M365 Changelog: Service reminder: Skype for Business Online retires in 6 months

MC237349 – Originally announced in MC219641 (July ’20), as Microsoft Teams has become the core communications client for Microsoft 365, this is a reminder the Skype for Business Online service will retire July 31, 2021. At that point, access to the service will end.

Please note:

• Neither the Skype consumer service nor Skype for Business Server products are affected by the retirement of the Skype for Business Online service. Current Skype for Business Online customers will experience no change in service up to the retirement date.
• Support for the integration of third-party party Audio Conferencing Providers (ACP) into Skype for Business Online will continue through the end of service July 31, 2021.

How does this affect me?

While your organization will no longer be able to use Skype for Business Online once the service retires, July 31, 2021, you may continue to use Microsoft Teams as part of your existing licensing agreement.

What do I need to do to prepare for this change?

We encourage customers using Skype for Business Online to plan and begin the upgrade to Teams today. To help, Microsoft offers comprehensive transition resources including a proven upgrade framework, guidance for technical and organizational readiness, free upgrade planning workshops, and FastTrack onboarding assistance for eligible subscriptions.

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