Amman, June 2015 – Microsoft Jordan has deployed the latest enterprise communications solution, 'Skype for Business', for telecom service provider, Umniah, the first Jordanian company to upgrade its Lync software to the new and improved Office-integrated application. As Lync's successor, Microsoft's recently-launched 'Skype for Business' is being rolled out to users worldwide, with Microsoft updating the Lync Online service to 'Skype for Business Online' and offering transition assistance to organizations using Lync.

The new 'Skype for Business' platform maintains the same services as Lync, including enterprise security, encrypted calling, online meetings and content sharing, while delivering new and improved features to better and more cost-effectively facilitate work operations. The upgrade also enables users to communicate and collaborate more easily across multiple devices with anyone on the Skype network, whether inside or outside the organization.

‘Skype for Business’ is closely aligned with Microsoft’s efforts to shift its focus towards productivity and platforms. The software offers numerous advantages to professionals, enabling them to connect with more than 250 people, see their contacts' online statuses, and start secure conversations from apps like Word and PowerPoint.

"We are thrilled with Umniah's progressive decision to upgrade to ‘Skype for Business’, and we are confident that the software will quickly become a popular choice among customers across the Kingdom," stated Hussein Malhas, Microsoft Jordan's Country Manager.

Umniah’s implementation of the new system was carried out by Professional Advanced Infrastructure Solutions (PAIS), a leading Microsoft Infrastructure Services company operating in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Commenting on Umniah's adoption of 'Skype for Business', Ouday Tiameh, Chief Technical Officer of PAIS, stated, “As Microsoft Jordan’s primary Lync partner, PAIS was the first to offer Lync’s upgrade to companies in the Kingdom. It was a pleasure working with Umniah and we look forward to building on this strategic partnership in the future.”

Waseem Al Rousan, IT Manager of Umniah, stated, “Umniah’s upgrade to the Skype for Business platform is a testimony to our company’s strong commitment to adopting the latest, most innovative and advanced collaborative solutions required by today’s businesses. At Umniah, we’re proud of our strategic partnership with Microsoft and of our status as the first Jordanian company to offer this service to our employees working in different business sectors.”

Since Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011, the popular voice over IP (VOIP) and video calling platform has been widely integrated into the Company's expansive software ecosystem. Skype is also symbolic of the company's multi-platform product strategy that embraces rival mobile platforms. Apart from Windows PCs and devices, Skype apps are available for iOS and Android tablets. Users can also access their accounts with a browser-based version of the app, which is available via Skype.com and Outlook.com, Microsoft's webmail service.