Drops in February 2009

Oct 14, 2008 12:58 GMT  ·  By

One year after Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates introduced Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007, the Redmond company is ready to make the next step in the evolution of software-powered unified communications and VoIP. In this context, Microsoft is gearing up for the availability of an update to Office Communications Server 2007, planned for early next year. Under the label Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 Release 2 (R2), the software giant has already demonstrated the future of its approach to unified communication and voice over Internet protocol during the VoiceCon tradeshow in Amsterdam.

“Office Communications Server 2007 R2, debuting just one year after the Microsoft unified communications launch, highlights the pace of innovation that is possible with software,” said Stephen Elop, president of the Microsoft Business Division. “This new release puts Microsoft on a rapid path to deliver voice software that does much more than a network private branch exchange (PBX) and with much less cost.”

Elop indicated that although Microsoft is still a newcomer on the unified communications market, the Redmond company represents the future. But at the same time, Office Communications Server 2007, and this is also valid for R2, will be fully interoperable with legacy PBX and IP PBX investments according to Microsoft. It is precisely this interoperability which gives Microsoft an edge, as companies are able to transition their old PBX and IP PBX systems to Office Communications Server 2007 in stages, as opposed to completely overhauling their infrastructure.

Elop revealed that Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 R2 would be made available starting with February 3, 2009, when the virtual launch event is scheduled to start. A Beta of the product is already available to testers, delivering a chance for companies to test drive Microsoft's next unified communications and VoIP offering. Just as its precursor, Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 R2 will bring a unified platform combining communication options including conferencing, instant messaging, email and VoIP.

“European businesses are looking for better ways to communicate in an increasingly mobile and globalized world, while workers are faced with ever-increasing volumes of communication and the dangers of information overload,” said Lukas Keller, Unified Communications Business lead at Microsoft. “Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 R2 is a significant step toward a fully software-based PBX, meaning that workers can reach the right person, right now. It gives our customers streamlined communications, new levels of operational flexibility and control, and an extensible communications platform.”