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(c) /Cloud /Skype /Lync User Forum - October 28 Issue #114
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/Cloud /Skype /Lync User Forum is an Independent Forum on
Social Business, Business, Cloud Communications, Microsoft, Google, Apple and other Communications, Unified-Contextual-Communications topics.
Microsoft Lync is a trademark of the Microsoft Corporation.
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| Our Sponsors | |
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White Paper QoS: Lync's Missing Link - Vital VoIP Knowledge for Managing Microsoft Lync - Authors: Sue Bradshaw - Integrated Research and Thomas B. Cross - TECHtionary.com
click here for White Paper.
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Greetings!
Welcome to the Cloud/Skype/Lync User Forum click here for website.
 Cool app of the week is from T-Mobile. This is intended to provide an introduction to cool UC apps, not an indepth review of each one. Every app, if they are serious about it, will have upgrades, fixes and integration with other apps, so keeping tracking of all this is beyond the scope of this analysis. What we do look for is some kind of interesting "twist" in each app and hopefully "so why" should we or you should be bothered with them.  Bobsled (cool name) is from T-Mobile and provides free calling between web, Android, and iPhone/Pad/Touch along with call Facebook friends on Facebook friends using Bobsled. Receive calls from your Facebook friends, post audio messages to your FB friends' walls, add favorites and call history. In addition, HD audio for Bobsled-to-Bobsled calls and CD quality on WiFi is provided. So why this worth is a look is because of the integration with Facebook. Some of the reviewers of this product commented that they did not like the integration with FB while I found it interesting to build integration with FB. This also provides the platform to integrate with other social net apps. The other point is that the cellular providers like the traditional wireline carriers are now also in the "race to zero" pricing of calls with many of them already providing free mobile-to-mobile calling. They all seem to understand that mobile is about data access and sms, not voice so why not built "apps for that." My fav-feature is the ability of Bobsled (keep wanting to call it blobsled) lets you record an audio message and post it to your Facebook wall. Click on images for iTunes (Android app also available).
Our goal is to find applications, solutions, tech, users and other content on Google, Apple, Facebook, Microsoft Lync, Amazon, Kinect, Twitter, SharePoint & Skype. We want hear from you about great ideas on the WWW-wild wild web of internet communications and online cloud, SaaS and other hot tech solutions. Send your ideas and products anytime.
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 Just-in - Mark Your Calendar for 11/9 Webinar
Stop Thinking About IVR as Voice Only!
The New Contact Center Experience
Hear how Gold Achieves 50%+ Lower TCO with Gold Systems IVR & Voice Solutions and much more. Click here to register.
Gold Systems, a leader in self-service customer communications using Interactive Voice Response (IVR) solutions announced that they have achieved the Microsoft Unified Communications Gold Competency. "We have certified Microsoft Certified Professionals (MCP's) who have passed new UC competency evaluations. In addition, our sales experts have passed the sales and marketing assessment to achieve this goal as well as the required number of customer recommendations," noted Terry Gold CEO. "We have a strong professional services group that is skilled in both the migration from traditional PBX systems as well as the implementation of new Lync greenfield installations," Gold added. Gold systems has also partnered with other unified communications industry leaders to provide - start-to-finish, side-by-side and over-the-shoulder professional services. Gold has indepth knowledge of media gateways, session border controllers, end points, SIP trunking and other options to maximize the range of customer settings from SMB to large-enterprise. For more information on Gold Professional Services, please email websales@goldsys.com.
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Mobile SharePoint Linked Lync with GPS
As you may know, I am a fan of SharePoint and it's incredible power and application in business. The following is a chart we built for a major corporate implementation of SharePoint as an ECM-ECMS-enterprise content management system. This chart shows many of the key corporate content areas. You are asking, so what. SharePoint is the corporate container (repository) of corporate knowledge, processes, people and functions. Quite simply, Lync makes this knowledge inside people heads accessible and now mobile. Here's the "why" part of Lync-SharePoint Integration.
