Microsoft Teams
vs Skype for Business
vs Messagenius
Which is better for secure business messaging?
Microsoft is retiring Skype for Business and will no longer support the on-premise version of the app. But is Microsoft Teams a good alternative to Skype for Business?
We compare Skype for Business, Teams, and Messagenius to find out how they stack up.
A quick disclaimer before we start…
We’ve done our best to make this comparison accurate. However, tech companies update their software regularly, so we can’t guarantee what you see here is 100% correct.
MS Teams vs Skype Business vs Messagenius:
A quick overview
Microsoft Teams is Microsoft’s business communication app, which offers flexible chat and communication features. Teams is available with free and premium licenses and comes as part of the Office 365 suite. Teams uses Microsoft cloud servers to store data.
Skype for Business is a video and chat app that is now at the end of its life. Microsoft no longer offers Skype for Business to new Office 365 subscribers, and will cease to support Skype for Business’s on-premise server technology during 2024.
Messagenius is a messaging app with innovative chat, video, and security features. It can be used with private cloud or on-premises hosting, making it a great alternative to Skype for Business.
Microsoft Teams vs Skype vs Messagenius
Data Security Features
As cybersecurity threats continue to grow, businesses of all sizes need to protect their data. A single data leak that breaches GDPR could potentially cost your business millions—so does Microsoft Teams offer enough protection?
MS Teams
Skype for Business
Messagenius
Data Security
End-to-end Encryption
(scrambles message data)
Perfect forward secrecy
(encryption keys regularly changed)
Allows two-factor authentication
On-premise/private cloud hosting
GDPR-compliant
Security Features
Conclusions
Skype for Business offers a lower level of encryption compared to Microsoft Teams. However, its on-premise hosting option is an advantage for companies who didn’t want to take risks with the cloud.
In the free version of Teams, you can only get end-to-end encryption in private chats. End-to-end encryption is available in group chats if you have a premium license. However, the app’s use of cloud storage means that Teams is less ideal for industries with strict security requirements.
What’s more, Teams has already shown some vulnerabilities. In July 2023, a security firm found that a security weakness in Teams could be used to spread malware on the platform.
Messagenius gives the option of both private cloud hosting and on-premise hosting, and is fully compliant with GDPR. Accordingly, it may be the best choice for companies with strict security requirements.
The German Data authorities released a report stating numerous data security concerns it had around Microsoft 365 data security. While this is not an ‘official’ determination, it puts into question whether Microsoft Teams is compliant with GDPR.
Microsoft stores data from EU companies on its EU servers. However, the US Cloud Act means that Microsoft is legally required to be able to present data from its servers to a US government body, the NSA—making Microsoft’s GDPR compliance difficult to assess.
Microsoft Teams vs Skype for Business vs Messagenius
Data Privacy
Today, many individuals care about data privacy—especially when using business apps on their personal devices.
Microsoft openly states in its privacy policy that it collects user data about its users. While the company also states that it doesn’t sell this data to third parties, it’s not clear whether Microsoft employees could have ‘backdoor’ access to private data.
MS Teams
Skype for Business
Messagenius
Data Privacy
Does not collect user data during signup
Does not have Surveillance capability built into the app
Does not send user data to the app provider
Messages cannot be read by the app provider
Does not timestamps/IPs logged by the provider
Data Security
Conclusions
Teams and Skype for Business lack some of the features that individual users might want for data privacy. Both apps require at least an email address to sign up, and Skype for Business also requests a phone number when the user signs up on mobile.
In addition, both Teams and Skype offer some surveillance features that allow employers visibility over employee conversations. Considering that Teams has previously been hacked, some companies may consider this feature a potential data risk.
Messagenius is the only option that offers you fully anonymous signup with no possibility of user data being sent elsewhere.
Microsoft Teams vs Skype for Business vs Messagenius
Secure Messaging Features
Messaging apps can pose security concerns for companies that need to share secure data. Particularly in the age of remote working, where many employees bring their laptops into public or shared spaces. So how well do the apps protect sensitive data sent in messages?
MS Teams
Skype for Business
Messagenius
Secure Messaging Features
Self-destructing-messages
Spam + Threat filtering
Message data stays on your own servers
Confirmation of message receipt (time, person)
Anonymous chatting(chats do not show emails or phone number)
Sender can delete their messages on the recipient’s device
Screen sharing auto-stops when call ends
Protected messages
(requiring fingerprint or captcha to open)
Timestamps logged by the provider
Secure Messaging
Conclusions
Skype for Business was previously exposed as having a major security issue: if you didn’t stop sharing your screen, other people could still see your screen after you hang up. While Teams does not have this issue, it lacks advanced security features that could be useful in sectors like finance and government.
