Skype for Business Server has made a notable transition with the introduction of its Subscription Edition (SE), which has recently become generally available. This new version aims to support organizations that prefer on-premises communication solutions as they navigate away from the traditional Skype, which has mostly been replaced by Microsoft Teams.
While many customers have shifted to cloud solutions, Skype for Business Server remains essential for those still relying on on-prem setups. The arrival of SE signals a commitment by Microsoft to extend support for the platform, especially as previous versions, like 2015 and 2019, near their end-of-life date of October 14, 2025. The SE operates under a subscription-based model as part of Microsoft’s Modern Lifecycle Policy.
Despite not offering significant new features or design changes compared to the previous 2019 version, SE ensures ongoing support, including updates, bug fixes, and installation enhancements. Microsoft recommends existing customers upgrade seamlessly to the new version, indicating that post-2025, SE will be the only supported edition. Eventually, Microsoft plans to phase out the coexistence of older versions with SE, restricting the installation of 2015 and 2019.
This decision by Microsoft highlights its awareness of customers’ needs for on-prem flexibility, providing a stopgap for those not prepared to shift entirely to Teams, which lacks an on-prem version. Skype for Business, while evolving, is thus far from obsolete and continues to adapt to the future direction of Microsoft’s enterprise strategy.
For more information about Skype for Business Server and its features, visit Microsoft Skype for Business Blog.