Can Microsoft's OCS R2 replace a PBX?

February 12, 2009 Published by  SearchUnifiedCommunications.com Unified Communications Connection Microsoft's OCS R2 has powerful UC features but won't replace a PBX Michael Morisy, News Writer The latest version of Microsoft's unified communications platform, Office Communications Server (OCS) R2, has plenty of impressive new features, but reviews have been mixed. Many industry experts agree that while OCS is a good complementary communications tool, it is still not ready to replace the corporate PBX. "I love the fact that with OCS ... you're able to control and integrate it with application hooks," said Nick Lippis, president of Hingham, Mass.-based Lippis Enterprises Inc., referring to the ability of the platform to integrate with first- and third-party applications, such as embedding instant messaging or VoIP into a CRM application. "And Microsoft is leading that charge with [its] products." Read more about Microsoft's OCS R2. Voice certifications and training: What do you need? Voice certifications and training will become essential to enterprise projects and career advancement. Learn more about voice certifications. Managing voice and video, more than watching packets Unified communications managers need to manage more than the network when delivering voice and video services. They must make sure they also manage the quality of experience. Learn about managing the quality of experience with voice and video services. Ask the expert: Microsoft OCS 2007 R2 Do you have questions about the new features and functionality of Microsoft's Office Communications Server 2007 R2? Send them into Tony Bradley. Tony is Microsoft Certified as an MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer), MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) in Windows 2000 and an MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional) in Windows NT. Tony has also been recognized by Microsoft as an MVP (Most Valuable Professional) in Windows security since 2006. Check out some of Tony's past answers.   ADVERTISEMENT   Top SearchTelecom.com Expert Tips Core and Access Networks 10 MPLS Traffic Engineering Myths & Half Truths Content Delivery Network Architectures Wireless and Mobile Carrier Networks Fixed Mobile Convergence: Understanding the Landscape Wireless Networks: Implementing Secure Wi-Fi IPTV and Video on Demand Point-to-Multipoint MPLS Video Networks: The Fundamental Structure   ABOUT THIS E-NEWSLETTER This e-newsletter is published by SearchUnifiedCommunications.com, a targeted Web site from TechTarget, The IT Media ROI Experts and events company. Copyright 2009 TechTarget. All rights reserved. We're sending you this information based on the Topics you selected in your TechTarget Member Profile. To unsubscribe, click here. Please note, unsubscribe requests may take up to 24 hours to process; you may receive additional mailings during that time. A confirmation e-mail will be sent when your request has been successfully processed. Contact Us: SearchUnifiedCommunications.com Member Services 117 Kendrick Street, Suite 800 Needham, MA 02494