{"id":915,"date":"2016-09-01T11:59:25","date_gmt":"2016-09-01T10:59:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thelondonbiker.com\/blog\/?p=915"},"modified":"2018-05-03T07:05:47","modified_gmt":"2018-05-03T06:05:47","slug":"setting-up-skype-with-a-desktop-phone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thelondonbiker.com\/blog\/2016\/09\/setting-up-skype-with-a-desktop-phone\/","title":{"rendered":"Setting up Skype with a desktop phone"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>What did I want? I wanted a Skype virtual number that worked with the Skype client on my iPhone, my laptop and importantly – with a desktop phone that would function without the need to be plugged into my computer.<\/p>\n

Easy. Google Skype desktop phone and you’re presented with an array of options. But here’s the rub. They don’t work<\/em>. Skype – the consumer version – is just not wired to work properly with a stand alone desktop phone (VoIP) – so you’re going to have to try something else. I now have a virtual Skype number that calls through on my various devices as well as a desktop phone – this is how I managed it – it took me the better part of two weeks of on-and-off work to get this up and running – there is so much contrary information on various websites that I hope this offers a clear path for new users.<\/p>\n

1 – Skype wont work for you.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The personal version of Skype is not up to this task. Yes, you can buy a USB phone for your computer but it’s barely better than a bluetooth headset and it still requires your computer to be up and running and signed in. You need Skype For Business<\/a>. It’s designed to work with more robust VoIP systems and will integrate with a number of desktop phones – most easily with this range from Polycom.<\/a>\u00a0Be aware you need a very specific version of the Polycom phones that come with the relevant firmware pre-installed. This is important<\/strong>. Without that firmware the upgrade process for these devices is a pain – a REAL pain. I know.<\/p>\n

2 – It wont work with JUST Skype for Business<\/strong><\/p>\n

Skype for Business is an awesome stand-alone tool. It’ll ring your devices, is far more robust than the personal version and offers good value for money. You could stop right here with a simple subscription and forget the desktop phone idea.<\/p>\n

3 – I really want a desktop phone<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is where things get hugely confusing. In order to use a desktop phone you are going to need a full-on VoIP server, a PBX server and a phone plan of some kind. What does that mean in practice? It means you need a Microsoft Office Enterprise Licence. The easiest way to get up and running is to sign up for an Office 365 E5 Licence.<\/a>\u00a0This gives you everything you need to be up and running with a desktop phone – including the Cloud PBX service for Skype For Business. You’ll just need to add a domestic calling plan.<\/a>\u00a0So now you have:<\/p>\n