Difference Between Microsoft Lync and Teams (With Table)

Microsoft Lync was renamed Skype for Business in 2015. It is an enterprise software application used for instant messaging and video conferencing purposes. It is developed by Microsoft as one of the elements of the Microsoft Office suite. It offers the sharing of text, audio, and video chats, alongside Microsoft Office (Exchange and SharePoint) features. 

On the other hand, Microsoft Teams is a work-based platform for communication purposes launched by Microsoft in 2017. It mainly offers the possibility to chat, video conference, store, and integrate applications among a network of colleagues. Since the start of the pandemic in 2020, Microsoft Teams has garnered an ample amount of users.  

Comparison Table Between Microsoft Lync and Teams

What is Microsoft Lync?

Initially, the well-known Skype for Business, which we often use for telephoning a person, was named Microsoft Lync in 2015. This all-purpose software plays a crucial role in any type of business. To put it in simple words, this easy-to-use software was established in 2007 as a communication tool, which could offer platforms for texting instantly, video/ audio callings, and desktop sharing. 

Alongside the fundamental functions, Microsoft Lync also has super-cool features, such as ‘Quick Lync’, a menu that offers instant chat with each contact, ‘favorites’ group feature, New way to display a contact list based on the relationship, group, status, etc. Furthermore, it includes organized conversations every time one uses it, one-click video calling & gallery viewing, plus the flexibility to join meetings instantly from any device. Aside from that, it allows the usage of PowerPoint, WhiteBoard, polling, and OneNote files. Over and above, it also allows the recipient to record and share video conferences with others. 

On the contrary, Lync uses a lot of bandwidth, eventually interfering with IT and internet management while attending meetings. Consequently, Lync users have to face a lot of interruptions while using the software for work. It is available for all sorts of users, including macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, and many more. 

What is Teams?

Meanwhile, Microsoft Teams is a business-based communication platform created by the company Microsoft on the 14th of March 2017. This collaborative software was written in TypeScript, Angular, and React Electron. Therefore, it is supported by macOS, Android, iOS, and other operating systems. 

Speaking of which, Microsoft Teams encompasses efficient features, such as instant communications through chats, which enables users to format text, use emojis. With just an URL, one or a team of colleagues can join the meets, and calls. Furthermore, through channels, one can exchange posts from other platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and so on. 

Additionally, it also broadcasts live events other than group meetings, and calls. Aside from business-related activities, it also plays an important role in the education of students, such as the option of distributing, grading assignments, and incorporation of online exams.

Microsoft Teams also facilitates seamless files search, backup, and helpful bots. However, Microsoft Teams has drawbacks too, such as a plethora of similar tools, which sometimes might confuse users, unnecessary storage consumption, lack of notification, increased security risks, and a limited number of channels. On the whole, speaking of its users, Microsoft Teams has really hit its pinnacle in its count of users, where they have attained over 250 million monthly accounts by 2020. 

Main Differences Between Microsoft Lync and Teams

1. Microsoft Lync is a business-telecommunication platform also known as ‘Skype for business’ which was launched on 27th October 2007 as a part of Microsoft Office Suite by the Microsoft Developers. On the other hand, Microsoft Teams is a closed-source business communication software that was introduced back on 14th March 2017 by the developers Microsoft as a part of its Microsoft Office 365. 
2. Microsoft Lync functions only in 4 operating systems, whereas Teams can be installed in 5 operating systems including Linux. 
3. Microsoft Lync does not allow a user to save any conversation history folder, but Microsoft Teams saves any chats/conversations in history and that can be erased unless the user deletes. 
4. Microsoft Lync files can be accessed only if the sender, as well as the receiver, stays online. Nevertheless, in the case of Microsoft Teams, users can send or receive files/documents even though offline. 
5. Speaking of convenience, in Microsoft Lync, users who do not have the application should install a browser that could plug in to join the meeting. Meanwhile, Microsoft teams interact inside or outside the meet through channels such as Zoom, Google Meet, etc. 

Conclusion

Microsoft Lync and Teams are business communication software that was launched by the same developers Microsoft in order to radically improve business telecommunication with its amazing features and versions. Microsoft Lync is renamed Skype for business, which is used for business purposes such as meeting, chatting, and instant messaging. Besides, Microsoft Lync can be installed in 4 operating systems such as iOS, Windows, macOS, and Android. 

Speaking of Microsoft Teams, this software has nailed out the performance in terms of amazing features, say, collaborating with other business software, calling, messaging, sharing files offline through share slides, and many more. Moreover, Microsoft Teams can be used for educational training purposes. 

References

1. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=bTQcvrFRhnwC&oi=fnd&pg=PR15&dq=microsoft+lync+&ots=QEDDv7gnXa&sig=RWkMXco3h1cwVgYSal9iGCn-Sf8
2. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4842-5875-0_1