Microsoft readies move into VoIP server market

Stephen Withers
Thursday, 08 March 2007 02:19

Business IT - Technology

A beta version of Microsoft's VoIP server software will appear this month, the company has announced.

Office Communications Server 20007 and Office Communicator 2007 will together provide voice calls along with audio and video conferencing, text chat, and web-based document sharing, as well as integrating with other Microsoft applications.

Millions of people are expected to be involved in the beta test.

For everyday users, one of the most important features of the Office Communications Server/Office Communicator combination will be the ability to 'click to call' another person by clicking on their name within Office applications including SharePoint.

Other benefits include having access to the same set of communications tools in the office, at home, or while travelling. Microsoft's new software is designed to provide secure remote access without requiring a VPN.

For administrators, Microsoft is promoting the way Office Communications Server is compatible with existing management tools. The company also stresses that its approach removes the need for expensive proprietary handsets.

Within three years, the average VoIP business system will cost half of what it does today as a result of moving from hardware to software-based systems, predicted Jeff Raikes, president of Microsoft's business division.