Microsoft will replace Lync, its business-focused instant messaging app, with the new "Skype for Business" app during in the first half of 2015. Skype for Business, however, will remain an Office 365 service when it replaces Lync.

The announcement came shortly after Microsoft announced its rebranding strategy. The change was billed as means to "re-invent productivity." Microsoft wants to offer a unified experience across its varying services so consumers and businesses will have equal experiences.

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Formerly known as Microsoft Office Communicator, Microsoft Lync uses Microsoft Lync Server, the software infrastructure for enterprise instant messaging, VoIP, conferencing and other services. Skype for Business will create a new client experience and will come with a new server release.

Microsoft's corporate vice president of Skype, Gurdeep Pall, said large businesses know Lync while consumers are familiar with Skype. He noted that if one runs a medium or a small business, he gets lost as he feels that Lync might be too heavy duty for him. He believes these businessmen think Skype is too light for them.

Due to this reason, rebranding Lync will make these entrepreneurs reach out to a broader spectrum of their customers, especially the middle class.

Pall added that Skype for Business will have the same interface as Skype but there will be two different apps because Skype and Skype for Business will have to different usernames.

As for the security, compliance and controls, Skype Business will mirror that of Lync's, which users are already accustomed to.

TagsLync, Skype, Skype for Business, businesses, consumers