Skype for Business - End of Life Update

Skype for Business End of Life - Upgrade to Microsoft Teams

Skype for Business end of life is officially scheduled for July 31st 2021. This update will bring changes to many users, and may also affect features and functionality of Microsoft compatible headsets.

Whats Happening?

Skype for Business (SfB) will be replaced with Microsoft Teams, with all SfB users being encouraged to upgrade ASAP. Microsoft Teams is a significant upgrade on Skype for Business, with all the original features and much more available to users.

Upgrading to Microsoft Teams will unlock new features like improved chats, Emojis, GIFs and mentions as well as superior file management and meetings.

Do I Need to Buy A New Headset After Upgrading?

No, you don’t need a new headset after upgrading from Skype for Business to Teams, but your old headset might not have all the features a brand-new Teams Certified headset would have.

Headsets that already work with Microsoft Skype for Business (including SfB Certified headsets) will continue to function after you make the upgrade to Teams. However, if you want the best audio quality for calls and the latest integration features, a Teams Certified headset will perform best.

What Do You Get From a Teams Certified Headset?

Certification ensures that USB headsets offer rich audio quality and the best possible user experience. Certified devices work plug and play straight out of the box with no extra configuration required and offer built-in call controls for use with Microsoft Teams.

There are two main types of certification:

Skype for Business Certified with Teams Upgrade

Devices certified at this level were initially certified for Skype for Business and can be upgraded via Firmware updates from your PC. Here the hookswitch button acts as a Teams button when not in a call, and may include more functions over time.

Headsets Certified for Microsoft Teams

Devices certified at this level indicate the newest devices, certified for a no-compromise Teams experience. These devices offer all the benefits of prior certification and also include a dedicated Teams button with LED indicator. The Teams button features the Teams logo and enables users to activate the Microsoft Teams client or respond to a notification with a single touch.

To qualify as Teams Certified, headsets must meet a stringent standard for Microphone performance. This ensures Teams Certified devices deliver the best possible performance in noisy environments and open offices.