Microsoft to link together Skype and Lync in June along with new mobile apps

Microsoft has revealed a new step in its plans for Skype today. At a Lync Conference keynote, Skype president Tony Bates announced that the software giant will link together Skype and Lync, Microsoft’s business instant messaging service. The connectivity will debut in June, allowing businesses to call and instant message Skype users using the Lync service. Video connectivity will be launched at a later date.

Lync mobile clients will also debut ahead of the integration. Microsoft says a Windows Phone 8 and iOS version will be made available in early March, with an Android version due around a month later. VoIP and video over IP will be available in app of the mobile apps, and iPad users will be able to view shared desktop and app content within a Lync meeting.

Microsoft’s Skype-Lync integration is the latest step in the company’s plans to merge together its instant messaging and voice / video calling service with its products. Microsoft recently launched a Video Messages service for Skype, and plans to migrate Messenger users over to Skype from April 8th onwards. Office 2013 integration of Skype debuted recently, and Microsoft is also planning to update Outlook.com with Skype support. We’re now waiting to hear more about Microsoft’s plans for Skype on Xbox. With a new console expeceted later this year, and Sony’s rumored PlayStation 4 announcement this week, we’ll likely hear more details about Skype on Xbox in the coming months.