Of the three apps, only Messagenius offers self-destructing and protected messages, making it a secure alternative to Skype for Business with on-premise hosting.
See Messagenius for yourself
Discover the enterprise messaging app that gives you advanced security without compromising on chat features.
Microsoft Teams vs Skype for Business vs Messagenius
Communication features
With the popularity of chat apps like Slack and Whatsapp, people now expect user-friendly and intuitive chat features. Many companies now hold online meetings on a regular basis, making it equally important to have sophisticated video conferencing features. So how do the apps compare for communication?
MS Teams
Skype for Business
Messagenius
Communication Tools
1-on-1 chats
Group chats
Persistent chat (Conversations stay after the chat window is closed)
#Channels
Polls
Video conferencing
Background blur
Customised background
Whiteboard masking (When somebody draws on a white board, their body isn’t in the way)
Broadcast meetings (live calls where watchers can’t chat or talk)
Voice calls
File-sharing
Voice messages
Emoji
GIFs/Stickers
Location sharing
Broadcast messages(Send messages to everyone, across channels)
Incident rooms (Instant team chats for collaborating on pressing issues)
Communication tools
Conclusions
All three apps stack up well on communication features, allowing users to collaborate via video, chat, and voice messages. Microsoft Teams is more well-developed than Skype for Business, particularly as Skype chats disappear when users close the chat window.
Messagenius is the only app to offer incident rooms, making it a great alternative for sectors that need fast responses, like healthcare and law enforcement.
Microsoft Teams vs Skype for Business vs Messagenius
Business features comparison
Today’s businesses use messaging range tools in a wide range of scenarios. So how well do the tools adapt to different use cases? And how well do they integrate with other tools used by businesses?
MS Teams
Skype for Business
Messagenius
Business Features
White label(customize with your branding)
Integrationsthrough API/SDK
Integrationsthrough API/SDK
Workflow customizations
Integrates with Microsoft app store
Chatbots(Plug + Play integration with chat tools)
Enterprise database sync with Active Directory, Exchange, Oracle, etc
CTA messages(Messages with custom buttons like “accept invitation”)
Can be used without internet connection
Guest access to channels and meetings
Calendar app
Business features
Conclusions
Microsoft Teams is an easy winner when it comes to out-of-the box integrations. While Skype for Business only offered limited integrations through Zapier and IFTTT, Teams syncs with a wide range of Microsoft apps. What’s more, the Teams API allows further possibilities for integrating third-party apps.
Microsoft Teams also offers much better guest access than Skype for Business did, making it a more flexible tool for collaboration.
While Messagenius doesn’t have instant connections to Microsoft apps, it does offer some unique advantages. Because it can be used without an internet connection, it’s a great Skype alternative for remote locations such as cruise ships. Plus, Messsagenius can be white-labeled with any company’s branding.
See Messagenius for yourself
Discover the enterprise messaging app that gives you advanced security without compromising on chat features.
Microsoft Teams vs Skype for Business vs Messagenius
File-sharing comparison
File-sharing is important for workplace collaboration today, particularly as more businesses adopt hybrid and remote working models. So how do the file transfer functionalities compare?
MS Teams
Skype for Business
Messagenius
File Sharing
Cloud storage option
On-premise storage option
File downloads can be available offline
Share files of any size
Unlimited storage
File-sharing
Conclusions
All three apps offer excellent file-sharing capabilities. For organizations that previously relied on Skype for Business’s on-premise hosting, Teams’s cloud-hosting may be a disadvantage. At the same time, some organizations will appreciate the additional flexibility that Microsoft’s cloud capabilities give to remote workers.
For companies who wish to stick with on-premise hosting, Messagenius is an excellent alternative to Skype for Business. Messagenius gives the option of cloud, private cloud, or on-premise hosting, so businesses can choose how their files are shared with colleagues.
Microsoft Teams vs Skype vs Messagenius
Device Availability
All three apps are available on both iOS and Android, making the transition easy for mobile users. However, Skype for Business will cease to be available in the near future.
MS Teams
Skype for business
Messagenius
Device aviability
iOS
Android
Desktop
Which messaging app should I choose for my business?
While all three apps share similarities, we think the pros and cons are pretty clear:
Microsoft Teams offers exceptionally well-developed communication and collaboration features. Its ready-made integrations also make it a great choice for companies who use Microsoft products, along with other third-party tools.
