This is just a quick post to introduce you to my first application.
Introducing StatusKey for Skype for Business.
StatusKey is a tray application that allows you to change your Lync and Skype for Business presence status using keyboard shortcuts. I know you can set your status in the Skype for Business client itself, but really that just takes too many mouse clicks. If application development is good for anything it is for time savings. Rather than hunting for the client on the task bar full of other stuff or right clicking the (probably) hidden system tray icon and opening the menu to set your status, just hit the appropriate hot keys and you're set.
Lync and Skype for Business is, in part, about efficiency. I know your status changes with your calendar or if you're in a call or even if you leave your computer alone long enough. Now you can change it even faster.
Who doesn't love a keyboard shortcut?
I programmed 6 Keyboard Shortcuts in total. I've tried to make the keyboard shortcuts intuitive. Hopefully you get the idea.
R = Reset Status
B = Busy
A = Away
F = Free
T = Be Right Back
D = Do Not Disturb
Need to leave your desk in a hurry? Not a problem.
Just press CTRL+ALT+T to set "Be Right Back". The "T" stands for Temporarily Away.
When you get back, Press CTRL+ALT+R to "Reset" your status to automatic.
Working on an important task and want some privacy?
Press CTRL+ALT+D for "Do Not Disturb".
When you're done, either reset or press CTRL+ALT+F for "Available". "F" is for Free.
Busy, but can be contacted, press CTRL+ALT+B to set "Busy".
And to set your status to away before the timer kicks in, press CTRL+ALT+A for "Away".
Now for the science.
I've written the application using freely available developer tools. Visual Studio 2015 Community Edition with a couple of plugins available in the Visual Studio gallery, the Lync 2013 (client) SDK, a search engine and a little bit of time.
The application installs in just a few mouse clicks and saves a shortcut in your start menu, desktop and startup folder. After installation you need to launch it from the start menu. The application starts automatically at Windows Start up. Once launched it will run in the background. You can minimize it to the system tray and it will still run. Right click on the system tray icon to open or exit or for a link to my blog.
Hopefully you will find the application as useful as I have.
Where do I get it?
The application is available for FREE from the TechNet Gallery HERE.
Updated to Version 1.1.0
- Now installs using ClickOnce as a trusted application and is Code Signed from Digicert
- Removed Control Box Controls so you don't accidentally exit the application
- Added Start with Windows Check Box
- New Minimize to System tray button added.
- Esc to minimize to System Tray added
- Application starts up automatically once installed and immediately minimizes to the system tray
If this is useful please take a moment to share. Comments welcome.
Thanks for reading!
