Microsoft Puts PBX Makers on Notice

When Microsoft launches a new product, it’s usually noteworthy by default. Wednesday’s unveiling of Lync Server 2010, the company’s unified communications server, was no exception.

As EnterpriseVoIP Planet reports, Lync Server 2010 follows the company’s earlier Office Communications Server as part of a rebranding and upgrade of the UC product line. Microsoft said Lync Server brings together a number of communication services including instant messaging and presence with audio conferencing, video conferencing, and Web conferencing that can all be accessed from a PC or browser-enabled devices.

Microsoft officially launched the latest generation of its unified communications server Wednesday with a gala rollout event in New York that was webcast around the world.

At the same time, Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) gave PBX makers fair warning that their market is threatened.

“This is the first version to provide full-blown telephony support [so customers] can completely replace their PBXes,” Chris Capossela, a senior vice president in the Microsoft Office Division, told InternetNews.com.

Read the full story at Enterprise VoIP Planet:


Microsoft Lync Server to Ship on Dec. 1