Lync in the chain
Microsoft has rolled out Lync, a single platform that integrates instant messaging, audio, video, web conferencing and voice in one interface that works with Microsoft Office.
While anyone can download a free trial version of Lync, it goes on sale to businesses on 1 December and will also link with Microsoft SharePoint and Exchange.
"Lync delivers on our vision to unify all of the modes of modern business communication, giving people a more collaborative ‘in person' experience with features like HD video, conference recording, and social features like status updates and activity feeds," said Gurdeep Singh Pall, corporate VP of the Microsoft Lync & speech group.
He believes Lync could help IT departments boost their infrastructure and either enhance or replace their current PBX systems, saving cash and time in the process.
Big names adopting Lync in 2010 include: Nikon, The Estee Lauder Companies and France Telecom. For example, Nikon said it will use Lync with SharePoint and Exchange to boost productivity and has reportedly experienced a 30 percent boost in output in some areas.
"We want to move away from relying on a specific communication tool, like e-mail. We 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," said Michiko Noborisaka, general manager of information system planning department at Nikon.
Microsoft recently commissioned Forrester Consulting to conduct an economic impact study of Lync, which found the communications product "offers a risk-adjusted ROI of 337 percent, including $6.35 million in hard cost savings over three years, with a payback period of 12 months."
There are over 70 devices that are optimised for Lync including IP phones, headsets, speakerphones and web cams by the likes of Polycom and Aastra Technologies. Logitech has unveiled a range of ‘Logitech for Business' HD webcams and headsets for Lync plus a portfolio of video conferencing products from its LifeSize division.
Over 30 partners are also launching apps on the Lync platform for various organisations, including contact centres, call recording and accounting solutions, to name a few. BT, Dell, Dimension Data, HP and Verizon Business are all offering services to help customers deploy and manage their Lync infrastructure, Microsoft said.
Lync Online will be available as part of Office 365, with voice capabilities available in 2011. Lync is also the new ‘family brand' for the products formerly known as Microsoft Communications Server, Office Communications Online and Office Communicator, Microsoft confirmed.
