Microsoft launches free Skype Meetings for SMBs

Microsoft has launched Skype Meetings, a free online meetings tool that offers small and medium businesses real-time audio and HD video conferencing. The tool includes meeting controls so the organizer can mute the audience in order to be heard and collaboration tools like instant messaging, screen share, PowerPoint share, a laser pointer, and a whiteboard.

Skype meetings that can be described as a toned down version of Skype for Business lets you set up meetings and share a personalized URL for participants to easily join. The video chat tool allows you to meet up to 10 persons simultaneously for 60 days as an introductory offer which is then reduced to just three.

Perhaps Microsoft is hoping the free Skype Meetings will help push small businesses toward considering Skype for Business, a more feature-filled video conferencing tool that costs $2.40 per user per month.

Skype Meetings is currently only available to U.S. users with a business email address and whose organization doesn’t already have Office 365. Those with Skype for Business have access to more features, including the ability to conduct large group meetings for up to 250 people, the ability to instant message anyone in your organization at any time, and integration with other Office 365 apps.

Skype for Business arrived for Windows in April 2015 and got a dedicated Windows Phone app in July 2015. An iOS mobile app followed in October 2015 and the Android version debuted in December 2015. A Mac preview was launched in April 2016.