Preview Version of Skype Integration with Slack is Now Available

Microsoft announced today that a preview version of Skype integration for the Slack team-based messaging solution is now available. In this first early release, Slack users can now make a Skype voice or video call from within that app.

“At Skype, we are committed to breaking down communication barriers and getting the world talking,” the Skype team explains. “This is why we make Skype available on multiple platforms and continue to explore more ways to help you stay connected. Today we’re releasing a preview version of Skype integration for Slack that lets teams on Slack easily make a Skype voice or video call and reach conclusions faster.”

I’m not at all familiar with Slack, but based on the description on the Slack feature page on Skype.com, Slack users simply need to click a web-based “Add to Slack” button to integrate Skype functionality into the Slack app for Windows.

To start a free Skype call in Slack, you “simply” type /skype in any channel. No Skype account is required.

And while Skype integration doesn’t work in mobile Slack clients, you will still get Slack notifications on any device when a Skype call starts. “Join straight from the web, or get the [Skype] mobile app to join a call from your smartphone,” the Microsoft page says.