Microsoft OCS Microsoft Unified Communications technologies use the power of software to help streamline communications between people and organisations, regardless of medium, platform, device or location. Microsoft provides a comprehensive set of clients, servers, services and devices

that deliver e-mail/calendaring, mobile messaging and device management, unified messaging, presence/instant messaging, VoIP call management and audio-video-Web conferencing. By empowering end-users with a familiar set of tools, built on an enterprise-ready, scalable and easily managed software-powered architecture, Microsoft Unified Communications (UC) breaks down communication silos and extends existing communications investments, while enabling business process innovation.

Microsoft Live Communications Server (OCS) 2007 is an enterprise-grade server that provides the backbone for all real-time communications within Microsoft Office. Presence awareness, instant messaging (IM) service, peer-to-peer audio and video, application sharing and collaboration all depend on it. Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007, the next version of Microsoft Office Live Communications Server (LCS) 2005, will add on-premise Web conferencing and the ability for Office Communicator 2007 to make and receive voice calls. Using OCS, IT Departments can deliver: Software Powered VoIP - Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is the next generation of voice communications. By enabling communications with an IP network and integrating these capabilities with the applications used most, voice communications can be integrated with e-mail, calendaring, voice mail/unified messaging, instant messaging and Web conferencing to provide a streamlined experience rather than the disconnected experience that legacy systems provide today.

Web Conferencing provides a virtual meeting experience that integrates data, content, video, voice, media and text to enable real-time communication and collaboration whenever you need it. Enterprise Instant Messaging enables instant messaging with the security, manageability and reliability required for enterprise communications. Presence enables real-time status of employees (based on calendar information, login/activity status and user preference) to be displayed across the organisation and/or selected colleagues to enable users to contact the right person the first time using the best communications method. All of the above can be delivered with an unprecedented ROI whilst ensuring agility and enhanced internal and external customer experiences.

Building on the customer, partner, and industry momentum of Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007, the new Office Communications Server 2007 R2 update continues to deliver on the Microsoft promise to streamline communications for users, give IT organisations the flexibility and control they need to manage their communications infrastructure efficiently, and provide an extensible platform for communications-enabled business processes.

In the latest release of OCS (R2) the following features have been added:

Streamlined Communications

People manage their communications across many devices and applications, which can have a negative impact on productivity. Office Communications Server 2007 R2 streamlines the way users manage communications, which allows them to find and communicate with the right person, right now, from the applications they use most. It delivers on the promise of Unified Communications. Microsoft’s unique software-based approach has allowed rapid innovation. This update introduces many new enhancements over the 2007 release.

Call management capabilities let receptionists and team assistants take a large volume of incoming calls and quickly route them to the intended recipients. Delegation allows executives to give complete management of their phone calls to assistants.

Desktop-sharing capabilities allow users on Windows, Macintosh, and Linux platforms to collaborate with one another while they talk to each other using enhanced audio conferencing features.

Group chat lets organisations set-up searchable, topic-based chat rooms that persist over time, which allows geographically,
distributed teams to collaborate with one another efficiently while preserving organisational knowledge.

Operational Flexibility and Control

IT departments are expected to manage cost control, security, integration with existing infrastructure, and compliance requirements. Office Communications Server 2007 R2 allows IT administrators to meet these challenges effectively by giving them the ability to provide flexible communications solutions to users and by delivering the tools they need to help manage secure, compliant communications.

On-premise audio conferencing capability puts IT in control of audio conferencing infrastructure while saving on outsourced audio conferencing costs.

Single Number Reach allows IT to log business calls placed from mobile phones for accounting purposes. It also helps to ensure that the same dialing rules that apply to calls from a work phone extend to mobile calls.

Video monitoring capabilities allow IT to monitor the quality of video calls and conferences on their network and make
adjustments if necessary.

Support for SIP-trunking removes the need to manage on-premise gateways.

Dataplex has years of experience designing, building and optimising server technologies for a diversity of organisations throughout Europe. Leverage our expertise and knowledge to ensure that your Office Communications solution is designed to meet your business requirements while maximising performance capability and security.

Dataplex offer the following services for Microsoft OCS:

Design & Implementation
Without careful design, an OCS implementation can leave an organisation with an environment that is at high risk for malicious attack, nearly impossible to administer, inconsistent with business needs and difficult to expand or alter. The best implementations are based upon sound, consistent advice that adhere to best practice and real world experiences, contact Dataplex to see how we can ensure your OCS implementation is right from the start.

Office Communications Server Assessment

Partnership with Dataplex in a short engagement to gain a solid understanding of what Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 could do for you, and the investment required. Working with you to detail what your collaboration architecture is today and where it needs to be to deliver business agility, Dataplex Systems will create a detailed roadmap that will allow you to budget, plan and schedule your way to a more streamlined communication solution.

Office Communications Health Checks & Migrations

Ideal for organisations that are already running Office Live Communications Server 2003 or 2005. Dataplex Systems will examine your Microsoft Infrastructure to identify and document your current state, and provide a list of prioritised recommendations detailing what you need to do to ensure a smooth migration that is solid, secure, and adheres to best practice.