Few Simple Steps to Start Using Lync-Skype Connectivity

Microsoft Lync and Skype connectivity has been announced for messaging, voice and recently also for video calls. This enables users to reach each other in much more convenient way from their preferred tool at home or office environments. Let's have a look at how to actually connect the both as a user.

From Lync
1) To add a Skype connection, click "Add a Contact" icon.

2) Select "Add a Contact Not in My Organization" and then "Skype" in the sub-menu.

3) Type the Microsoft Account ID address of your Skype contact and click OK. As result, the contact will be added to your contact list in Lync.

From Skype
1) You must log into Skype using Microsoft account instead of Skype or Facebook ID in order to use Lync connectivity.

2) Add your Lync contact by typing the email address in Search field and clicking "Search Skype" button.

Once the address is identified, continue by clicking "Add to Contacts".

At first, your Lync contact might appear as follows in the contacts list.

Results and Tips
Connectivity might not work immediately and you can try the below tricks before inquiring IT support.
* Make sure contacts are added from both sides (Lync and Skype explained above).
* Restart Lync (log off and on) to get the contact actually enabled for communication. You can also try the same in Skype.
It might be also that Lync server administrator has not enabled connectivity with Skype.