Microsoft to offer enhanced VoIP solutions using Office suite

Microsoft Corp will venture into new territory with their forthcoming VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) solution. Microsoft has predicted the gradual shift from hardware to software VoIP systems as well significant VoIP costs reduction for over 100 million users in the next three years. To facilitate this new undertaking will be the Microsoft Office Communications Server and Microsoft Office Communicator which have built-in software-based VoIP features.
According to Jeff Raikes, President of Microsoft Business Division, the new solution will cut back exorbitant costs of IP handsets and wipe out the inherent challenges faced by IT professionals when managing traditional telephony systems. Microsoft assures us that Office Communications Server will deliver a host of benefits namely:
• Variety of choice and compatibility with a wide range of devices, telephones, applications, services and management tools through open, published interfaces and standards.
• A much improved voice quality, which is purportedly better than leading IP phones provider.
• Smooth and uninterrupted changeover from traditional PBX systems, networks and phones.
• A click-to-call feature that makes it possible to call somebody by clicking on their name from Microsoft Office applications.
• Advanced presence technology that determines a person’s availability and the best way to contact them while they are away.
• Ability for mobile workers to incorporate their phone numbers with other communication tools such as instant messengers, and audio/videoconferencing via an inexpensive, secure connection.
Microsoft has already pointed out the ineffectiveness of typical telephone systems. Their immediate plan is to offer compatibility of PBX systems with Office Communications Server 2007 and Office Communicator 2007. If successful, Raikes foresees a transition similar to the migration from mainframes to PCs providing what he refers to as “tremendous opportunities for our industry partners worldwide.”
Source: Microsoft PressPass