In June 2024, Microsoft confirmed that the next version of Skype for Business Server will be a Subscription Edition (SE). Microsoft Skype for Business Server Subscription Edition will be available early in the third quarter of 2025.
What is Skype for Business Server Subscription Edition (SE)?
Skype for Business Server SE is the next release of Microsoft Skype for Business Server. It provides enterprise communication solutions, including instant messaging, presence, and conferencing.
Skype for Business Server Update Timeline
- Microsoft will release a Cumulative Update (CU) -CU8- for Skype for Business Server 2019 in the second half of 2024.
- Microsoft will release Skype for Business Server Subscription Edition (SE) early in the third quarter of calendar year 2025.
Licensing Skype for Business Server Subscription Edition
From a licensing perspective Skype for Business Server Subscription Edition will follow the same rules as for Exchange Server SE and SharePoint Server SE: you will need active Software Assurance (SA) to use the product or buy the subscription licenses. And if the SA lapses, then you retain rights to the 2019 version of the product.
Upcoming Changes in CU8
Cumulative Update 8 (CU8) for Skype for Business Server 2019 will be released in the second half of 2024. This update includes:
- Persistent Chat: Adding Persistent Chat to Skype for Business Server 2019.
- Modern Admin Control Panel (MACP): Completing the final phase of the MACP with dedicated tabs for instant messaging & Presence, Security, Monitoring & Archiving, Network Configuration, and Clients.
Upgrading to Skype for Business Server SE from Previous Versions
To help accelerate the transition to Skype for Business Server SE, in addition to being code equivalent to Skype for Business Server 2019 CU8 (plus any subsequent Security Updates (SUs) or Hotfixes (HFs) to CU8), Skype for Business Server SE will support an in-place upgrade from Skype for Business Server 2019.
The fastest and easiest way to get to Skype for Business Server SE is to perform an in-place upgrade from Skype for Business Server 2019. The upgrade experience is identical to installing a CU. Once a server is running Skype for Business Server SE, it will be updated with the update cadence of periodic CUs and as-needed SUs and HFs.
Update Paths to Skype for Business Server SE
Below is a table that summarizes the recommended update paths based on the version(s) you’re running:
| Version in use | Upgrade Path |
| Skype for Business Server 2015 | Migrate to Skype for Business 2019 now, update to CU8 when available, and upgrade in-place to Skype for Business Server SE when available. |
| Skype for Business Server 2019 | Update to CU8 when available, and then upgrade in-place to Skype for Business Server SE when available. |
Customers also have the option of migrating from Skype for Business Server 2015 to Skype for Business Server SE, but Microsoft recommends the above upgrade paths.
FAQ
When will Skype for Business Server SE be available?
Early Q3 of 2025.
Where can I download Skype for Business Server SE?
From the Microsoft 365 admin center.
What are the key features of Skype for Business Server SE?
Persistent Chat, Modern Admin Control Panel, and compatibility with existing hardware and OS requirements.
What is the licensing model for Skype for Business Server SE?
It requires subscription licenses or licenses with active Software Assurance.
What does CU8 include?
Persistent Chat and the final phase of the Modern Admin Control Panel for Skype for Business Server 2019.
More information
For the official announcement, please visit: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/skype-for-business-blog/skype-for-business-server-roadmap-update/ba-p/4170884.
For our Microsoft page, please visit: https://www.schneider.im/software/microsoft.
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