Dimension Data, the $6.7bn global ICT services and solutions provider, has been named as one of a few Microsoft Skype for Business Global Elite Launch Partners.
The next version of Microsoft's communications and collaboration tool, Lync (now called Skype for Business), will be ready for sale in the first half of 2015.
When Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011 the company said Skype was a communications tool for outside the firewall, while Lync was an offering for inside the firewall. Now, the next version of Skype for Business connects Lync to the Skype network which includes thousands of Dimension Data's clients, employees and partners.
"As a Microsoft strategic partner for over a decade we're excited about Skype for Business. Over 300 million people use Skype for messaging, calling and sharing. With Skype for Business, Microsoft is bringing together the familiar user experience of Skype with the security, compliance and control of Lync," said Peter Menadue, Dimension Data's Group GM for Microsoft Solutions.
Menadue said Skype for Business video calling is an advantage for organisations wanting to engage face-to-face with their on-the-move employees and customers, anywhere, anytime from their video room system, desktop, TV or mobile device.
Menadue pointed out that Dimension Data has a strong track record for deploying high volumes of Lync on a global scale. "Our teams are already beta trained and ready to deliver Skype for Business to our clients when the product becomes available in the first half of 2015."