Setting Up Cloud PBX (Skype Voice Preview) Voicemail in Skype for Business Online

And another video...

Hey guys! So, I had a lot of fun doing the last video, short and simple as it was, so I wanted to do my next post in the Podcast format as well. This time, however, I used Google Hangouts On Air. I know, I know, I will look into Skype Meeting Broadcast one of these days, but for now, streaming the video on Google+ and then having it automatically uploaded to YouTube and ready to go was just a convenient way to go for a novice like myself. Plus, I really liked their "Showcase" feature for sharing the sites that I was working from!

Following up on Cloud PBX with PSTN Calling

So, following up my post on Configuring Cloud PBX with PSTN Calling, this video is a how-to on how to enable a Skype Voice user for Voicemail using Exchange Online Unified Messaging (UM). While I call these out in the video, there are a couple caveats that I want you to be aware of:

Caveats

• Exchange UM in Office 365 requires at least Exchange Online Plan 2
• All of this functionality is still in PREVIEW, and unless you are in the Preview program (apply at https://www.skypepreview.com), you will not have access to this functionality until it is GA.
• Step 6 of the given Technet article actually includes 2 cmdlets all run together, so watch out for that.
• Step 6 also has a policy named incorrectly, and per their example, should actually read "USTenDigits Default Policy" (you will see what I mean in the video).

At any rate, while this video is 5 minutes longer than my intended 15 minute target, it is still a good watch for seeing how to work through these steps. Please don't hesitate to throw some feedback my way!

Stay techy, my friends!

Deciding Where to Place Users in a Hybrid Skype for Business Environment

Trying something new...

Hello everyone! Things have been a bit crazy, schedule-wise, but I found some time to put something together today. Actually, I am changing things up a bit, and trying something new. Today, I tested out web-casting, a bit, and I have to say, I kind of like it!

It is a bit rough around the edges since it is a first blog video post, but I am hoping to incorporate these more and more, with deeper content and more substance. Since today was the maiden voyage for a video post, though, I went with something simple. Therefore, this is a brief walk-through on the feature comparison of Skype for Business Online Plan 1, Plan 2, and Skype for Business Server 2015 (On-Prem). If you are planning out a Hybrid Skype for Business environment, or just need to brush up on the differences in features/pricing of the different plans, this will be helpful!

Again, this was a very simple and basic recording, with very basic content, but I promise, these will get more in-depth and interesting as I incorporate them into the blog more regularly!

Stay techy, my friends!