Microsoft unified communications brings the phone in from the cold
Communications technology has changed dramatically in the last twenty years, and yet somehow, the standard workplace telephone is much the same in 2007 as it was in 1987. That’s set to change with nine companies unveiling 15 phones and other devices designed to work with Microsoft’s unified communications software.
The companies, which include ASUSTek, LG-Nortel, NEC, Plantronics , Polycom, SAMSUNG, Tatung, and ViTELiX, will launch a new generation of devices that connect the workplace phone to e-mail, instant messaging, real-time presence information, conferencing, voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and mobile communications.
The new phones and devices are designed to work with the public beta program of Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 and Microsoft Office Communicator 2007.
“Today’s office phone is marooned on an island, separate from the rest of the communications tools that information workers rely on to do their jobs,” said Jeff Raikes, president of the Microsoft Business Division.
“By weaving the business phone together with e-mail, instant messaging, presence, conferencing and the productivity software people use most, we are putting voice communications back into business.”
Microsoft says that by using an open approach and publishing software interfaces, it will allow companies to innovate new workplace phones and devices that make business communications more effective and productive.
Organizations interested in being involved in the trial can visit Microsoft’s web site for more information.
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