Microsoft Unified Communications
The simplicity of Microsofts UC vision masks a complex technology challenge. The solution is to leave existing hardware in place and use software to bridge the gap. This unique approach is built around a quartet of software programs:
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- Microsoft Windows Active Directory Service
- Microsoft Exchange Server 2007
- Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007
- Microsoft Office Live Meeting 2007
These four layers of software can be used in a variety of combinations an organisation needs but each solution shares a common aim: to maximise the use of existing IT infrastructure and make the Unified Communications solution cheaper, faster and simpler to deploy. In many cases, an organisation already owns licensing for some or most of these products
Microsoft Windows Server Active Directory
A central component of the Windows platform, Active Directory service provides the means to manage the identities and relationships that make up network environments, and users and groups. All contact information is stored here – E-mail address, phone extensions and mobile numbers etc – providing a single repository to manage.
Microsoft Exchange Server 2007
Business E-mail and messaging platform of choice, Exchange provides E-Mail and Calendaring services.
Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007
Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 manages all real-time (synchronous) communications including instant messaging, VoIP, audio and video conferencing. It also powers presence, a key benefit of Microsoft unified communications that unites all the contact information stored in Active Directory with the ways people communicate.
Microsoft Office Live Meeting 2007
Microsoft Office Live Meeting is a hosted Web conferencing service that connects and engages audiences in online meetings, training, and events through a reliable, enterprise-class hosted service. With meeting attendees participating from their PCs, you can deliver a presentation, kick off a project, brainstorm ideas, edit files, collaborate on whiteboards, and negotiate deals at a fraction of the cost and without the hassle of travel.
Microsoft Office Communicator 2007 and Microsoft Office 2007
Office Communicator 2007 is the client application for real-time (synchronous) communications. It is the user's primary tool for presence and directory information, instant messaging, plus telephone calls, and audio- and videoconferencing. Intuitive design makes it easy for users to communicate with features like click-to-call and the ability to shift conversations from instant messages to phone or videoconferences on the fly. Office Communicator 2007 also integrates the entire communications experience into the Microsoft Office system and beyond. Presence information appears wherever a contact's name appears: in a document workspace, on a Microsoft Office SharePoint Server site, or in an e-mail string. Additionally, users can have tools like presence and click-to-call on their Windows Mobile-powered devices