Microsoft Lync is the new family brand for the products formerly known as Microsoft Communications Server, Microsoft Office Communications Online and Microsoft Office Communicator. It integrates instant messaging, presence, audio, video and webconferencing and voice all in a single platform.
The Lync also seamlessly integrates with the applications businesses know and use today, including Microsoft Office, Microsoft SharePoint and Microsoft Exchange.
Through Lync, Microsoft gives people are more collaborative experience with HD video, conference recording, and social features like status updates and activity feeds. “œWith Lync, we are delivering on our vision to unify all of the modes of modern business communication,” said Femee Cruz, Information Worker Product Manager, Microsoft Philippines. “œLync transforms how people communicate and helps IT departments to evolve their infrastructure and enhance, if not eliminate, their traditional PBX systems to save money and time,” she added.
Worldwide customers including The Estee Lauder Companies Inc., Nikon Corp., Marquette University, France Telecom, and Herreknect are deploying Lync 2010 to change the way they communicate, and transform their businesses while saving money.
Nikon, for example, uses Lync with SharePoint and Exchange to increase the company’s employee productivity. To date, Nikon has experienced a 30 percent increase in productivity in some areas.
“œWe want to move away from relying on a specific communication tool, like email,” explains Michiko Noborisaka, General Manager of Information System Planning Department at Nikon Corporation. “œWe need capabilities that free people from the constraints of time and place. Our employees should be able to choose the best communications tools for each scenario they face.”
Microsoft Lync 2010 and Microsoft Lync Server 2010 will be available for businesses of all sizes to purchase on Dec. 1, 2010. Microsoft Lync Online will be available as part of Office 365, with voice capabilities available in 2011. Lync Online will include instant messaging, presence, audio and video conferencing, and PC-to-PC voice calls.
More information about Lync can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/lync.