Fleet, Hants, UK - March 16, 2015 -Dimension Data, the USD 6.7 billion global ICT services and solutions provider, said today it has been appointed one of a few Microsoft Skype for Business Global Elite Launch Partners. This follows today's announcement by Microsoft that the next version of its communications and collaboration tool, Microsoft® Lync - now called Skype for Business - will be ready for sale in the first half of 2015.

When Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011, the company said Skype was a communications tool for outside the firewall, while Lync was an offering for inside the firewall. Now, the next version of Skype for Business truly connects Lync to the vast Skype network which includes thousands of Dimension Data's clients, employees and partners.

"As a Microsoft strategic partner for over a decade, we're very excited about Skype for Business. Over 300 million people use Skype for messaging, calling and sharing. With Skype for Business, Microsoft is bringing together the familiar user experience of Skype with the security, compliance and control of Lync," said Peter Menadue, Dimension Data's Group GM for Microsoft Solutions.

According to a 2013 CIONET Mobility Survey, companies can gain up to 240 hours per year from employees - thanks to mobile working. That's equivalent of USD 5,114 extra work - or six additional working weeks per employee.

Menadue said Skype for Business video calling is an advantage for organisations wanting to engage face-to-face with their on-the-move employees and customers, anywhere, anytime from their video room system, desktop, TV or mobile device. "Our teams are excited because it adds to our vision around workspaces for tomorrow. It also enables our clients to adopt unified communications into their business applications, and leverage the cost and efficiency benefits that go hand in hand with the Skype for Business platform."

Menadue pointed out that Dimension Data has a strong track record for deploying high volumes of Lync on a global scale. "Our teams are already beta trained and ready to deliver Skype for Business to our clients when the product becomes available in the first half of 2015."