 Let says, you have a critical system outage and you need to find the closest engineer with the best skills to fix. You have a strategy session on a new product and you want to get colleagues skilled in product, you can do a skill search instantly inside Lync. People skill searches are fast, easy and straightforward. Users simply select the Skill option when they perform a search from Lync. Users can find people based on keywords such as skills, interests, knowledge, and so on. Users can select a link within the Lync search results to display them within the native SharePoint search experience.
Twisted Pair issued an interesting white paper (click on image for link) on integrated mobile and office applications. That is, there is really "no-wall" between the office and the field. If you prefer, the "virtual office" where it really doesn't matter where you are, you have the "content" you need. In addition, all information is now online. In their paper they present the "Interface between office-based and Mobile Scenarios."
They address: The 'mobile workforce' is more than just sales and delivery people. Anyone who does not work at a fixed workstation, such as a desk, can be considered mobile. Mobile workers often operate expensive capital assets. In every organization that has mobile staff and mobile assets; the coordination of those resources is facilitated by staff and assets that are office-based.  The distinction between office-based and mobile staff and assets can be described as follows:
- Office-based staff-staff involved in the coordination, management and direction of mobile staff and assets, or staff that manages and operates office-based assets.
- Office-based assets-business systems that manage business transactions and
processes or provide data storage and retrieval, such as Microsoft SharePoint,
databases, ERP systems, etc.
- Mobile staff-staff whose main occupation is essentially mobile in nature and whose primary means of communication is a radio or other PTT device. These staff increasingly will rely on mobile computing devices to gain access to data that is needed to complete their task.
- Mobile assets-any form of capital equipment used by mobile staff, including transportation (air/sea/land), machinery (e.g. mining equipment), installation and repair rigs and emergency response vehicles. This means you can have Lync linked with SharePoint all the time from anywhere
They go on to say, while SharePoint is a great tool for managing teams of non-mobile staff, it is even more powerful as an information sharing tool for the mobile workforce. Access to SharePoint is via a browser, so this obviates the need for application specific clients and is readily accessible from a wide range of mobile platforms, including Apple's iOS (the image is from Polycom's iPad2 app - click for iTunes) and Google's Android.  Furthermore, mobile teams are, by definition, task oriented and are often coordinated by office-based staff. SharePoint is a great platform for the consolidation of a wide range of task-oriented data from relevant Line-of-Business applications (e.g. ERP, supply chain management, etc.) that would be used to coordinate the activities of mobile teams. By deploying Wave Communicator for Microsoft SharePoint (WCS), SharePoint users gain access to a number of valuable capabilities, for example:
- Access traditionally unreachable and far-flung devices that are part of proprietary radio systems, paging systems and other non-IP networks - Access secure, instant access connection between smartphones, Microsoft SharePoint users and users of one or more radio networks, regardless of where in the world mobile workers are located - Create the ability to consolidate all communications infrastructure under IT control, reducing convoluted network operations
- Integrate the users physical location (provided by GPS enabled radios or smartphones) into the communications mix, including mapping of users' geo-location within the WAVE Communicator for Microsoft SharePoint application.
Simply put, you can use Lync mobile GPS locations to skill searches from SharePoint - very nice.  If you need to know more about Lync-SharePoint integration get the Lync Server 2010 Resource Kit technical reference for the product provides users a seamless experience with the following SharePoint features:
- Presence within SharePoint site collections - Skill search - SharePoint pictures displayed in Lync 2010 -Export meeting recordings to SharePoint asset libraries Click on image for Organizations can take advantage of Lync Server and SharePoint Server integration features to deliver a rich experience to Lync 2010 users. By integrating Lync 2010 with SharePoint, users can perform keyword searches from within Lync 2010 to locate and contact people inside their organization based on skills, interests, and other populated fields in SharePoint's My Sites. Users can view presence information of other team members from within a SharePoint site collection and save meeting recordings to a SharePoint 2010 asset library. |
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One Last Look - SIP Troubleshooting - Collapsed Services & Clipping-Dipping
This week two more of those annoying SIP problems reported in far too many situations. QoS will be an ongoing saga that will have a few more articles while voice clipping and dipping is a "pesky" problem but generally easy to solve.
