Microsoft's Lync: A game changing messaging powerhouse for businesses and individuals
Thursday, March 28, 2013 at 12:49PM 
Text and photos by Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla
Make no mistake about it, Microsoft has huge plans for Lync, their integrated and multifunctional messaging and social media communications framework. The Microsoft Lync Conference Canada, which is taking place now in downtown Toronto, explored the various features and capabilities of the Lync software, its merging with Skype as well as the future of instant messaging, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and even video conferencing for businesses and consumers.
Microsoft sees Lync as the future of communicating on PCs, smartphones, tablets and various other devices. The company has made the messaging software its focal product in this area (after killing off Messenger) and has made it a key feature of Office 365, plus it will be interoperable with Skype which Microsoft also owns and which has a 300 million user install base.
Microsoft's Corporate VP, Strategic Relations and Solutions, Skype Division, Derek Burney demoed some of Lync's key features that would appeal to users. Aside from being a Windows 8 application, Lync can be used on Windows Phone, iOS, Android and even has a web-based client compatible with any web browser.
Lync's functionality was successfully demonstrated during the various demos during the event keynote. The latest version, Lync 2013, loads faster since it manages the presence information on demand. Presence is how Lync determines where your contacts are and whether they can be reached by PC, smartphone, tablet or any other client.
The implications for remote workplaces and collaborations are huge since everything works in the background and is powered by Microsoft's huge cloud infrastructure which also handles its Office 365 and SkyDrive initiatives. With Lync, Microsoft has effectively become a formidable communications solution provider by merging together the best aspects of Messenger, Exchange, Skype and Lync as well as the secure networks framework.
Microsoft also demonstrated how Lync could be used as a virtual meeting solution getting numerous users on a video conference complete with the ability to use a whiteboard and even send handwritten notes using Windows 8's multi-touch feature on compatible devices.
One of the more compelling applications of Lync is as a hub for distance learning and education which was covered with a short yet moving video of a teenager in Kentucky using Lync's various messaging and telepresence features to learn how to become a programmer.
Lync is also being pitched as a scalable, versatile and cost effective replacement solution to obsolete PBX systems. Partners from Rogers and Revlon discussed how using Lync's cloud based service could save businesess a lot of money as they move away from costly and cumbersome wired PBX phone switching systems. Lync also results in less space taken up by servers and wires plus it can reduce a company's carbon footprint substantially as a software solution.
Reader Comments (1)
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