February 2009 Archives

Hands-on Labs, Learning, Solutions, Guides and Hosted Microsoft Office Communications Server R2 BOULDER - February 5, 2009 - OCS Forum (http://www.ocsforum.com) was launched this week simultaneously with the release of R2 of Microsoft's OCS-Office Communications Server. "R2 is a total new product requiring 64-bit hardware upgrades," noted Matt Jolly OCS Forum CTO. "R2 is having a significant impact on corporate voice telecommunications strategies indicating the end of the TDM-time division multiplexed PBX-Private Branch eXchange is now insight. Microsoft is also driving companies like Cisco, Nortel, Avaya, NEC, Mitel, ShoreTel to rethink their featuresets and capabilities because while R2 is a new game when R3 is released in 2010, their days are numbered," Jolly commented. OCS Forum is intended to be OCS "sandbox" and "toolbox" allowing users to test ideas, run scenarios, break linkages and learning about features and network access. OCS is designed for both the system integrator/consultant who wants to learn about OCS without having to build their own system as well as the enterprise customer who doesn't have the time, resources or time to develop one. OCS Labs are designed to be "hands-on" or "over-the-shoulder" with experts available for Q&A and classes for feature-specific review. About OCS Forum OCS Forum is a vendor-independent laboratory environment designed for learning, technical guides, knowledge resources and online "live" services. OCS Forum provides consulting, training, case studies, white papers, speaking engagements, market/customer research, network planning and other services. For more go to http://www.ocsforum.com.

With the plethora of all the providers, agents, VARS, system integrators, brokers, master agents, channel partners and others, there is really no vendor-neutral, unbiased database where SMB-small medium businesses and enterprise customers can shop for services without feeling their wallets being grabbed from their pockets. Now there is a really cool web site with a growing list of providers and channel partners that can help bring solutions to customers. Business TECH Guides at http://www.businesstechguides.com is one unique solution source. Providers and channel add your products and customers go see if there is a solution for you.

When Microsoft comes to town, they really come to town. In addition, to OCS, there is a new Service Pack2 for Response Point. Microsoft Response Point announced the immediate availability of their latest upgrade, Response Point Service Pack 2 (SP2) for its small business VoIP-enabled phone solution. The product is available today, Monday, February 2, as a free download at http://www.microsoft.com/responsepoint.

In a related news items, OCS-Forum for Microsoft® Office Communications Server was announced. A Forum, Training, Labs, Hosting, News and Professional Services and other activities. Get OCS smart by getting involved, http://www.ocsforum.com

In a not surprising move, OCS R2 requires 64-bit hardware. Here's what they said, "Office Communications Server 2007 R2 is available only in a 64-bit edition, which requires 64-bit hardware and a 64-bit edition of Windows Server. A 32-bit edition is not available with this release. The exception is Office Communications Server Administrative Tools, which is available both in a 64-bit and a 32-bit edition." And while you may complain about the upgrades you have to draw the line in the sand sometime and once you see what OCS can do you will only whine just a little.

In case you missed the launch, Microsoft OCS R2 was launched today but as it was said in the keynote today here in Miami, "in today's economy" them, R2 is a telephone deskset killer. And its about time, shove the "desk dinosaur" out the window. Here's why: PressPass: Has Office Communications Server enabled you to save money? Browne: Just by forgoing handset replacement costs we were able to avoid at least US$5 million in expenses. So far, we have given Office Communications Server voice capabilities to more than 3,000 employees. Already, we're seeing US$240,000 in annualized savings to date. These are substantial cost reductions that are pivotal to our strategy during the current economic climate. We're also cutting down on nonessential travel. But, with people dispersed across the world, it's critical to facilitate effective communication between them. Consequently, we've become power users of Office Live Meeting to maintain rich visual as well as verbal interaction between co-workers. Clark: With the new features in Office Communications Server 2007 R2, we're projecting savings of 20 percent or more on our audio conferencing expenditures, in addition to productivity improvements. When you conduct a million minutes of audio conferencing a day, that's significant. Also, by permitting us to curtail travel, Office Communications Server helps us address our sustainability goal of being a good global citizen and minimizing our carbon footprint - something our customers care deeply about and expect of us. I will talk about new SIP Trunking, need to upgrade to 64-bit and more later but get the trash cans ready for all the dino-phones you will be throwing away. For more http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/features/2009/feb09/02-03OCSR2.mspx