Microsoft readies move into VoIP server market

Stephen Withers
Thursday, 08 March 2007 02:19

Business IT - Technology

"Software is set to transform business phone systems as profoundly as it has transformed virtually every other form of workplace communication," said Raikes. "Over time, the software-based VoIP technology built into Microsoft Office Communications Server and Microsoft Office Communicator will offer so much value and cost savings that it will make the standard telephone look like that old typewriter that's gathering dust in the stockroom."

Presence - the ability to see whether other people are available and by which channel - is an important aspect of unified communication systems such as Office Communications Server/Office Communicator. Being able to see a colleague's status can reduce time wasted in telephone tag, and reduce delays. For example, someone taking part in a lengthy teleconference might signal their availability for urgent questions via instant messaging.

Microsoft is a late entrant to the software-based VoIP PBX market - the open-source Asterisk has already built a solid reputation. But the widespread use of Office and Microsoft's ability to integrate its own products are likely to prove a major advantage.

To allay lingering concerns about call quality, Microsoft commissioned a voice quality evaluation of Office Communications Server and Office Communicator by quality of experience assessment specialist Psytechnics. "Results show that calls made with the Microsoft software deliver superior voice quality to the single-purpose IP phone" from an IP market leader, Psytechnics officials stated.

Importantly, Microsoft is releasing the interoperability specifications for Office Communications Server 2007 and Office Communicator 2007 to its partners, allowing integration with existing telephony systems. At the same time, the new software does bring Microsoft into direct competition with companies such as Avaya and Cisco.

Microsoft is accepting pre-registrations for the beta via http://www.microsoft.com/uc.