10. Instant Messaging
Collaboration through the use of IMs has been
a part of Lync Server since the beginning along with presence. Although
IMs are a simple mode of communication, they can be an excellent way to
conduct a conversation in a quick manner without needing to resort to
email or a phone call.
In Lync Server, IM is not unlike IM
conversations that use other providers, but the main advantage to IM
with Lync Server instead of a public solution is that by default all
messaging is encrypted through TLS connections to the servers and an
organization has complete control over how the system is used. This
means that a rogue user on your network can’t start a packet sniffer
application and read messages sent between two other users.
Note
Although it might be an acceptable compromise
on an internal network, this security in signaling extends to remote
access scenarios too, ensuring that conversations that take place
across the Internet are also encrypted.
The Lync Server endpoints support the same
kind of features found in many other IM clients, such as rich text,
emoticons, and saving messages. The end user and security features
enable an organization to standardize on a single messaging client such
as Lync instead of multiple clients and services.
Note
A long-standing issue with many IM
applications is that users think the conversation is not captured
unless conducted through email. Through integration with Microsoft
Office Outlook, IM conversations can be saved automatically to the
user’s Microsoft Exchange mailbox. These conversations are then
searchable in the same way that email messages are, so users can
reference them at any time.
11. Web Conferencing
Lync Server gives users the ability
to create or join virtual meetings referred to as web conferences,
including attendees from inside the organization or guest users without
an account in the Communications Server environment. Lync Server 2012
adds additional features to the Web Conferencing Web Client such as
voice and video over IP from the browser.
12. Audio and Video Conferencing
Organizations can leverage Lync Server to
provide audio and video (A/V) conferencing services to their users
without deploying additional clients or software. Deploying A/V
conferencing enables users to perform peer-to-peer or multiparty
conferences using high-fidelity audio and video conducted across the IP
network. Users have a consistent experience because they can make and
receive A/V calls through the same Lync client used for presence, IM,
and web conferencing. Although A/V conferencing is sometimes linked to
Enterprise Voice features, it can be deployed separately from any kind
of telephony integration.
Note
It is important to note that although the
term A/V is used, video is not a required component of these
conversations. Users can conduct audio-only conversations using the
Lync endpoint instead of a traditional phone call. These audio
conversations are performed at a higher level of audio quality than a
traditional PSTN call and are not subject to any long-distance or
international charges like a regular call.
With video conversations, both peer-to-peer
and multiparty video conversations can negotiate to use high-definition
video quality using either Microsoft RTVideo or H.264 SVC/AVC.
Organizations have a wide variety of webcams
to select what is compatible with Lync Server, and Microsoft provides a
continuously updated list of certified devices. In Lync Server, video
endpoints such as the Polycom CX5000 can be used in Lync to provide a
full 360-degree panoramic view of the room.
Lastly, Lync Server video endpoints
can be integrated with video conferencing systems from vendors such as
Polycom, LifeSize, and Cisco.
