14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft today announced that Verizon Business will use Hosted Microsoft Office Live Communications Server, including Microsoft Office Communicator client software, as the platform for its newly launched Hosted Secure Instant Messaging Service.
The new service, announced today by Verizon Business, will enable companies to achieve security-enhanced, real-time collaboration and communications in the workplace.
Verizon Business is the first announced network service provider to offer a service based on Hosted Live Communications Server to its customers.
Microsoft says that Verizon Business can now host thousands of customer organizations on a single instance of Live Communications Server 2005, helping reduce system management costs and enabling Verizon Business to scale the service rapidly to its customer base.
"Our Hosted Secure Instant Messaging Service makes real-time communications and collaboration a viable tool for business through enterprise-class performance, reliability and security," said Ed McGuinness, chief marketing officer and senior vice president, Verizon Business.
Microsoft Office Live Communications Server is described by Microsoft as an enterprise real-time communications server, providing instant messaging and collaboration functionality.
In use, Live Communications Server appears identical to Windows Messenger, as it uses the Windows Messenger software as its client. However, while it still can be used, it has now been replaced by Microsoft Office Communicator as the recommended client. With this new client, it is possible to extend the abilities of Live Communications Server to include integration with many corporate telephone systems, and with the Microsoft Office suite.