Rival networks
Telephones run on switched networks. Computers run on IP networks. This is the fundamental infrastructure challenge facing 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.
Maximize your existing infrastructure
Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 works with existing PBXs 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 PBX through a IP/PBX gateway, it takes over voice exchange services, and call routing, and adds audio- and videoconferencing.
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 e-mail and calendaring to users via Microsoft Office Outlook 2007. It even provides dial-in support so users can listen to their voice mails, e-mails, 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 videoconferencing.
No more separate PBX 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.