In a "two-box" environment, the premise router can only look to the cable modem but not "look ahead" to see network congestion which limits QoS. QoS is critical to business VoIP-SIP as any congestion can cause "stutter" delays, "voice skips" from packet loss or "jitter" in the conversation. Data networks are called "bursty" networks because data arrives randomly and in large amounts often causing "traffic jams." A "one box" environment sometimes referred to as collapsed services, enhances QoS by making "smart decisions" about prioritizing network traffic.  Adding bandwidth is one way to reducing voice/data "log jams" and VoIP "stuttering" problems. Advanced routers or other devices such as network optimizers and equalizers are hardware software devices that give the network administrator control over every type of packet and TCP port. The security features of many routers include capabilities such as hardware-based virtual private network (VPN) acceleration, firewall and intrusion prevention. These and other techniques are critical as video, gaming, video mail and other complex systems such as virtual reality emerge. One of the key advantages of new routers is providing both a traditional T-1 or T-3 circuit and a cable or metro ethernet solution for routing. Either circuit can be the primary routing circuit, however, in case of circuit failure; alternate circuits can be selected automatically. In addition, protocols like HSRP-hot Standby Routing Protocol can be implemented for more protection. Network equalizing is another choice in balancing of traffic allowing for time/delay-sensitive voice, video and priority data to receive an "equal share" of the available bandwidth. Network equalizing is a dynamic process which can respond to changes in network conditions. In addition, as more and more applications are placed on the network, network equalizing is critical to "filling the pipe" and not paying for idle bandwidth. Solution - adding bandwidth is no panacea and like most real problems throwing money at doesn't really solve it. Understanding the changing nature of corporate traffic is a continuous and life-long project (read as job security).
Voice clipping, chopping or dipping occurs as the result of the VAD-Voice Activity Detector. VADs are used for silence suppression in packet voice systems, due to the need not to use bandwidth to send packets when there is no voice; think of this as not sending silence.  VAD also reduces or suppresses echo suppression in echo cancellers. In addition, VADs are used to reduce room or background noise in IP phones, speakerphones and microphones. VAD systems determine the difference between human voice, tones, unvoice, "white noise" (similar in concept to white light (composed of equal amounts of all visible light frequencies) - a sound composed of an equal mix of all audible frequencies) and comfort noise (noise generated to let the user know the call has not been disconnected) and other sources. There are three or more types of noise or non-noise detectors: known energy level, adaptive energy level and spectral energy based on compression. If below threshold, then clip/cut as perceived as noise not voice is called "front end speech clipping." "Dipping" is clipping at the end of the voice segment. Solution - monitor and adjust your VAD.
Got a problem you found, got a solution you found, send them and our crack team will work on them for you and we don't do crack either.
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Migrating to Microsoft Lync?
AudioCodes Survivable Branch Appliances (SBA) and Media Gateways for Microsoft Lync - the preferred integration solution for branch office survivability (SBA), connectivity and interoperability with SIP Trunks, PBXs, IP-PBXs and other legacy systems.
