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(c) /Cloud /Skype /Lync User Forum - November 4 Issue #115
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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 | |
Prognosis multi-platform UC monitoring software enables you to: compare communications systems quality of experience, proactively maximize availability, and gain visibility and control of your evolving UC ecosystem.
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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.
Uncommon Solutions is a MS Lync certified Gold partner and the developer of AlarmSyncTM
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Visit Our Sponsor
Call 303-594-1694 for more on Vimenture
For advertising and other marcom options,
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Greetings!
Welcome to the Cloud/Skype/Lync User Forum click here for website.
The cool UC app this week is really integration of UC with social media. Here goes, Raymond James sought a single platform to effectively enable users, while ensuring compliance with Financial Industry Regulatory Advisory (FINRA) regulations. Actiance's Socialite platform provides granular control for social networking sites, including the specific ability to manage access and share content in a controlled fashion across 200 features on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.  It is also the only platform that enables organizations to proactively approve content and changes made to advisors' social media profiles through its static content pre-approval workflow capabilities. Socialite's ability to share content, record conversations and messages, capture posts, messages and commentary in context, and provide export of that data to an archive for post review, is also ideal for eDiscovery compliance. "We believe our comprehensive suite of social media tools and resources represent industry-leading support, consistent with our commitment to providing our advisors with unique marketing agency services to support their communication, marketing and branding efforts," noted Mike White, Marketing Director at Raymond James.
Through Actiance, Raymond James financial advisers are able to:
- Manage access and share content across LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter through a single interface * Leverage a pre-approved library of social media-friendly content to share with their networks * Have content that they have created proactively approved before publishing - Ensure that the content and actions are recorded for regulatory purposes - Measure the success of their content (ie, number of downloads, likes, re-tweets etc) Actiance has also provided Raymond James with the capability to record conversations and messages, capture posts, messages and commentary in context and archive that content for post review ensuring that the firm has a complete view of its employees' marketing and communications over social networks.
Bottom-line: Unified anything requires being unified with social media as an increasing amount of corporate communications whether internal (SharePoint, Yammer) or external (FB, Twitter, Linkedin, etc.) is via social media platforms. This means you "must have" tools like Actiance Socialite to protect your people, processes and content. 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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 Next Week - 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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4 "Do or Die" Tips to Make your Microsoft Lync Implementation Smooth
An edited article provided by Enabling Technologies. It is a bit much to say "die," however, maybe you could or would lose your job if you don't get this and many other things completed successfully for a proper migration to Lync. I like the term RGE-resume generating event to be used if you fail to get it done right. Here are there "do or die" tips:
1 - Proper Planning cannot be overlooked. We are currently making an Architectural Review Session mandatory to insure a smooth implementation. Not only does the planning insure "no surprises" in deployment but we have found ways to leverage your existing architecture or even reduce its usage. When doing the ADS-Architectural Design Session with one client we were able to discontinue 30 T1 lines by introducing SIP Trunking at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Many clients are shocked to learn how much they will save thousands by using Lync client for free instead of paying for Webex or Go to Meeting/Assist.
2 - Get your Active Directory (AD) in order. While you are at it you might also clean up - DNS (domain name service) and Routing as well. By doing this you will save yourself lots of headaches and "gotchas" with the deployment. This may sound as a given but we have done hundreds of implementations and it can be a problem.
3 - You need to know that Lync touches several IT groups in your organization and the teams have to work together so there aren't delays for implementation: Server, Storage, DBA (database administrator), AD & DNS, Certificates, Network, Security, Telephony, etc.  When the groups work together it makes the implementation smoother but more productive because often they find better processes which increase productivity. For example: our CEBP (communications enabled business processes a communications applications development platform from Microsoft) application ETC Timetracker (click on image for website) has enabled Law firms to track all the time used via Lync whether it's IM, VoIP Calls, emails etc. The application automatically populates their time and billing database with the hours so the Lawyers do not have to track their time. The firm has then streamlined their accounting and improves cash flow. So, with the inclusion of Lync and ETC TimeTracker, the accounting team must be in on at least some of the initial implementation talks for input. A CEBP application could be made for your particular circumstances as well by our DEV team.
4 - Have a UC Strategy (or engage Enabling to assist you in coming up with a UC Strategy) - who will get what features, what is the end user adoption/training plan, how will you manage and support it? It's very important to start with the right group when deploying: like the Sales team or a project group that needs to collaborate efficiently. When the right group has a good experience they tell the others and this increases adoption easily. People will be coming to you to get Lync instead of the other way around. It's also important to pick a consultant or systems integrator that has a support practice in house so if you run into difficulties you can have them resolved quickly. One of our clients said that he picked Enabling for our Managed Services because he knew that our support desk could always call upon our field engineers for expertise if needed. This is true especially if you are using Lync for Enterprise Voice. At a recent conference I heard one CIO say the "Messing with people's phones can be CIO suicide" so it's REALLY important to have 24 x 7 x 365 coverage or managed service with monitoring etc. etc. for the voice piece especially.
Certainly you have to decide if you think you will "die" (or lose your job) if you don't do these but who's to argue that Lync migration is not for the fool-hardy.
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One Last Look - 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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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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