Things You Need to Know for Seamless Migration from Skype to MS Teams

Introduction

Businesses need to stay up to date with the latest technology to succeed. Microsoft has decided to retire Skype for Business, and this has caused challenges for many businesses.

Microsoft Teams is the replacement, but it's more than just that. It's an upgrade that promises better features and functionalities that Skype for Business never offered. Teams integrate with the Microsoft 365 ecosystem seamlessly.

If your business hasn't yet switched to the new era of communication, don't worry. Skype for Business will continue until its official retirement date, giving you time to transition to Teams or even consider hosting your instance of Skype for Business Server.

Switching from Skype for Business to Teams migration can be daunting, especially one that has been used in your organisation for a long time. The challenges you'll face during this transition can vary based on the size of your current setup, the complexity of the move, and even the choice of a reliable partner to guide you through the process. 

We're here to help you make this Skype to Teams migration as smooth as possible, so please don't hesitate to ask for assistance.

Adopting Microsoft Teams?

This article is for you. Our article provides practical advice to make the transition smoother for a business. So, let's embark on this journey together and get ready to reap the rewards of a more efficient and forward-looking way of doing business.

10 things to know for a successful migration

Prepare your environment and organisation
In the journey from Skype to Microsoft Teams, begin by assembling your project stakeholders, including IT, project managers, and department heads. Next, define the project scope, specifying user numbers, timelines, and objectives. Understand how Skype for Business and Teams will coexist. Choose the migration path that suits your organisation, whether gradual or swift. You can choose between these two upgrade paths that can help with your migration:

• Basic Upgrade (Cutover)
• Pro Upgrade (Co-Existence)

Co-existence modes determine how Teams and Skype for Business clients interact during the transition. Consider whether you want a gradual transition or an immediate shift to TeamsOnly mode. Choose a mode that aligns with your organisation's goals and user experience.

Finally, conduct a pilot test with a small user group to address any issues early in the process.

Configure hybrid connectivity
Hybrid connectivity is the bridge that enables communication between your on-premises Skype for Business Server and Microsoft 365. Follow Microsoft's documentation to set up hybrid connectivity correctly.

Move users to Teams only
Microsoft has simplified the process of moving users to TeamsOnly, regardless of the version of Skype for Business Server you're using.

Follow Microsoft's documentation to execute this step smoothly. Users are automatically assigned TeamsOnly mode during the transition.

Complete the migration and decommission on-premises Skype for business
Once all users are successfully moved to Teams, you can decommission your on-premises Skype for Business deployment. This step finalises the migration, and you can start relying solely on Teams for communication and collaboration.  

Phone system and PSTN connectivity 
Phone System with Teams is supported after users are in TeamsOnly mode. Ensure that users' phone system needs are met. For PSTN connectivity, coordinate moves from Skype for Business on-premises to Teams with Microsoft Calling Plans or Direct Routing, depending on your organisation's requirements.

Important Considerations for on-premises Skype for business 
If you have Skype for Business Server on-premises, setting up hybrid connectivity is essential for migrating to TeamsOnly mode.

Ensure proper synchronisation of user attributes in Azure AD to manage users correctly in Teams.

Notify your users
Communication is crucial. Inform your Skype for Business users about the upcoming transition to Teams. Craft a notification strategy that focuses on the benefits of using Teams and addresses user concerns regarding the whole transition process.

Prioritise rollout based on stakeholders
Categorise your users into logical groups, such as core users, change champions, and support teams. Tailor your messages and approach for each group to ensure a smooth transition.

Implement customisable and scalable training
Training is essential to drive user adoption. Understand what users need to know and do with Teams. Customise training content based on user roles, competencies, and language. In addition, You may involve trainers and champions to deliver the company message effectively. Furthermore, You may offer a variety of training methods, from eLearning to live instruction, to accommodate different learning preferences and paces.

Take expert help
Tata Communications, a leading telecommunications solutions provider, offers expertise in co-existence planning, hybrid connectivity architecture, and customised migration techniques to enable a seamless and hassle-free transition from Skype for Business to Teams.

We work closely with businesses to determine the best path for upgrading their operations. Our team of experts takes into account each company's specific needs and requirements. Our goal is to make the transition as smooth and successful as possible, with minimal disruption to day-to-day operations.

To further facilitate user acceptance and identify any problems early on, Tata Communications conducts extensive pilot testing. This allows us to iron out any issues before the migration process begins and ensures that you are fully prepared and comfortable with the new platform.

Conclusion

Microsoft Teams is stepping up to redefine the way we communicate and collaborate in the modern business landscape. As a reliable and trusted partner, Tata Communications is committed to delivering a migration process that is effective and aligned with our client's corporate goals. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive support at every step of the way, ensuring that our clients achieve maximum value from their investment in Teams.

Now, as we conclude, it's worth reiterating that the transition from Skype for Business to Microsoft Teams is not just about switching software; it's about embracing a more efficient, productive, and future-ready way of working. With the right knowledge and confidence, you can make this transition not just smooth but also rewarding for your organisation.
And,
the journey doesn't end here; it's a step toward a more productive and collaborative future. Embrace it, and reap the rewards.