Microsoft Debuts Lync Server 2010

Microsoft released Lync Server 2010 -- the next generation of Office Communications Server -- its system for converging communications across the enterprise. Lync integrates instant messaging, presence, audio, video, web conferencing and voice. The Lync interface works within applications, including Microsoft Office, Microsoft SharePoint and Microsoft Exchange.


Microsoft Lync Online will be available as part of Microsoft Office 365 next year. The company also expects that Lync-based solutions will develop across a wide spectrum of personal computing devices, browsers and mobile devices in 2011 and beyond.


As part of the rollout, over 70 devices specifically designed for Lync are being announced. Hardware products include headsets, webcams, Internet protocol phones, telepresence systems and USB endpoints optimized for Lync, from partners including Polycom, Aastra, Plantronics, Jabra, ClearOne, Logitech and Radvision. In addition, more than 30 partners are launching applications on the Lync platform for public and private organizations of all types and sizes. Solutions include contact centers, call recording, accounting, performance monitoring services and new applications that embed communications within business processes. Partners include Aspect Software Inc., Convergent Media Systems Corp., ProtonMedia Inc. and Wortell.


Finally, several partners, such as British Telecom (BT), Dell, Dimension Data, HP and Verizon Business are offering services to help customers evaluate, deploy and manage their Lync infrastructure.
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