Monday, August 11, 2025

Skype for Business, the University of Iowa’s primary phone and instant messaging platform for many years, is being phased out. This transition will include your phone number moving to Microsoft Teams. While we are still testing migrations and finalizing details, here are a few things you can expect during the transition:

Who is included in this change? 

All University of Iowa faculty and staff will be migrated to Microsoft Teams Phone from Skype for Business. Healthcare users (UIHC) use Avaya for telephony, not Microsoft Teams Phone. A separate UIHC-specific announcement will be shared soon.

When will this migration take place?  

The migration from Skype for Business to Microsoft Teams will happen in phases between September 2025 and March 2026. Individual migrations will be quick, but the overall project will roll out gradually by department or group during this timeframe. You’ll receive advance notice of your migration date once the schedule is finalized, along with a detailed timeline and additional information. You can also visit the Skype for Business to Teams Phone Project page for a high-level timeline, key benefits of using a Teams phone, and additional resources to help you prepare.

What will the experience be like?  

During the migration, you likely won’t notice anything or need to take any action unless instructed by IT staff. You won’t need to be physically present at your computer when it happens. You will receive emails before your migration takes place, along with additional information and resources to guide you through the process.  

New to Microsoft Teams?  

If you’ve never used Microsoft Teams before, don’t worry! While your phone number won’t be moved to Microsoft Teams until your migration date, you can still use all the other features it offers and start exploring the app today. Here are some handy tools and classes to get you started:  

  • Microsoft Teams support site: Find how-to articles and comprehensive resources to help you navigate and use Microsoft Teams effectively.  
  • Register for a Microsoft Teams live, instructor-led training course:
    • Microsoft Teams: An Introduction: This one-hour, introductory course is designed for first-time users of Microsoft Teams and provides a high-level overview of how to utilize it to collaborate and communicate with teams, project groups, or colleagues. Topics covered include chat, creating a team, communicating in a team, meetings, and more.  
    • Microsoft Teams: Get Started with Teams Phone: This 30-minute course will show you how to place and transfer calls, check your voicemail, set up a voicemail greeting, and more.  
  • Microsoft Teams Essential Training: This 3-hour and 46-minute LinkedIn Learning course is beginner-friendly and provides a comprehensive overview of using the platform for communication and collaboration. (Sign in with your University of Iowa email)

Benefits of Microsoft Teams:  

Switching to Microsoft Teams will bring several benefits, including improved collaboration features, integration with other Microsoft 365 apps, and enhanced communication tools. Microsoft Teams will enable you to work more efficiently and stay connected with your colleagues.