Microsoft Lync Server 2010 - a contextual experience

Microsoft Lync Server 2010 ushers in a new connected user experience transforming every communication into an interaction that is more collaborative, engaging, and accessible from anywhere. For IT, the benefits are equally powerful, with a highly secure and reliable system that works with existing tools and systems for easier management, lower cost of ownership, smoother deployment and migration, and greater choice and flexibility. Users seek communications tools that make their work easier and are available anywhere, anytime—including within the context of other applications. Microsoft Lync Server 2010 provides a single interface that unites voice communications, IM, and audio, video, and Web conferencing into a richer, more contextual offering. Microsoft Lync Server 2010 is built from the ground up to be a single platform that can enhance, extend, and even replace traditional and IP PBX systems.

The largest component of Microsoft Lync Server 2010 is the Microsoft Office Communicator client.

What's new in Microsoft Lync Server 2010?

Connect and Collaborate

• Easy access to presence, instant messaging, voice, and audio, video, and web conferencing from the Microsoft Communicator Lync client.
• One set of contacts across Microsoft Lync 2010 and Office applications.
• Communicate from within applications including Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft SharePoint.
• Deliver access to presence, instant messaging, and more for mobile workers through PCs, browsers, and mobile phones.
• Richer presence with new features like pictures and location.
• Leverage internal expertise with Microsoft SharePoint-based Skill Search.

Robust Conferencing

• Built-in desktop and application sharing, PowerPoint upload, and rich white boarding, including the ability to copy and paste images and other content.
• Schedule and join meetings with a single click in Microsoft Outlook or the pop-up meeting reminder.
• Place meeting attendees in a virtual lobby for greater security and control over who can attend.

Complete enterprise voice features

• Compatible with a wide range of IP and USB devices allowing employees to work in the office, at home, or on the road.
• Architect deployment for high availability using data center resiliency and survivable branch appliances.
• Manage bandwidth utilization and increase Quality of Experience with Call Admission Control, QoS markings, and an adaptive media stack.
• Meet North American regulatory requirements with flexible E911 capability.

Powerful Management Tools

• Work with a PowerShell-based foundation for administration consistent with Exchange Server, Active Directory, and other Microsoft server products.
• Get consolidated management tasks with improved navigation through the new Silverlight-based, scenario -driven unified graphical management tool.
• Improve security and administrative productivity with Role-based Access Control (RBAC) with built-in and customer-defined roles.
• Support for server virtualization of most OCS roles.

Extensibility

• Easily embed Communicator UI elements in applications, build client experience in .NET with open and documented APIs, and enhance contextual collaboration by launching applications right from Communicator.
• Get platform support for sophisticated contact center and help desk scenarios, enable access to all UC-enabled services from any phone, and deliver state-of-the-art speech technology in 26 languages.
• Simplify deployment, operations, and interoperability with added features that improve provisioning, load-balancing, fail-over, and draining.

There are new products that are specifically designed to work natively with Microsoft Lync Server 2010. All current products optimized for Microsoft Office Communicator (MOC) will also be compatible with Microsoft Lync Server 2010 software. Click here for a list of products.

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