Skype Web SDK is now GA, out of Preview

At Build 2016 today, Microsoft announced that the Skype Web SDK which is been in Preview state since its launch at Build 2015 is now available for General Availability (GA).

Microsoft Build is an annual conference event held by Microsoft, aimed towards software and web developers using Windows, Windows Phone, Microsoft Azure and other Microsoft technologies. It’s Microsoft’s conference for Developers!

 

The Skype Web SDK is a JavaScript implementation of core Skype functionality intended for web developers to embed Skype functionality into their webpages.

Skype Web SDK goes GA with a limited set of features, and some features remain in Preview state. Key features which are GA today are:

• Presence subscriptions
• Contact Management (add/remove users/groups)
• Make Outgoing Instant Messaging
• Joining Meetings
• Scheduling Meetings
• A UI control for adding Instant Messaging to your applications (P2P IM only)
• Application Context support

Features which are GA for on-prem users but are not available for Skype Web SDK Online today include:

• Accept Incoming Instant Messaging
• Viewing information about the signed-in user (Self)
• Updating of presence state / note

Features which remain in Preview include:

• Audio Video features
• Escalate a P2P call to a conference
• Join a Skype for Business Online meeting
• Anonymous Meeting Join
• Multiple video window support

These features are expected to come to GA eventually, but as of today they remain in Preview. You can find the full list of what’s available where either on MSDN or in the Skype-Docs on GitHub (ooohh yeah!)

This announcement is good news for organisations who have been holding back on using this new SDK to embed Skype functionality into their webpages, as the GA tag means it’s now fully supported by Microsoft. With the feature set that’s GA today the focus for developers is expected to be more on internal applications and Office add-ins, rather than customer facing experiences.

If you’re new to Skype Web SDK then why not check out my Learn Skype Web SDK in 30 days series of blog posts (with code!) or my free eBook, Learn Skype Web SDK in 30 days.