There are many useful resources that can be found around the Internet from both Microsoft and third-party providers. Here’s a list of tools that I regularly use:
Microsoft Teams
Network Assessment Tool
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=53885
A critical tool that you should run before attempting to deploy Microsoft Teams within your environment. The tool will report what your connection quality is like between your PC and Office 365.
Lync 2013 / Skype for Business Server
Skype for Business Server Pre-reqs
Three of the most common Skype for Business server pre-reqs to save you time.
Visual C++ Runtime
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=48145
A pre-req for installing the network assessment tool. Be sure to install the 32bit version, even if you’re running it on a 64bit machine.
Skype for Business 2015 Debugging Tools
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=47263
A great set of tools including Snooper, which is useful for reviewing Lync and SfB logs.
You’ll also need the 64bit edition of the Visual C++ runtime to run the debugging tools too:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=48145 (select x64)
Microsoft Connectivity Analyzer
http://testexchangeconnectivity.com
This is a fantastic tool for troubleshooting external client sign in and Lync edge connectivity.
Microsoft Lync Connectivity Analyzer Tool
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=278995
A client side tool that can give you detailed information and enable you to effectively troubleshoot sign in problems from mobile devices and the Lync Windows Store app.
Federation Connectivity Test
https://www.eventzero.com/Tools/FederationTester2/
A third-party tool built by Event Zero. The tool allows you to test voice and IM federation with an external provider.
Microsoft Lync 2013 Resource Kit
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj945604.aspx
Microsoft Lync Server 2013 Resource Kit Tools are provided to help make some routine tasks easier for IT administrators who deploy and manage Lync Server 2013.
Editing the Lync Meeting Logo
http://www.ehloworld.com/2311
A great post on how to customise the Lync Meeting page to display your company logo
Creating Customised Statuses in Lync
http://www.lyncinsider.com/third-party-lync-products/lync-add-ons-lync-custom-status-tool/
Although not free, this tool allows you to create custom Lync Statuses.
Lync 2013 Updates List
http://support2.microsoft.com/kb/2809243
A regularly updated list of all available Lync 2013 updates, including cumulative updates.
Skype for Business Server Updates List
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3061064
A regularly updated list of all available Skype for Business updates, including cumulative updates.
Lync Holiday Set editor
http://waveformation.com/holidayseteditor/
An awesome, easy to use tool to create holiday sets for response groups
Exchange
Microsoft Connectivity Analyzer
http://testexchangeconnectivity.com
An invaluable tool for testing all manor of Exchange related issues. This should be one of your first points of call for Exchange troubleshooting.
MXToolbox
http://www.mxtoolbox.com
A great DNS record/blacklist/SMTP testing tool.
