Microsoft Lync is the new OCS

Earlier this week Microsoft delivered exciting news regarding the next generation of their unified communications solutions. The Office Communications product family now has a new name, and a release candidate is also now widely available. We welcome Microsoft Lync (a combination of the words ‘link’ and ‘sync’) to the UC market - replacing the once anticipated Communications Sever 14 (OCS Wave ‘14’).

The fresh new branding is a result of extensive customer research by Microsoft which found the simplified naming scheme to be well-received by both end users and IT pros alike. So with the release of the final edition expected later this year, Microsoft has certainly been successful in generating some buzz.

A quick look at the new branding: Office Communications 2007 product suite to Lync 2010 Release
The family: Microsoft Office Communications > Microsoft Lync
The server: Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 R2 > Microsoft Lync Server 2010
The client: Microsoft Office Communicator 2007 R2 > Microsoft Lync 2010
The service: Microsoft Office Communications Online > Microsoft Lync Online
The web client: Microsoft Office Communicator Web Access > Microsoft Lync Web App

Microsoft Lync 2010 is touted as a single interface that unites voice communications, IM, audio, video and web conferencing into a richer, more contextual offering. Here’s a look at a few of the exciting new features:  

• Location services integration 
• Activity feeds  
• Dial Pad Interface (for calls and voicemail)  
• Recorded and transcribed Voice Mail messages  
• Device Selection (allowing users to select their preferred audio device directly from the Communicator interface)  
• Simultaneous Ring (forward inbound calls to specific numbers, straight to voice mail or ring at multiple numbers simultaneously)  
• Contextual calls in real time (Users can enter a call subject for the recipient before initiating a call)  
• Newly designed and improved Contact card

Learn more or get the release candidates of Microsoft Lync and Lync Server 2010 available now. Also look out for Geomant's Enterprise UC solutions (currently tightly integrated with OCS) to adapt to the new Microsoft Lync release as well.