Update on Microsoft Skype for Business to Microsoft Teams transition

Posted December 8, 2023

As previously announced, Texas Tech is continuing with the transition from Skype for Business (SfB) to Microsoft Teams, after which SfB will be discontinued and Teams will provide all the functionality currently provided by Teams and SfB. We have recently completed a major milestone that was foundational to the transition and are on track to move telephone service from SfB to Teams by summer 2024. Further updates will be provided as the transition date nears.

Most existing USB devices, including headsets, speakerphones, cameras, and the Polycom CX300 (R2), will continue to work with Teams, as will some of the newer IP phones (Poly VVX x11 series and Poly CCX series). However, as previously noted, some equipment replacement will be necessary, including the replacement of the oldest IP phones (Polycom CX500, Polycom CX600, Polycom CX3000, and Poly VVX x10 series). To ease the transition, the TTU IT Division will help offset the replacement of these existing IP phones up to a point. More details will be communicated in the coming months.

We encourage you to begin using Teams side-by-side with SfB so you are comfortable with the application when your phone calls begin ringing in Teams next year. Microsoft is currently preparing to update the Teams application to a new version around March 31, 2024. However, you can try it now by clicking "Try the new Teams" at the top left of the Teams app. During this time, you can switch back and forth between the new and "classic" Teams applications, as needed. Please report any problems you experience with the new Teams app to IT Help Central at askIT.ttu.edu so Microsoft can be made aware for resolution.

While not related to TTU's transition away from SfB, TTUHSC has announced they will decommission their SfB servers on December 22, 2023.

If you need assistance, please contact IT Help Central at askIT.ttu.edu. You may also reach us by phone at 806-742-HELP or ithelpcentral@ttu.edu. Stay tuned for additional updates related to TTU's transition to Teams in the coming months, and thank you for your cooperation!