Announcing Microsoft Lync Server 2010

Is Lync Server a new product?  Yes and No.  Lync Server is the successor to Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 (and R2).  Lync Server takes OCS much farther and adds all the additional functionality needed for companies to think about replacing their PBXs and adding true Unified Communications features.  You should not think about UC as a VoIP product.  While that is a huge part of it, UC is the merging of all communication modality types into a unified user and client experience.  UC is designed to transform business processes and enable businesses to be more efficient and productive.  Lync Server 2010 is the answer!

Download the Public Release Candidate HERE

Some of the new functionality (not inclusive) added to Lync Server (since OCS 2007 R2):

• Complete Virtualization support
• PowerShell and Role Based Access Control (RBAC) management
• Easier/Better high availability and survivability options
• Enterprise Voice centric:
  • Call Admission Control
  • Media Bypass
  • Branch Office Survivability
  • E911
  • Improved Response Group flexibility and functionality
  • Call Park
  • Malicious Call Trace
  • Larger IP device support
• Redesigned client experience with deeper integration with SharePoint and Exchange
• New features and client experience for Web and Dial-in conferencing

Check out these videos to get a sneak peak:

1. IM and Presence
2. Conferencing
3. Enterprise Voice
4. Platform Extensibility
5. High Definition
6. Client Extensibility

I know this list does not give as much detail as you want immediately.  Future blog posts will cover many of these features in more detail.  For more information now, you can check  out these links:

• Planning Tool (RC)
• System Requirements (RC)
• Planning Documents (RC)
• Lab Deployment Guide (RC)
• Getting Started (RC)

Check out the Microsoft Lync Server 2010 homepage for further information.