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Marketing Communications Solutions
There are a number of other marcom solutions available such as:
- Newsletters (e.g. private label version of Lync User Forum) 
from Constant Contact Certified Experts click here
- Webseminars ("Highest Scores Ever" - Microsoft)
- Customer Case Studies ("Best Customer Case Study' - Broadsoft)
- White Papers (Top-10 Tips for VoIP Implementation - XO)
- SEO (top placement of key words in Google), e.g. Google IVR Lync
- Social marketing (Twitter, social media course) see my Twitter account @techtionary
- Social media training (course evaluations available)
- Articles - email for example
- Press Releases (email for examples)
- Training - your courses
- Course development new courses (Qwest, Microsoft, others)
- Elearning course development and delivery (Qwest)
- Videos
- Consulting (product, strategic planning, crossnetpoints model)
Email today to get help cross@gocross.com
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Telecom Reseller reaches 37,000 readers every month by print, 1000s daily on line, by eBulletin, by podcast and in special supplements. 24,000 of these readers are IT managers at enterprises and public entities with over 200 employees, while another 12,000 are partners of Avaya, Cisco, Mitel, NEC, Shoretel as well as other channel partners, dealers, systems integrators, agents and VARs that sell directly to both SMBs and larger companies. We can connect you with the people who sell to smaller companies, and to the IT people who handle the internal needs of the larger firms who, on the average, manages over 56 sites.
Here are some exciting new options for fall:
- Event promotion - use to promote your event, webseminar, road show, quarterly/annual meetings and other activities.
- Blog promotion - you have a blog so why not really promote it.
- Webseminar - promotion only or design, development, moderating and promotion.
- Elite banner advertising on Telecom Reseller home page and others.
This month and going forward, we are working on special reports on Cloud Based UC Services and Products which will include: - Hosted and cloud based PBX-VoIP and other call management solutions. - Cloud based collaboration - Conferencing, including voice, video and data sharing - Cloud based data management, security, performance management and other communications - Private cloud, MPLS and other SIP trunking solutions Since 1988, Telecom Reseller is the industry standard for UC news, opinion and technical advice. If you are targeting companies that have historically relied on customer premises based equipment or your go to market plan includes dealers, resellers and VARs who sell into this space, Telecom Reseller can connect you with the people you are looking for. Click here to receive the Media Kit. |
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Get Lync Smart: TECHnet click on image for link
Here's a great place to get Lync Smart. I particularly like the labs and podcasts (which you can download and take with you).
Webcasts
Tune in as Microsoft subject-matter experts present product overviews and strategies for improving productivity and driving down costs. Webcasts include technical presentations about configuring, securing, and extending your unified communications infrastructure.
Videos
Learn smart strategies, get new insights, and stay up-to-date on Microsoft tools, technologies, and services. Stream or download a video today.
Virtual Labs
Test drive Microsoft's unified communications solutions in a virtual lab. It's simple-no complex setup or installation is required. You get a downloadable manual and a 90-minute block of time for each module, and you can sign up for additional 90-minute blocks anytime.
Podcasts
Stream or download these audio podcasts on to your favorite podcast software or mobile device. These podcasts are free and do not require registration-just click, listen, and learn.
Here's from one of the labs I explore: The New Enterprise Voice Features of Microsoft Lync Server 2010. Microsoft Lync Server 2010 introduces the ability to give users a second, private telephone line in addition to the primary telephone line. Private telephone lines are often assigned to executives and others who want an unlisted telephone number at which they can be reached directly. Private telephone lines can only be configured with the Lync Server Management Shell.
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Lync Essentials for Sales Executives
"You Can't Sell What You Don't Know"
3-5 Day Sales Training Course - Customizable to Suit
SIP & Microsoft Lync-Office Communications Server with Virtual LYNC Lab Training Course
A Sales Executive and operational guide to selling UC-Unified Communications, SIP-Session Initiation Protocol & Microsoft Lync-Office Communications Server/Communicator.
This course is available in classroom (onsite) format of three (3) to five (5) days or custom version. This course is designed to help sales, enterprise technical-executive managers, channel partners and others better understand SIP-Session Initiation Protocol and Microsoft® Lync™ - Communications Server. There is more than three years of research, interviews, discussions, meetings and presentations to channel partners, providers, manufacturer's and other interested parties in the SIP-VoIP industry.
Click here for complete course outline. In addition to the classroom presentation, a "live LYNC" lab/demonstration may be included. The purpose of the virtual demonstration is to give attendees a "test drive" of LYNC and be able to ask implementation and configuration questions. The lab is in the R&D stage of development and may change without notice.
