Microsoft launches Lync 2010

Microsoft yesterday officially launched Lync 2010, an update to its converged communications platform.

The platform is an upgrade of Office Communications Server 2007 R2, with new features including conferencing capabilities, support for high-definition voice and options for cloud delivery.

This is in addition to features that add greater resiliency in voice calls, user interface improvements to make the system easier to use, and greater interoperability. Microsoft said these features will enable customers to reduce costs through greater use of converged communications.

Another addition is Microsoft Live Meeting for audio, video and web conferencing.

Lync also interoperates better with third-party systems, including consumer messaging platforms from AOL, Yahoo and Google.

The product also incorporates greater federation, meaning that users can see the status of key contacts in partner organisations, and save on call costs by making a direct IP call to them over the internet.

Operating on a single platform, with one interface, it works with business applications such as Microsoft Office, SharePoint and Exchange.

"Lync delivers on our vision to unify all of the modes of modern business communication," said Gurdeep Singh Pall, corporate vice president of the Microsoft Lync & Speech Group.

"It gives people a more collaborative experience with features including HD, video, conference recording, and social features like status updates and activity feeds".

A case study released by Microsoft highlights the possible benefits of unified communications. Optical instrument manufacturer Nikon has been using Lync with SharePoint and Exchange, and has seen a 30 per cent increase in productivity.

Also, a Total Economic Impact study conducted by Forrester Consulting found that for a composite organisation, the estimated risk adjusted return on investment for Lync 2010 is 337 per cent. This includes £3.9m in cost savings over three years.

Hundreds of partners, such as BT and HP, are offering services to help customers plan, build, deploy and manage their Lync infrastructure.

"We believe this will transform parts of the market place. This is a significant step towards delivering advanced communications into the enterprise," said Simon Farr, BT head of marketing, unified comms and collaboration in Global Services.

Farr also conceded that some organisations will be approaching Lync with care.

"The platform is new although there have a number of pilots. Some organisations will be looking for a rapid approach, but others are going to be far more cautious," he added.

A free trial is available for download now, and businesses will be able to purchase Lync from 1 December. Microsoft Lync Online will be available as part of Office 365, with voice capabilities available in 2011.

Pricing starts at £500 for Lync Server Standard, while an Enterprise Edition of the product costs £2,865.

Customers will also be able to get Lync delivered from the cloud as part of Microsoft's Office 365 online services.