What is Skype for Business (SFB) and why is it on my computer?

Answer: 

Microsoft changed the name of Lync to "Skype for Business". Any SFB users running Office 2013 would see this change when they perform a windows update. Rest assured, "Skype for Business" is not the same product as the "Skype for Consumers" application for home use. It is still Lync, only the look of the icon has changed.

I am transferring to a new department. What is the procedure for obtaining a new phone number?

Answer:

Phone numbers are now assigned to people. Similar to the handling of an email address, you keep the same phone number during your time with UH. When you transfer to a new department, there ought to be a phone for you to sign-in to (CX600) or plug-in to (CX300) your computer. Department phone numbers stay with the department. If you are currently signed-in to a phone, sign-out before you move to your new department.

After listening to a voice mail message on my phone, how can I forward that message to a co-worker?

Answer:

While the message is playing or when it ends, say “Forward to [first name, last name]”, then hang up or wait for more options.

How do I make a long distance call using my soft phone (Skype for Business client)?

Answer: 

In the Search field, using your keyboard, enter a domestic long distance number or 011 followed by an international long distance number and press return. In the Conversation Window that opens, click the keypad icon . After the long-distance number is dialed, you will be prompted to enter your long-distance code followed by the # key. Enter your long-distance authorization code in the keypad.

How do I transfer a call to a voice mailbox?

Answer: 

While on a Skype for Business (SFB) call, you can transfer the call directly to another person's voicemail by following the steps below. 
Click Transfer.
Type the name of the person to whom you'd like to transfer the call.
Select the person's name that has the voice mail option.
Click Transfer.

How can I add a long distance number to a conference call using my Skype for Business (SFB) soft phone?

Answer: 

Adding a person with a long distance number to a conference call must be done by making a separate call, and then merging the two conversations together. To add a long distance number to a conference call: Dial a long distance number or select a Contact. Your current call is put on Hold. Wait for the prompt, then enter your long-distance code. In the Conversation Window of the new call, click More Options or Options for Macintosh. From the drop-down menu that appears, select the conversation that you want the call to merge into.

How do I update the Contact information for a non-UH personal contact in Skype for Business (SFB)?

Answer: 

It is not possible to update Contact information using only Lync/Skype, you must also use Outlook. In Lync/Skype, right-click on the Contact you want to update and select See Contact Card from the Menu. An Outlook Contact Card appears with the Contact’s information. Click the three dots next to the email envelop icon and select Edit Outlook Contac. Using the Outlook Contact Card, add a name for the Contact or update other information. Click Save & Close. Exit and restart Lync/Skype to see the updated Contact information.

How can I copy my Outlook Contacts to Skype for Business (SFB)?

Answer: 

It is not possible to copy contacts from Outlook to Skype for Business (SFB). To add an Outlook contact to Skype for Business (SFB), using your hard phone or soft phone (client software), search for the name of the person you want added to Skype for Business (SFB). Skype for Business (SFB) will search your Outlook contacts. When the contact’s name appears, add the person to your Skype for Business (SFB) contacts. Consult the appropriate user guide at www.uh.edu/skype  for instructions on how to search for a contact and how to add a contact to Skype for Business (SFB).

How is Skype for Business (SFB) different from my existing phone service?

Answer:

The unified communications system provided by Skype for Business (SFB) utilizes the Internet as the transmission medium via an infrastructure of hardware, software and high-speed fiber optic cabling. The prior system was a voice-only Private Branch Exchange (PBX) telecommunications system that utilized a copper cabling infrastructure.

How can I learn more about how to use Skype for Business (SFB) - Windows FAQ?

Answer:

Visit our training page to view user guides and video tutorials. 

For Skype for Business (SFB) related questions or problems, send email to sfbsupport@uh.edu.