Lync Basic 2013 vs Lync 2013

With the release of Lync Server 2013, there are two versions of the Lync 2013 client available:

  • Lync Basic 2013
  • Lync 2013

What's the difference between the two?

Lync Basic 2013 provides all the basic functionality that’s available in the full version of Lync (Lync 2013). However, if you want to use any of the following features, you will need to upgrade to Lync 2013:

  • Advanced call features (not available with all Office 365 subscriptions); advanced call features include team ring, call forwarding, simultaneous ring, voice mail, call park, call delegation, response groups, and remote call control
  • Calendar delegation
  • Gallery video view
  • OneNote sharing
  • Recording
  • Skill search (not available with Office 365)
  • Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) (not available with Office 365)

You can find more information on which specific features are supported in each client in the Client Comparison Tables TechNet article.

Where can I download the Lync 2013 clients?

Lync Basic 2013 is available on the Microsoft Download Center and comes in two versions:

Lync 2013 is available via the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center for customers with a Volume Licensing agreement.