Microsoft Teams relies on the cloud, which may be an advantage for organizations that collaborate remotely. However, this makes it less ideal for companies who have strict security requirements or who operate in remote locations without internet
Skype for Business is not as sophisticated as Teams, but still offers good every-day chat and video call features.
Its main advantage over Teams was the option to use Skype for Business with on-premise hosting for additional security. However, Microsoft is retiring the technology in the near future
Messagenius is an ideal choice for organizations who want modern messaging capabilities without compromising on security. With features like self-destructing messages and full end-to-end encryption, it can comply with the strictest security and data privacy requirements.
What’s more, Messagenius is available with on-site hosting as an option, along with public and private cloud hosting. This makes it an ideal replacement for Skype for Business as Microsoft finishes retiring the technology.
Messagenius brings convenient communication to even the most
high-security enterprises
Messagenius is a lot younger than Skype for Business, but we’ve already won multiple cybersecurity awards. Our app is flexible enough to integrate into any business workflow, with extra layers of security to keep your private data safe.
Three ways to privately host your data
You can deploy Messagenius:
On-premise
on your enterprise private server for total data ownership and physical security.
Enterprise private cloud
where you retain data ownership and enjoy the efficiency of cloud operations.
Messagenius cloud server
created and dedicated for your sole enterprise use.
Own Your Data with Private Encryption Keys
Messagenius has a unique encryption key system that’s virtually unmatched by any other provider. When we hand over the encryption keys to you, nobody else will have a copy.
As an extra layer of protection against data breaches, you can choose to have multiple individuals at your organization use these keys.
Messagenius is the Skype for Business alternative that supports your brand
White label service
Impress your employees, partners, and clients by white-labeling Messagenius. You can tailor it with your company graphics to promote your brand vision and values.
Simple integrations
Integrate single sign-on, groups, shortcuts, and contextualized chats into any other tools your team uses. Messagenuis can also sync with Active Directory and LDAP, enabling single sign-on without a phone number.
Streamlined workflows
Messagenius lets you customize how instant messaging fits into your workflows. Trigger business processes in conversational mode with a Department Contact, in Control Rooms, or with chatbots and AI-driven virtual agents.
Incident Rooms
When you have a pressing issue to deal with, use Messagenius to organize the team. Messagenius’s incident rooms are ideal for emergency response teams, security staff, IT support teams, and more.
Customize Messagenius to meet your data encryption requirements
If you’re in an organization that deals with secure data, you might have unique encryption requirements. With Messagenius, you can adjust the encryption, user access, and file sharing for every single user.
Enjoy all the convenient messaging features your team is used to
Discussion Channels
- Group chats
- Direct messages
- #Channels
- Video and voice call
- Custom Workflows
- Special Notifications
- Message search
- Do no disturb status
Chat tools
- Text messages
- Audio messages
- Images, Videos, GIFs, File sharing
- Self-destructing messages
- Priority messages
Admin Dashboard
- Real-time reports
- Department accounts
- User access
- Broadcast Messages
- Chat Export
- And more…
See Messagenius for yourself
Discover the enterprise messaging app that gives you advanced security without compromising on chat features.
F.A.Q.
Which is better, Microsoft Teams or Skype for Business?
Microsoft Teams is a more modern platform, offering greater flexibility and superior collaboration tools. The main difference is that Skype for Business could be hosted on-site, whereas Teams relies on the cloud. As a result, some businesses are seeking a Teams alternative with on-premise hosting.
Is Microsoft Teams replacing Skype for Business?
Yes. Microsoft no longer offers Skype for Business to new Office 365 subscribers, instead directing them to Microsoft Teams. Skype for Business can still be used with on-site hosting, although Skype will cease to support this in the near future.
Why use Teams instead of Skype?
Microsoft Teams has a number of communication tools that Skype doesn’t have, such as large-scale video conferencing. What’s more, Teams offers greater integration with Microsoft’s other products, so will better support user workflows.
Can Skype for Business and Microsoft Teams work together?
Microsoft has supported some interoperability between the two platforms. This meant that a person using Teams could have a voice call with a person using Skype for Business. However, Microsoft is retiring Skype for Business so this will no longer be possible.
Is Teams safer than Skype?
Yes. Microsoft Teams has enterprise security features that Skype does not, such as spam and security filtering. Teams also gives the customer greater control over the information that is retained in the app.
When is the Skype for Business end of life date?
Microsoft stopped supporting Skype for Business Online (the cloud version of the app) in 2021. While the platform is still working to some extent, Microsoft no longer offers it to new Office 365 subscribers. Microsoft will cease offering updates to Skype for Business on-premises servers in 2024.
