Jun 3, 2011 09:36 GMT  ·  By

A new free resource offered by Microsoft allows customers running Lync 2010 to enjoy tabbed instant messaging conversations.

The Tabbed Conversations application can be downloaded from the Microsoft Download Center, offered to support multiple instant messaging (IM) conversations in a single Lync 2010 window.

Being a heavy user of IM in the workplace, I understand the value of tabbed IM conversation functionality, in fact, I couldn’t get to the end of the day without this feature.

As it’s usually the case, there are additional resources from the software giant to make using the Lync 2010 Tabbed Conversations App as easy as possible.

Case in point: Tabbed Conversations for Microsoft Lync 2010 Getting Started Guide, which is also up for grabs through the Download Center.

The resource does exactly what its label promises, namely, offer Lync 2010 customers the necessary guidance to leverage the Tabbed Conversations app in order to centralize multiple IM conversations in a single window.

The Redmond company enumerated the following “Tabbed Conversations features:

• Presence indicators in tabs - Tab headers include presence indicators that show the availability of a contact. Note that the tab header of the active conversation does not have a presence indicator because presence is shown in the header of the conversation window. Also note that tab headers for group conversations do not show the presence indicator.

• Presence indicators in the Tab List - The Tab List shows presence indicators for all contacts in tabbed conversations.

• Tab notifications - Tabs are highlighted when they require attention (for example, when a contact is sending you an instant message or calling you).

• Quick access to common tasks - Windows 7, Tabbed Conversations provides quick access to common tasks. You can start a new conversation or make a call rapidly from the taskbar.”

The Lync 2010 Tabbed Conversations application is available for download here.