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Microsoft Lync 2010 replaces Microsoft Office Communications Server for workplace collaboration
Microsoft's workplace collaboration tool, Office Communications Server, just got a big upgrade and a new, less stuffy name: Microsoft Lync 2010. Like OCS, Lync connects the various Microsoft services in a workplace, including Office, Exchange email and Sharepoint storage. It's also a hub for instant messenging, voice calls and video calls.
The major new stuff in Lync 2010 includes enterprise voice calling that's compatible with various USB and IP devices, and could theoretically do the job of your office's legacy phone system. Contact lists are now unified across your Microsoft applications, so you can use your contacts in both Lync and your office apps. Lync also includes new conferencing features, like desktop and app sharing (including PowerPoint sharing and whiteboarding).
The last big Microsoft OCS release was back in 2007, although it got a service pack last year. Lync 2010 represents a huge leap forward in functionality that looks like it actually belongs in a 2010 office environment. There's an insane amount of info on new features, including several demo videos, at the Microsoft Lync 2010 launch page.
Comments
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Subscribe to commentsAnthonyNov 18th 2010 1:30AM
The last big release of Office Communications Server was in 200? That long ago? :P
All kidding aside, the last major release was in 2007. You might want to fix that.
Jay HathawayNov 18th 2010 1:31AM
Just a typo, Anthony! Thanks for the catch. It's all fixed now!
DanNov 18th 2010 8:20AM
Actually the last big release was in early 2009 with OCS 2007 R2, which already happened to possess most of the features now sold as "new", including the ability to replace a PBX for PSTN voice etc.
Still good to see the momentum MS has gained with Lync. It was about time they let the cat out of the bag and officially declared the PBX dead. So much for the "partnership" with Cisco, Avaya, Siemens & Nortel that was proclaimed when OCS 2007 came out. These guys can pack up their stuff and go home.