Connecting With Others (Staff)

When to use Skype for Business, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom 

For phone calls and instant messaging: 

Skype for Business is the telephony solution offered to the University of Iowa campus enabling faculty and staff to make and receive traditional telephone calls. The easy-to-use client works well for phone calls, instant messaging, and online presence features. While it can connect staff for video calls and online meetings, staff are encouraged to adopt the use of Microsoft Teams and/or Zoom for videoconferencing, as both options provide a more robust experience. 

Learn more about Skype for Business with these Quick Start Guides  

Find additional support articles on Skype for Business  

Note: Do not use Skype for Business on a remote computer (e.g., Remote Desktop) as you may experience audio/video issues.    

For teamwork: 

Microsoft Teams is an ideal option for teamwork, allowing your team to meet, chat, call, video chat, and collaborate - without jumping around. Your shared documents, chat history, and meetings notes are in one place, so it is easy to stay organized and work together, and your files are secure and shareable. Teams is a Microsoft app that is integrated with your Microsoft 365 email account and can help you and your team have real-time conversations, securely share, and collaborate on files, and plan meetings or projects with others. 

Find additional support and learn more about Microsoft Teams. 

Note: Do not use Microsoft Teams for audio/video calls through a remote computer (e.g., Remote Desktop) as you may experience audio/video issues.  

For internal and external video conferencing: 

Zoom is a web conferencing solution available to faculty, staff, students, and researchers at the UI.  Zoom can be used to meet virtually with other people at Iowa, particularly useful for people not using Microsoft Teams. It is also a valuable way to connect with external contacts.  Zoom integrates with our Learning Management System (ICON), allows users to meet in online meetings, share audio and video information, schedule webinars, use questionnaires in meetings, and much more. 

Learn how to log in, host online meetings, and more on the Zoom web conferencing page.  

Review the Zoom privacy settings tips page for creating a secure Zoom session and the steps you can take to reduce the possibility of unwelcome guests joining your meeting.   

Note: Do not use Zoom for video calls through a remote computer (e.g., Remote Desktop) as you may experience audio/video issues.   

Additional Online Meeting Resources: 

Hybrid and virtual meeting guide (PDF)