Todd Sweetser

Hi Cloud Partners!

A fairly common ask we receive is “when will the Lync for Mac client get updated to the Skype for Business client on the Apple Mac platform?” The first step to get this is now available as a Public Preview. Partners and customers can obtain access to the preview by jumping over to the www.SkypePreview.com site and request an invite.

It’s finally here! Microsoft has at last released the new Mac client for Skype for Business. (Okay, it was released on October 26. But I was on vacation.) As soon as I saw the announcement, I grabbed a copy and one of our test Macs. The same Mac on which I’d tested the Skype Preview earlier in.

This preview program will roll out the client in three stages. The initial stage includes ability to experience the new look and feel (similar to the commercial version of Skype) and the ability to join and participate in Skype for Business meetings. Future stages will add support for instant messaging, presence and contacts as well as telephony and related features. Note that you can continue to use Lync for Mac 2011 client side-by-side with this Skype for Mac preview. Here is a quick screen shot of the UI:

Here are a few resources that can assist going forward (from the Skype Preview Resources site):

Release Documents:

See what's new
Sign in to Skype for Business for Mac Preview
Join a meeting with Skype for Business for Mac Preview
Need help signing in to Skype for Business for Mac Preview?
Release Notes - Skype for Business for Mac Preview

Help Content:

Help Content
FAQ

Lastly, this Quick Tour of the Skype for Business Mac Public Preview courtesy of the Microsoft Mechanics channel on YouTube will give you a glimpse into the client:

Skype For Business Mac Preview Client Download

Skype For Business Mac Preview Client Alternative

So, head over to the Skype for Business Preview site to sign up and get access! Thanks, and good selling!