51°µÍø

Why the Switch to Microsoft Teams?

Microsoft has ended mainstream support for our version of Skype for Business (SfB), which is now in extended support until October 14, 2025. The replacement for SfB is Microsoft Teams, which has been growing in use since its launch in 2017, and we will be migrating our SfB instance to Teams starting in 2024. Microsoft Teams users will find they can send cross-platform messages, make video calls and meetings, manage projects, and collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations all from within the Teams interface.

This project aligns with the following 51°µÍø strategic goals:

• Improve and modernize aging campus infrastructure
• Enhance the academic stature of the University by providing improved resources to faculty, staff, and students

Project Timeline

The timeline for completion of the Teams Migration Project is approximately 11 months from the start of analysis phase. Our plan for implementation includes a phased approach with completion before Q3 of 2024. The 51°µÍø's main campus and 51°µÍø-in-Taos are in scope of this project.

Update: We are scheduled to begin the actual migration to Teams in June 2024.  The current schedule by building is .

Communication Efforts

A number of communication efforts for this project are planned during the project timeline including surveys, blog posts, and executive summaries and presentations. As the actual implementation progresses, our communication efforts will focused on direct email to impacted users and on this website, as well as our blog (blog.smu.edu/itconnect) and newsletters.  As we get closer to launch, communications to employees within each area will be provided in addition to training and workshop opportunities. Regular updates to Governance and Executive Leaders will also be facilitated.

Update: As we begin the migration, individuals will receive multiple communications prior to the migration of their account. 

• An email will be sent three weeks and then one week prior. 
• The week before the migration, our team will deliver the new handsets and headsets. 
• An email will be sent the day prior to your migration. 
• Migrations will then occur outside of business hours (5:30am-8:00am). 
• A final message will be sent to confirm completion of the migration for each user.