video conferencing. With Skype for Business, it’s easy to start a meeting and share your desktop with someone else all with the click of a button. 

Jane Bilezikian in Advancement compares the efficiency and convenience of Skype for Business instant messaging to sending a text message instead of placing a phone call or emailing someone. Additionally, she said that the chat feature is extremely convenient for asking a quick question of a colleague, especially while you are on the phone or in a meeting. Lastly, Skype for Business is really handy for checking the possible availability of another employee by indicating a green dot when they are not scheduled to be in another meeting.

Denise Hoepner in Donor Relations regularly uses the instant messaging feature in Skype for Business, which allows her to get in touch with other employees quickly and efficiently. Whenever she needs to call another employee, she is able to quickly find his or her extension in their Skype for Business contact. One time, she also was able to share her desktop with an AIT staff member, who was then able to help her solve a computer issue remotely.

After asking several employees what they would tell someone who has never used Skype for Business, they said that “people should not be afraid to try it!” Employees also encourage their colleagues to try using the chat feature for quick questions instead of sending an email. 

The general consensus from employees is that they wished more people used Skype for Business, as it would make communication on campus even more efficient.

For instructions on setting up and using Skype for Business, visit this series in our Knowledge Base.

If you have any questions, please contact the AIT Service Desk by email or call 630.752.4357 (HELP).