Skype for Business (formerly Microsoft Office Communicator and Microsoft Lync) and Microsoft Lync for Mac are instant messaging clients used with Microsoft Lync Server or Lync Online available with Microsoft Office 365. They are replacements for Windows Messenger, which was used with Microsoft Exchange Server.
Both Microsoft Lync and Microsoft Lync for Mac are enterprise software; compared to Windows Live Messenger and later Skype, they have a different feature set that is targeted toward corporate environments.
On 11 November 2014, Microsoft announced that in 2015 Lync would be replaced by Skype for Business. The latest version of the communication software combines features of Lync and the consumer Skype software.[6] There are two user interfaces – organizations can switch their users from the default Skype for Business interface to the Skype for Business (Lync) interface.
Work better together with Skype for Business Get messaging, audio and video calls, online meetings, and sharing all in one app.
Meet with up to 250 people – even if they’re not on Skype for Business. All they need is a phone or Internet connection.
See contacts’ online statuses, schedule meetings, and start conversations from Office apps.
Conversations are protected by authentication and encryption. You manage employee accounts.