Microsoft Lync, now known as Skype for Business, is a popular communication platform used by many businesses for meetings and collaboration. However, if you’re using an Ubuntu system, you may find it challenging to join Lync meetings as there’s no official Lync Attendee client for Ubuntu. Despite this, there are several workarounds that you can use to join Lync meetings on Ubuntu. This article will guide you through these methods.
To join Microsoft Lync Attendee meetings on Ubuntu, you can use the Lync Web App, install third-party clients like the SIPE plugin for Pidgin or the snom embedded client, or use a Windows virtual machine with Lync installed. Each method has its pros and cons, so it’s recommended to try them all and see which one works best for you.
Using Lync Web App
The Lync Web App is a browser-based version of the Lync client, which allows you to join meetings as a participant. Although it doesn’t include features like instant messaging, presence, conferencing, or voice, it does provide basic meeting join functionality.
To use the Lync Web App, you’ll need a substitute for Microsoft Silverlight, which is not supported on Linux. One such alternative is Moonlight.
Moonlight is an open-source implementation of Silverlight, primarily for Linux and other Unix/X11 based operating systems. You can install it using the following command:
sudo apt-get install moonlight-plugin-mozillaOnce installed, you should be able to use the Lync Web App to join meetings.
Using Third-Party Clients
There are several third-party Linux clients that can provide some Lync functionality. Two of these are the SIPE plugin for Pidgin and the snom embedded client.
SIPE Plugin for Pidgin
The SIPE (SIP Exchange) plugin allows you to use Pidgin as a replacement for the Microsoft Office Communicator client. To install Pidgin and the SIPE plugin, use the following commands:
sudo apt-get install pidgin
sudo apt-get install pidgin-sipeOnce installed, you can add your Lync account to Pidgin and join meetings.
Snom Embedded Client
The snom embedded client is another option. It’s qualified by Microsoft and supports presence and enterprise voice. However, it may not provide all the features of the Lync Attendee client.
Using a Windows Virtual Machine
If the above methods don’t meet your needs, you can use a Windows virtual machine (VM) with Lync installed.
You can use software like VirtualBox to run the VM in “Seamless” mode, which allows the Lync window to appear as a separate window on your Ubuntu desktop.
To install VirtualBox, use the following command:
sudo apt-get install virtualboxAfter installing VirtualBox, you’ll need a Windows ISO file to create the VM. Once the VM is set up, install Lync and join your meetings.
While this method is a bit more complicated, it can provide access to Lync Attendee meetings with full functionality.
Conclusion
While there’s no official Lync Attendee client for Ubuntu, there are several workarounds available. Whether you use the Lync Web App, a third-party client, or a Windows VM, you should be able to join your Lync meetings from your Ubuntu system. Each method has its pros and cons, so it’s recommended to try them all and see which one works best for you.
Remember, these solutions may not provide all the features of the Lync Attendee client, but they can help you participate in your meetings.
Yes, you can join Microsoft Lync Attendee meetings on Ubuntu using workarounds like the Lync Web App, third-party clients like Pidgin with the SIPE plugin or the snom embedded client, or by running a Windows virtual machine.
The Lync Web App is a browser-based version of the Lync client that allows you to join meetings as a participant. It provides basic meeting join functionality, but does not include features like instant messaging, presence, conferencing, or voice.
You can install Moonlight on Ubuntu by running the following command in the terminal:
sudo apt-get install moonlight-plugin-mozillaYes, you can use Pidgin as a replacement for the Microsoft Office Communicator client on Ubuntu by installing the SIPE (SIP Exchange) plugin. You can install Pidgin and the SIPE plugin using the following commands in the terminal:
sudo apt-get install pidgin
sudo apt-get install pidgin-sipeThe snom embedded client is a third-party Linux client that is qualified by Microsoft and supports presence and enterprise voice. However, it may not provide all the features of the Lync Attendee client.
Yes, you can use a Windows virtual machine (VM) with Lync installed to join Lync Attendee meetings on Ubuntu. You can use software like VirtualBox to run the VM in "Seamless" mode, which allows the Lync window to appear as a separate window on your Ubuntu desktop.
You can install VirtualBox on Ubuntu by running the following command in the terminal:
sudo apt-get install virtualboxThe best method for joining Lync Attendee meetings on Ubuntu depends on your specific needs and preferences. Each method (Lync Web App, third-party clients, or a Windows virtual machine) has its pros and cons. It is recommended to try them all and see which one works best for you.
