From IC Insider Rocket.Chat
By Pavithra Sudhakar, Senior Product Marketing Manager, Rocket.Chat
Microsoft’s extended support for Skype for Business Server ends October 14, 2025. After that, organizations lose security fixes and updates. This creates exposure and compliance gaps for classified and secure programs, especially in classified or disconnected environments. If your mission still depends on SFB, the clock is ticking.
Why act now
As SFB sunsets, unpatched systems become progressively more challenging to justify in sensitive enclaves. The guide outlines concrete risks and the shrinking timeline facing regulated teams.
These are the most immediate impacts to consider before the deadline:
- Security & compliance exposure. Unsupported software attracts exploits and audit findings as patches stop.
- Compressed migrations. Large, regulated deployments need time for testing, ATO artifacts, and training. Delays squeeze everything into the last mile.
- Cloud-default pitfalls. Teams’ lack of true, on-prem support conflicts with sovereignty and air-gapped requirements standard across the IC.
The bottom line is that the clock is ticking. Each month of inaction amplifies risk while reducing the time available for orderly transition.
Why Rocket.Chat (mission-ready and sovereign by design)
Rocket.Chat is a strong Skype for Business alternative that matches strict security requirements and adapts to unique mission needs.
- Flexible deployment, including air-gapped. Run on-premises or in a secure private cloud. For high-stakes environments, Rocket.Chat supports air-gapped deployments with zero external network access.
- Encrypted conversations. Enable end-to-end encryption so only authorized personnel can access mission-critical information, preserving confidentiality and integrity.
- Robust information governance. Audit every conversation, enforce DLP policies, and control access via role-based permissions with full history available in one place.
- Open-source advantage. Gain deep customization and control with a pre-built Apps-Engine to build the features your workflows demand.
Get your copy of the Skype-for-Business-Replacement-Guide
The guide provides a practical blueprint; start with these essentials and adapt to your enclave’s risk posture.
● Factors to consider when looking for a replacement
● Main functionalities of Skype for Business replacement tools
● How to migrate from SFB to a replacement solution successfully
Get your copy at https://www.rocket.chat/ebooks/skype-for-business
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By Loren Blinde
August 27, 2025
