There appears to be a little confusion, as to why many people now have Skype on their computers, and where Lync has gone. Microsoft has explained it, but it doesn't seem like they've done the best job on that: hence the confusion remains. Step in Cultrix superheroes with a clearer explanation!
Back in 2011, Microsoft acquired Skype. This was regarded as a very clever move since Microsoft's own messaging service called Messenger (formerly Windows Live Messenger), was starting to lose ground in the consumer space. Everyone predicted that Skype would replace Messenger, and they were right.
Why is this significant? Because Messenger was the basis Lync was created on. It was altered slightly for the enterprise but initially it was essentially the same software. Like any product, it evolved and did start to differentiate itself from Messenger, the groundwork for the original software.
So where does Skype fit into this? Skype is a product that has a huge user base on both its free and paid platform. It is best known for the ability to make both video, and voice calls over the internet and even partnered with companies to make 'Skype' phones (before the dawn of Apps and Smartphones). It is used less for messaging and more for conferencing both video and voice conferences. It has become the go-to product for many businesses requiring these facilities.
Backed by hardware partners such as Logitech, making Skype-certified hardware, the company started to build an ecosystem of business-focused products, making it an even more compelling internal and external communication system.
Essentially the evolved product became superior to both Messenger and Lync. This is why, recently (along with Messenger), Microsoft has shuttered the Lync brand and replaced it with Skype for Business. Thus, many people recently received an update that replaces Lync with Skype for Business. No user interaction or migration needed.
Now, for the majority of users, Skype for Business has replaced Lync. It works basically the same way, it just looks a little different. However for Mac users, Lync is still in use. We can now expect that with the next Office release (which has been previewed on Mac OS X) there will come Skype for Business, which will be the final nail in Lync's coffin.
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