Unified Communications

Microsoft’s Unified Communications (UC) solutions are beginning to take hold. The initial release of Live Communications Server (LCS) with Instant Messaging and unified IP telecom and conferencing abilities, was a huge splash in the telecom world. The latest release now termed “Microsoft Office Communications Server” is providing an efficient and cost effective way to integrate the entire enterprise into a single end solution, without having to buy expensive additional add-on software. Microsoft is now ready to launch its latest release, R2, which builds on top of the current improvements already available in Microsoft Office Communications Server. With advanced technologies such as: Instant Messaging Features, Conferencing, Audio, Video and Voice, Microsoft OCS is the perfect solution for industries that rely heavily on remote teleconferences.

Information at the Touch of a Button

Real-time presence is one of the best features offered with Microsoft Office Communications Server. We have already seen how real-time presence can enhance the end-users experience, by knowing who’s on line, busy, and away. This information can now be integrated into all your IP enabled software devices, from applications such as Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (MOSS) and Dynamics CRM to peripheral devices such as telephones, PDAs, and Laptop computers. With Microsoft Office Communications Server, all communication devices share a common backbone and share the same features with one another, allowing remote users, mobile workforce users, and corporate user interact and remain in touch at all times. Communications solutions such as e-mail, voice mail, faxes, and calendar events are centrally located within a single inbox managed by Microsoft Exchange Server 2007. The ability to consolidate these services drastically lower maintenance and upkeep costs while providing organizations with remote branch offices to communicate more efficiently.

Reduce On-Line Conferencing Fees

Traditional conference call services from third-party providers are expensive and sometimes difficult to set up. Businesses and organizations that utilize teleconferencing services heavily will see an almost immediate return on their investment by replacing third-party vendors with their own internal conferencing solution. By leveraging their IP infrastructure, businesses can see in real-time who are available for a meeting, reduce long distance phone calls, lower the cost of office phone moves and much more.

An additional value add-on is the costs that are saved by eliminating the need for travel arrangements between offices. Both Web and videoconferencing connect participants with meetings and events where they do not have to be physically attending. Activities such as a new product launch, additional training, and even pre-sales presentations can be done directly on laptops and workstations without the need to leave the office or home for that matter.

Going “Green”

Because Microsoft unified communications solutions reduce the need for travel to meetings and events, your organization can have a significant impact in today’s ecosystem. Less travel means less fossil fuel consumption, less carbon released into the environment, and  less wear and tear on today’s highways. Other areas where going green make sense is the ability to utilize USB-powered IP phones that connect directly to the user’s computer.

Integration within your Network

Microsoft Office Communications Server fits neatly within your existing network infrastructure. OCS takes advantage of your Microsoft Exchange Server, Microsoft SQL Server, and Microsoft’s Forefront Threat Management Gateway. Typical deployments of Microsoft Office Communications Server rely on adding just two additional servers to the existing infrastructure, an affordable and reasonable investment when you calculate in your third-party costs to host on-line meetings.

Contacting Exiis Corporation

Interested parties can contact Exiis Corporations team of professional Office Communications Server consultants in several ways. If you are looking for basic information, you can email out team: support@exiis.net, utilize our o-line chat services, and even talk to a real person by calling 1-877-752-1122.