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Simple SIP Guide to SIP Providers
Company: IntelePeer
SIP Solution/Service name: IntelePeer SIP trunking services
Description (30 Word max): IntelePeer's SIP trunking services offer high quality and reliable VoIP connectivity that includes PSTN interconnections, DIDs, local calling, long distance, and toll-free. Try it with our 30-day no cost trial.
Contact: Norman Siow
Contact email: nsiow@intelepeer.com
Company: Level 3 Communications
SIP Solution/Service name: SIP Trunking
Description (30 Word max): SIP enabled local and long distance voice service delivered to Enterprise UC and PBX platforms to enable voice communications in medium to large businesses.
Contact: Jason Brougham
Contact email: jason.brougham@level3.com
Company: EtherSpeak Communications, LLC
SIP Solution/Service Name: EtherSpeak SIP Trunks
Description: SIP Provider for Microsoft, ShoreTel, Zultys and Asterisk UC systems. Offers IP encryption, faxing, PBX hosting and managed connectivity using existing broadband, encrypted internet, MPLS network, or existing MPLS providers.
Contact: Mark Williams
Contact Email: sales@ietherspeak.com
Company - Global Crossing
SIP Solution/Service name: SIP Trunking Solutions; Global Crossing VoIP Outbound™, Global Crossing VoIP On-Net Plus™, Global Crossing VoIP Toll Free™ and Global Crossing VoIP Local Service™
Description: Global Crossing's enterprise SIP trunking solution delivers a rich breadth of services with carrier-class quality, reliability and security for maximum savings on overall telephony costs, reducing total cost of ownership.
Contact: James Harney
Contact email: siptrunking@globalcrossing.com
Quick Link to Lync Approved SIP Trunking Providers If your company is missing, send email to cross@gocross.com
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Lync Forum Jobs Board
click here to see.
Jobs added for free on Lync Forum website
Jobs added in Newsletter for a fee.
Email links to your jobs to cross@gocross.com
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Lync Knowledge Source - 36 Blogs, Knowledge Sources on Lync Forum website
Click here for Lync Forum
If you have a blog to add or want to add your own, please send email to cross@cross.com
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Lync Knowledge Source
NextHop Community: Aims to foster the Lync community Click here for blog Listen to customers: email:nexthop@microsoft.com tweet:http://www.twitter.com/DrRez - Educate and inform through the NextHop, DrRez, PowerShell, and Lync client blogs found at: http://nexthop.info
- stimulate a dialogue: Twitter Facebook
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Lync Knowledge Source
Click here for Next Hop from MS -- "Whether you're new to Lync, Office Communications Server and Unified Communications, simply looking for some helpful hints, or trying to get some serious information, we'll help you find what you need."
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TECHtionary Knowledge Source
Click here for TECHtionary -- World's First and Largest Animated Library on Technology with more than 3,015 animated tutorials.
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Lync is a Trademark of Microsoft. Cloud/Skype/Lync User Forum is an independent forum.
Advertising, Exhibiting, Training and other Marcom Programs, call 303-594-1694 or click here.
The User Forum provides classroom and webseminar training as well as a non-production environment for those IT departments without additional equipment, budget or time. This allows planners and users to test ideas, dial in and dial back out, IM file transfers, remote desktop sharing, video conferencing, run scenarios, review logs, break linkages and learning about new telephony features and network access. The User Forum is also designed for both the system integrator/consultant who wants to learn about Lync without having to build their own system as well as the enterprise customer who doesn't have the time, resources or knowledge to develop one. Coming soon, User Forum Labs are designed to be "hands-on" or "over-the-shoulder" with experts available for Q&A and classes for feature-specific review.
About User Forum
The User Forum is a vendor-independent laboratory environment designed for learning, technical guides, knowledge resources and online "live" services. The User Forum provides planning, project management, consulting, training, case studies, white papers, speaking engagements, market/customer research, network planning and other services.
Click here to contact.
(c) User Forum - all rights reserved.
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