IT Consulting, Managed Solutions Posted on 2/13/2009 4:21 AM | Comments (0)

On 4 February 2009, Microsoft’s Office Communications Server (OCS) release 2 (R2) became available

New features include:

• Enhanced voice capabilities, such as Office Communicator Attendant with call management features to support dynamic call routing of incoming calls; automatic call distributor (response group); single-number reach; delegation; call monitoring; and Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) trunking
• Persistent group chat technology
• Desktop sharing, enabling users across Windows, Mac and Linux platforms to collaborate and use audio conferencing capabilities
• On-premises audio conferencing bridge
• High-definition video
• Support for a 64-bit operating system

RMSource’s thoughts on this technology:

We are immediately deploying this internally to get a hands-on assessment of execution of the features listed above. It’s very exciting to have a software solution that can go on any Windows/Intel server and have a fully functional Web/Video/Voice/Chat conferencing solution for such a reduced ongoing and deployment cost!

RMSource still uses a Cisco VoIP/Microsoft UC solution as its goto solution, however OCS R2 can secure CHAT, and could truly eliminate the need for expensive external conference bridge and web conferencing services.

OCS R2 also has a great chance at being the default SOFT PHONE for all telecommuters.

Details

Microsoft's Published Retail Costs:

http://www.microsoft.com/communicationsserver/en/us/pricing-licensing.aspx

Microsoft Published Capabilities: 

• Enterprise Voice
  Learn about the software-based VoIP component of Office Communications Server 2007 R2.
• Audio/Video/Web Conferencing
  Discover how Office Communications Server 2007 R2 delivers integrated audio, video, and Web conferencing.
• Group Chat
  Read how Office Communications Server 2007 R2 Group Chat allows users to have topic based, multi-party discussions that persist over time, which allows information sharing and discussions as a group.
• Instant Messaging and Presence
  Learn more about the rich presence and instant messaging functionality in Office Communications Server 2007 R2 that allows real-time text-based communication, which helps to reduce turnaround time and increase productivity.
• Public Instant Messaging Connectivity
  See how your users can communicate quickly and efficiently, sharing presence and instant messaging (IM) with users of Microsoft Windows Live Messenger, AOL, and Yahoo! public IM service providers.
• Mobility
  Find out more about how Office Communicator Mobile 2007 R2 extends users’ work identity, as well as IM presence information, to mobile devices, giving users real-time communications capabilities when they are away from the office.
• Operations
  Learn more about the Office Communications Server 2007 administration experience, and deployment and interoperability options.
• Platform Extensibility
  Discover how you can take advantage of the extensibility features of Office Communications Server to achieve flexibility and deliver compelling solutions to your users.

Microsoft Published User Interfaces

• Office Communicator
  Microsoft Office Communicator 2007 R2 is a unified communications client that increases productivity by allowing users to communicate easily with others nearly anytime, anywhere, using a range of communication options that include instant messaging (IM), voice, and video.  Integration with programs across the 2007 Microsoft Office system—including Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Groove, and SharePoint Server—gives information workers many different ways to communicate with each other with a consistent and simple user experience.
• Office Communicator Web Access
  Microsoft Office Communicator Web Access (CWA) 2007 R2 is an enterprise messaging client that requires only a Web browser. The 2007 version of Office Communicator Web Access delivers virtually anywhere access, rich presence, and enterprise instant messaging (IM) that helps people quickly find and communicate with each other, extending the reach of Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 R2 and Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 R2.
  It is designed with a look and feel similar to the desktop version of Microsoft Office Communicator 2007 R2. By taking advantage of existing infrastructure investments, the 2007 version of Communicator Web Access minimizes cost while making it easy to deploy, manage, and scale.
• Office Communicator Mobile
  Learn how the Microsoft Communicator Mobile 2007 R2 is an enterprise messaging client for mobile devices. The 2007 R2 version of Microsoft Office Communicator Mobile offers enhancements and new features that provide you more flexibility and control when using your mobile device.
• Office Communicator Attendant
  Learn how Office Communicator 2007 R2 Attendant delivers an intuitive call management experience that helps administrative assistants, receptionists, and front-line business professionals handle and manage large numbers of simultaneous calls.
• RoundTable
  Learn more about Microsoft RoundTable—an advanced collaboration and conferencing device that delivers an engaging meeting experience.
• Devices
  Learn more about the many devices—including headsets, speakerphones, and webcams—that help make using Office Communications Server 2007 R2 easy and intuitive.