 For IT departments and professionals, the benefits of Microsoft Unified Communications technologies are vast. They
include a more scalable infrastructure, simplified administration, enhanced security and performance, flexible access,
and even integration with Windows Vista. Select from the tabs below to find out more.
Of course, these benefits for IT also mean widespread benefits for end-users
Find out more
Video: Microsoft Unified Communications Administration Video 1
|
|
Video: Microsoft Unified Communications Administration Video 2
|
Different networks
Telephones run on switched networks. Computers run on IP networks. This fundamental infrastructure challenge faces every technology department. It forces businesses to invest in two complex infrastructures, each with their own specialists and maintenance costs.
Some businesses are tearing out their telephone networks and replacing them with new VoIP-based hardware.
|
|
This option solves the problem of maintaining two expensive options, but it also requires an expensive re-fit of the entire phone system.
Telephones run on switched networks. Computers run on IP networks. This fundamental infrastructure challenge faces every technology department. It forces businesses to invest in two complex infrastructures, each with their own specialists and maintenance costs. Some businesses are tearing out their telephone networks and replacing them with new VoIP-based hardware. This option solves the problem of maintaining two expensive options, but it also requires an expensive re-fit of the entire phone system.
A better solution
Microsoft has a better way: use software to bridge the gap. By deploying Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 and Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, businesses can get the benefits of VoIP and unified messaging without tearing out their existing telecommunications system.
Maximise your existing infrastructure
Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 works with existing PABXs and legacy desktop phones to deliver a rich VoIP experience to users inside and outside the firewall. Once Office Communications Server 2007 is bridged to the PABX through a IP/PABX gateway, it takes over voice exchange services, and call routing, and adds audio and video conferencing.
A new way to talk
For users, the telephone becomes an intuitive part of their computing experience with click-to-call functionality and menu-based tools for call forwarding, conference calling, and videoconferencing. Exchange Server 2007 takes over voice mail and faxes, delivering them alongside email and calendaring to users via Microsoft Office Outlook 2007. It even provides dial-in support so users can listen to their voice mails, emails, and calendars over the phone.
Complexity reduced
Microsoft Unified Communications technologies can do all this and simplify infrastructure because it uses Active Directory to manage all corporate directory information. IT administrators only have to manage one directory to support e-mail, voice mail, instant messaging, voice calls, plus audio and video conferencing. No more separate PABX database to manage. No more third-party voice messaging system to build, operate, and train for. Just one Active Directory, a common server toolset, and an intuitive client interface familiar to anyone who has used the Microsoft Office system.
|
Video: Microsoft Unified Communications Administration Video 1
|
By using software to unify telecommunications systems and IP networks, Microsoft Unified Communications technologies help simplify administration across the board.
Intuitive interface
Unified Communications technologies replace all those confusing phone-based menus with intuitive tools in the Microsoft Office system environment.
|
Users can click on a person's name to launch a call, or click on several names to launch an audio or video conference. Since the entire system runs on Active Directory, they only have to log on once to check their voice mail and their e-mail.
Familiar administration tools
With Microsoft Unified Communications technologies, IT departments manage telecom systems with familiar Windows Server toolsets. Assigning extensions and creating and managing user accounts for voicemail all happen through Office Communications Server 2007, which is an easy interface and toolset to master for anyone familiar with Microsoft Exchange Server.
Single directory
All telephone information–office extension numbers, voice mail box assignments, and mobile and home numbers–are stored in Active Directory alongside IP-network information like e-mail. There is only one directory to set up and maintain for both communications systems.
Administration, simplified
Administration tasks in Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 are easier too. Advanced modular architecture simplifies deployment and ongoing management, reducing administrator time and effort. A new command line interface gives administrators greater control over Exchange Server objects as well as the power to automate operations with scripts. An enhanced administrative console includes a fully updated user interface to help find and fix problems faster, as well as an integrated toolbox center, so administrators don't have to rely on multiple disparate tools. And user-friendly, self-service features allow employees to handle common tasks such as PIN reset for their mobile devices, minimising help desk calls, and reducing IT workload.
Centralised asset management
With Microsoft Unified Communications technologies, all communications – including voice, instant messaging, email, and conferencing - become digital assets. This allows IT to secure all lines of communication centrally and back them up continuously. Plus, rich archiving and cataloging tools allow IT to automate storage and index pieces of communication, which is crucial for meeting current compliance regulations.
|
Video: Microsoft Unified Communications Administration Video 3
|
Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 brings significant performance improvements, including an entirely new management platform, the Exchange Management Shell. The new Web services-based API and .NET integration enable rapid development for custom and third-party apps.
Native 64-bit support
Exchange Server 2007 helps you get the most out of your hardware, software, and network investments without adding cost and complexity.
|
Native 64-bit support maximises storage efficiency, while enhancements like simplified server routing optimise bandwidth for better performance. Unified messaging saves the costs of maintaining a separate voice mail infrastructure, freeing up resources for other strategic initiatives.
|
Video: Microsoft Unified Communications Administration Video 3
|
Advanced spam and virus defenses
Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 delivers integrated antivirus, anti-spam, and anti-phishing technologies that are automatically updated to help stop the latest threats before they impact your business and employees. This includes multiple-engine virus scanning and advanced anti-spam with Microsoft Forefront Security for Exchange Server.
|
Hosted filtering services
Additional security is available through flexible off-premise protection from Microsoft Exchange Hosted Services, which provides a filtering service before spam and viruses can get to your infrastructure. Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 also includes enhanced encryption features to help maintain the message confidentiality and instill confidence in communication.
Compliance support
New compliance capabilities help lower risk by making internal and regulatory compliance easier for the entire organisation. Sophisticated transport rules, message retention, and flexible journaling capabilities allow for better enforcement of policies without disrupting employees' ability to get their work done.
Business continuity
New continuous replications capabilities back up data so systems can recover, even between geographically separate sites. This helps ensure that your system can stay up and running should the unexpected happen. Internet-based messages help protect the confidentiality of messages in transit.
|
Video: Microsoft Unified Messaging Access Anywhere
|
With Windows Mobile6 devices, company employees will find it easier than ever to work where and when they choose. They’ll have Microsoft Office applications at their fingertips so they can edit documents, update spreadsheets and rehearse PowerPoint shows on the go.
Exchange Server integration provides push email, appointments and tasks so that everyone stays in sync. And with access to your corporate address book and company files from anywhere they’ll always have the information they need to be effective.
|
For organisations with mobile information workers, Windows Mobile powered solutions provide mobile access to Outlook e-mail, contacts, and calendar, and tasks. This increases employee productivity and responsiveness. Windows Mobile powered solutions help you move your business forward. Learn more 
View a demo on Windows mobile: Helping Improve Productivity
|
Windows Vista advancements in security and reliability, along with its cost and operational efficiencies, give you and your users confidence in your company PCs. With Windows Vista, users have clear ways to organise and view their information, which enables them to focus on the most important aspect of their jobs. Windows Vista communication, mobility, and networking features help keep users connected to people, information, and devices. Combined, these benefits help bring clarity to your world and to the world of your end users.
These capabilities make Windows Vista a great operating system solution for your company PCs. From the perspective of an IT professional, Windows Vista is easier to deploy, and less expensive to maintain, than any earlier version of Windows. From the perspective of end users, Windows Vista's improved performance and reliability add value by allowing people to be more effective while performing their jobs.
Learn more
View the TechNet resources
|
|
|
