Skype for Business does not only serve as basis for telefony at the JGU but can also be used for chats and video conferences. With the option of sharing your desktop it is even suitable for synchronous digital teaching, e.g. in seminars.
The following pages contain information on setting up and using Skype for Business.
Please note that not all instructions are available in English yet. We are currently working on that.
Data Protection Information for Skype for Business at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU)
Set-up and Log in
- Open the Windows-Search-Box in the bottom left corner of your screen.
- Type LYNC into the Search-Box.
- The Skype-for-Buisness-App will appear. Click on it.
- After starting Skype-for-Buisness for the first time, the application will open automatically in the future.
If you have difficulties with the log in, you can find further instructions under section 2 on the following page: Häufige Fragen zu Skype for Business
On a private PC: You can find out easily if Skype for Business is already installed by pressing the Windows-key on your keyboard and type in Skype for Business - in the best case the program appears and you can start it by clicking on it.
Please note: Skype (without "for Business") is an entirely different program!
- If Skype for Business is not installed on your device:
- You can install the stand alone client ("Skype for Business basic") via the following link:
https://support.microsoft.com/de-de/help/3139711/how-to-install-the-skype-for-business-basic-stand-alone-client - Don't worry, if you can't decide wether to install the 32- or the 64-bit version. The attempt to install the wrong version will simply fail.
- Please note: You can not use the stand-alone client for delegating calls or response-groups.
- You can install the stand alone client ("Skype for Business basic") via the following link:
You can find out easily if Skype for Business is already installed by searching for Skype for Business - in the best case the program appears and you can start it by clicking on it.
Please note: Skype (without "for Business") is an entirely different program!
You can install the program easily via the following link: SfB-Installation auf einem Mac
Skype for Business unfortunaltely does not work on computers running on a linux operating system. As staff member you can use the chat-function though.
Alternatively you can use the Skype for Business app on your mobile device. This allows you to participate in video conferences. Of course you could also participate via phone call with audio only.
Please note: Neither Skype for Business nor Microsoft Teams can be used for phone calls via remote desktop!
There are some things to consider when using the app. Please read about downloading and installing the app here.
There are 3 elements needed for the log in:
- Skype Sign-In address
- Account name with the domain
- Password belonging to the JGU account
Firstly the program will ask for your Skype Sign-In address, then additionally for your account name (uni account) and the domain - it depends on the device from which you are signing in if the program asks for the domain separately or together with the JGU account name (in the form of loginname@uni-mainz.de).
You might need to look for something like extended options to insert the domain, if it is required separately.
For staff members the Skype Sign-In address usually is the JGU account name followed by @uni-mainz.de (this is not the same as your email address, though it might look the same!). In some rare cases the Skype Sign-In address is different though! You can check it in the User account self management (> user account > Skype Sign-In address). If you should experience problems with signing in nevertheless, you may find help under point two of the Skype for Business FAQs.
If you should experience problems with signing in nevertheless, you may find help under point two of the Skype for Business FAQs. Futhermore you can check out Information on Skype for Business Sign-In, where we try to clarify the problem with examples and for different operating systems.
Using Skype for Business
The Handout explains the structure and the most important functions of the application.
Unfortunately it is only availabe in German at the moment.
Alternatively you can check out the official → Skype for Business help & learning page.
Check out the FAQs on Skype for Business here.
Please note: The following is concerning the application Skype for Business. Skype without "for Business" is a different application! They might be similar, but are not compatible. Especially using them in a conference simultaneously is not possible. You do not need the Skype for Business app or a JGU account to join a conference though. External participants can join via the Skype WebApp ( → How to join a conference via Skype WebApp).
You can use a Skype for Business conference for conference calls (audio) and video conferences. Given you have the neccessary hardware available you can easily switch on you camera to turn a conference call into a video conference.
In 3 steps you can set up a conferece easily and quickly. You can read up on how setting up a conference in Skype for Business works here.
Funktionsrufnummern are non-personal numbers mainly for secretariats. Please read the information and advice on that carefully.
Phones and phone numbers
You can find information on how to get a phone number and/or a phone here.
We provide documentation on how to put the following Polycom phones into operation:
Polycom phone CX 300 (with USB), Polycom phone VVX 501 and Polycom phone CX 600.
Read up on everything important regarding the answering machine/ mailbox (e.g. set up).
There are some older models like Siemens or Openstage still in use. You can find instructions and information about those as well.[