How Do I Use Skype for Business With My VPN?
If you’re reading this, I assume you’ve heard of the popular video-calling app called Skype for Business. In case you haven’t, here’s a short overview of what it is and how you can use it to better connect with your VPN clients.
What Is Skype for Business?
If you’ve used Skype, you’ll know how handy it is to call people when you’re connecting with a VPN. In the past, you would’ve had to manually type in the IP address of the person you’re calling. With Skype for Business, all you need to do is click on the phone icon in your contact list and you’ll be prompted to pick an option to call. You can then enter a phone number and press connect.
Skype for Business also allows you to do group calls with up to five people. So, if you have a business meeting planned and you want to invite some colleagues to join, you can do that easily from within the app. You can also share your screen so that everyone can see what you’re doing. This is a great way for remote teams to work together. When you’re not connected to the VPN, all of your communications (both calls and messages) are transmitted in the clear, so security is not compromised in any way. When you make calls or send messages with the app, all of your Internet traffic is encrypted, so no matter what country you’re in, people will always be able to read your communications.
Is Skype for Business Worth It?
Skype for Business is undoubtedly one of the best VPN clients out there. Not only does it provide the services needed for secure communications, but it also seamlessly integrates with the rest of your business network. This happens because the app hooks into your existing email and calendar servers. So, as soon as you make a call or send a message, the recipient will be alerted that you’re using a VPN. You can then choose to ignore the warning or choose to end the call or message.
Many large organizations have adopted Skype for Business, mainly because of its simplicity and integration with existing systems. The app is also available for macOS, iOS, and Android devices. So, if you use one of those platforms, you’ll be able to take advantage of all the features Skype for Business has to offer. Plus, you can always download the desktop app to use with your VPN.
How Do I Use Skype for Business With My VPN?
If you decide to use Skype for Business with your VPN, the first thing you should do is make sure you have the latest version of the app. If you’re on Windows, you can head over to the Microsoft Store and download the latest version. Or, if you have macOS or iOS devices, you can check for updates manually by going to Settings > General > Software Update. Alternatively, you can also download the desktop version of the app and run it alongside your VPN client.
Once you’ve updated Skype for Business to the latest version and you’ve launched the app, you should see a login screen similar to the one below. Simply enter your VPN details and click connect. Now, you’re good to go and can instantaneously begin making calls or sending messages to your contacts. When you’re connected to the VPN, all of your communications are automatically secured and will remain that way whatever platform you use. Even when your device is off, your information stays encrypted because the VPN is constantly active and monitoring your Internet activity. So, while we don’t recommend using Skype for Business with your VPN, if you need to make an emergency call, this is the app you want to use.
We couldn’t think of a better way to conclude this informational write-up on Skype for Business and VPNs than with a pro-tip. If you’ve been looking for an easy way to make calls from your computer, you can download the Zoom phone app and use it along with your VPN. With this combination, you will have all the benefits of Zoom (such as screen sharing) along with the protections offered by your VPN. So, if you’re looking for a simple solution that still provides strong security, you can give Zoom a try.