Skype for Business is a powerful communication tool that enables teams to collaborate and communicate effectively. One of its key features is the ability to create persistent conversations, which allow users to engage in ongoing discussions that are not limited by time or location. In this article, we will explore the concept of persistent conversations on Skype for Business, their benefits, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to create them.
Understanding Persistent Conversations on Skype for Business
Persistent conversations on Skype for Business are online discussions that remain active even when all participants are not online. These conversations are stored in the cloud, allowing users to access them at any time and from any location. Persistent conversations are particularly useful for teams that need to collaborate on projects over an extended period.
Benefits of Persistent Conversations
Persistent conversations on Skype for Business offer several benefits, including:
- Improved collaboration: Persistent conversations enable teams to collaborate more effectively by providing a centralized platform for discussion and information sharing.
- Increased productivity: With persistent conversations, team members can access information and engage in discussions at any time, reducing the need for meetings and increasing productivity.
- Enhanced flexibility: Persistent conversations allow team members to participate in discussions from any location and at any time, making it easier to collaborate with remote teams.
Creating a Persistent Conversation on Skype for Business
Creating a persistent conversation on Skype for Business is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few steps.
Step 1: Create a New Conversation
To create a new conversation, follow these steps:
- Log in to your Skype for Business account and click on the “Conversations” tab.
- Click on the “New Conversation” button.
- Enter the names or email addresses of the participants you want to add to the conversation.
- Click on the “Add” button to add the participants to the conversation.
Step 2: Configure Conversation Settings
Once you have created a new conversation, you can configure the conversation settings to make it persistent.
- Click on the “Conversation Settings” button.
- Select the “Persistent Conversation” option.
- Choose the conversation type, such as “Group Conversation” or “Private Conversation”.
- Set the conversation duration, such as “Until deleted” or “For a specific period”.
Step 3: Add Content to the Conversation
Once you have configured the conversation settings, you can add content to the conversation.
- Type a message in the conversation window and click on the “Send” button.
- You can also add files, images, and other content to the conversation by clicking on the “Attach File” button.
Managing Persistent Conversations on Skype for Business
Managing persistent conversations on Skype for Business is essential to ensure that they remain effective and productive.
Monitoring Conversation Activity
You can monitor conversation activity by viewing the conversation history.
- Click on the “Conversation History” button.
- View the conversation history, including messages, files, and other content.
Managing Conversation Participants
You can manage conversation participants by adding or removing them from the conversation.
- Click on the “Conversation Settings” button.
- Select the “Participants” option.
- Add or remove participants from the conversation.
Deleting Persistent Conversations
You can delete persistent conversations when they are no longer needed.
- Click on the “Conversation Settings” button.
- Select the “Delete Conversation” option.
- Confirm that you want to delete the conversation.
Best Practices for Using Persistent Conversations on Skype for Business
To get the most out of persistent conversations on Skype for Business, follow these best practices:
- Use clear and concise language: Use clear and concise language when communicating in persistent conversations to avoid confusion and miscommunication.
- Use threading: Use threading to organize conversations and make it easier to follow discussions.
- Use keywords: Use keywords to make it easier to search for specific conversations or topics.
Conclusion
Persistent conversations on Skype for Business are a powerful tool for teams that need to collaborate on projects over an extended period. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create and manage persistent conversations that are effective and productive. Remember to follow best practices, such as using clear and concise language, threading, and keywords, to get the most out of persistent conversations on Skype for Business.
What is a Persistent Chat in Skype for Business?
Persistent Chat in Skype for Business is a feature that allows users to engage in ongoing conversations that persist over time, even when users log off or switch devices. This feature is particularly useful for teams that need to discuss ongoing projects or topics that require input from multiple stakeholders over an extended period.
Persistent Chat rooms can be created for specific topics, projects, or teams, and users can be added or removed as needed. The chat history is stored and can be accessed at any time, making it easy to catch up on previous conversations or refer back to important decisions or discussions.
How Do I Create a Persistent Chat Room in Skype for Business?
To create a Persistent Chat room in Skype for Business, you need to have the necessary permissions and be using a supported client. You can create a new chat room by clicking on the “Persistent Chat” tab in the Skype for Business client and then clicking on the “Create a Chat Room” button. You will then be prompted to enter a name and description for the chat room, as well as specify the users who should be added to the room.
Once the chat room is created, you can customize its settings, such as setting the chat room to be open or closed, specifying who can post messages, and configuring notifications. You can also add or remove users from the chat room at any time, and users can be assigned different roles, such as “Creator,” “Manager,” or “Member.”
What Are the Benefits of Using Persistent Chat in Skype for Business?
The benefits of using Persistent Chat in Skype for Business include the ability to engage in ongoing conversations that persist over time, the ability to store and access chat history, and the ability to customize chat room settings and user roles. Persistent Chat also allows users to participate in multiple chat rooms simultaneously, making it easy to stay connected with different teams or projects.
Additionally, Persistent Chat can help reduce email clutter and improve communication efficiency by providing a dedicated space for team discussions. It can also help to improve knowledge sharing and collaboration by allowing users to share files, images, and other content within the chat room.
How Do I Manage Persistent Chat Rooms in Skype for Business?
To manage Persistent Chat rooms in Skype for Business, you need to have the necessary permissions and be using a supported client. You can manage chat rooms by clicking on the “Persistent Chat” tab in the Skype for Business client and then selecting the chat room you want to manage. From there, you can view the chat room settings, add or remove users, and configure notifications.
You can also use the Skype for Business Server Control Panel to manage Persistent Chat rooms at the server level. This allows you to configure settings such as chat room creation policies, user permissions, and content filtering. You can also use PowerShell cmdlets to manage Persistent Chat rooms programmatically.
Can I Use Persistent Chat with External Users in Skype for Business?
Yes, you can use Persistent Chat with external users in Skype for Business, but there are some limitations and requirements that apply. External users must be federated with your organization, which means that they must have a Skype for Business account with a federated partner organization.
Additionally, external users must be added to the Persistent Chat room by a user who has the necessary permissions, and they must be configured to have the correct user role. You can also configure settings such as content filtering and user permissions to control what external users can see and do within the chat room.
How Do I Troubleshoot Issues with Persistent Chat in Skype for Business?
To troubleshoot issues with Persistent Chat in Skype for Business, you can start by checking the Skype for Business client logs and server logs for errors. You can also use the Skype for Business Server Control Panel to check the status of the Persistent Chat service and to configure settings such as logging and debugging.
Additionally, you can use PowerShell cmdlets to troubleshoot Persistent Chat issues programmatically. You can also check the Microsoft support website for known issues and troubleshooting guides, and you can contact Microsoft support for further assistance if needed.
What Are the System Requirements for Using Persistent Chat in Skype for Business?
The system requirements for using Persistent Chat in Skype for Business include a supported client, such as the Skype for Business desktop client or the Skype for Business mobile client. You also need to have a supported server, such as Skype for Business Server 2015 or Skype for Business Server 2019.
Additionally, you need to have the necessary permissions and configuration settings in place, such as the Persistent Chat feature being enabled and configured on the server. You can check the Microsoft support website for the most up-to-date system requirements and configuration guidelines.