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(c) /Cloud /Skype /Lync User Forum - 11-18-11 Issue #117
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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
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Visit Our Sponsor
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For advertising and other marcom options,
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Webinar archive is now available, click on image.
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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Greetings!
Welcome to the Cloud/Skype/Lync User Forum click here for website.
Apps go 3D or rather stackable here's one. iscoord, noted for their cool Apple apps just released the is-phone Desktop Communicator Edition 3.0 enabling more simplicity on user interaction and mind-blowing 3D video conferencing experience. The version 3.0 of the is-phone Desktop Communicator Edition was new designed and provides all features of a modern Unified Communication solution. Preview available now, the is-phone Desktop Communicator Edition 3.0 which can be requested by large integrators, service providers, telecom operators and PBX/softswitch manufacturers.
New in Release 3.0 - Simplified User Interface based on WPF-Technology
- Drag & Drop for Call Handling
- Video 2D/3D
- LDAP look-up
- Minor bugs fixed
"We are very pleased to provide this latest release of the is-phone Desktop Communicator Edition based on Microsoft's WPF Technology. This technology gave us the great opportunity to focus even more on direct interactions between user and product - the result is mind-blowing. Field tests showed us a high level of user acceptance in regards of handling, simplicity and speed", said Rolf Kuster, CTO of iscoord. Get your 30 days trial (preview version) on our webpage http://www.iscoord.com and make up your mind. The white-label OEM softphone integrated into Microsoft Unified Communications platform (Exchange, Outlook and Live Messenger), enables voice as well as video calls or conferences with any SIP based PBX or SIP carrier and is easy to install and operate. Built on open standards, is-phone products are interoperable with all of the leading industries standard platforms and devices. It includes features specifically designed for business and enterprise users and can be quickly deployed within an enterprise environment either by manual configuration via the graphical user interface or by using a provisioning server. 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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Polycom Goes For the Big Picture Platform
Polycom ups the ante with their own RealPresence Platform which "wedges" in the UC "stack" between the foundation layer of core network and security infrastructure and the services, applications, and device/endpoint layers above it, enabling the various software elements, which are typically from a range of different vendors, to interoperate seamlessly. The five functional areas spanned by the platform are described in the diagram.
 According to Polycom, " Real- Presence Platform inter- operates with hundreds of products and services offered by Polycom's global ecosystem of partners so that you can choose best-of-breed solutions that are right for your organization which the assurance that they will work together." They added the following below and one of the key reasons I found this of interest was the addition of social media issues in their consideration. Finally someone is getting the idea that it is all about "presence" which is the fundamental concept behind SIP. Moreover, the applications mentioned below are each minor-platforms for the development of really exciting next-gen integrated solutions. And, if they can finally get Cisco really into the mix not just interfacing them, then it will be something to "lift all boats."
- IM/Presence. IM (Instant Messaging) and Presence (the ability to see whether someone is online or not) applications connect people in real-time through text-based communication. For example, Microsoft's and IBM's IM/Presence and desktop video clients are integrated with room, mobile and desktop video systems through the RealPresence Platform. - Call Control. Applications that provide central telephony functions such as call routing and value-added features like Call Waiting and Call Forward. If you use call control applications from Microsoft, Siemens, BroadSoft, Cisco and Avaya (to name a few), you can use the RealPresence Platform to integrate and simplify HD video and voice communication. - Web Conferencing. Online collaboration services that let dispersed groups meet and share/edit content. You can use Polycom solutions with all the major players in Web conferencing to enhance meetings, training events, lectures, and presentations with interactive HD video. - Video Collaboration. Polycom interoperates with the broadest range of video collaboration vendors, including its fiercest competitors (because that's what our customers want). - Mobility. Polycom is partnering with mobile industry leaders including Alcatel/Lucent, Apple, Ericsson, HP, HTC, Juniper, Microsoft, Motorola, RIM and Samsung, to extend HD collaboration for individuals and groups across mobile networks and connect back into corporate video rooms. - Social. The exploding social networking phenomenon is now leaping the firewall and moving into businesses to change the way people work and communicate. Jive Software and other social business applications will integrate with the RealPresence Platform to bring business-grade video collaboration to this exciting new market.
It is exciting and timely that Polycom takes leadership making telepresence more practical and affordable as well.
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Part 1 Lync Load Balancing - Making Your Network SIP Manageable
 An enterprise high available deployment of Lync Server requires deploying multiple servers in Front End pools, Director pools, and or Edge Server pools, Load balancing is necessary when using multiple servers in a pool and a Load Balancer distributes the traffic among the servers.
Microsoft Lync Server 2010 supports two load balancing solutions: DNS load balancing and hardware load balancing (click on image for website and Kemp is in beta). You can choose different load balancing solutions for each pool in your deployment. Hardware load balancers are also required to provide load balancing for the internal and external web services when DNS load balancing is used.
 The KEMP LoadMaster combines versatility with ease-of-use to speed deployment of the complete portfolio of advanced messaging applications and protocols used by Microsoft Lync Server 2010. Layer 7 health checking at the LoadMaster ensures that should one of the servers become inaccessible, the load balancer will take that server off-line, while automatically re-routing and reconnecting users to other functioning servers.
Click on image for demo. Part 2 explores "how it works." |
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One Last Look - Lync Integrated Incident Instant Messaging - IIIM
The UK's leading incident management and roadside assistance provider FMG, is using Vantage from Actiance to augment security and compliance controls as it upgrades its unified communications to Lync. Lync is extremely effective as a unified communications (UC) platform, but it does not natively provide the capabilities to meet the corporate governance best practices that FMG Support follows, nor does it prevent users from using unauthorized public real-time communications.
Vantage from Actiance enables FMG Support to set acceptable use policies for each employee, such as what departments can communicate with each other, which applications are approved for use on the enterprise network and what types of information are restricted from leaving the organization.  Vantage's centralised policy setting mechanism recognises not only Lync, but other UC platforms, public instant messaging (IM) services and other Web 2.0 applications, allowing FMG Support to manage its collaborative communications environment with ease. "Federating will make it easier for us to collaborate and work more closely with our partners, while maintaining a corporate standard of communication, but we can also see that it will open the door to an increased risk of data leakage and malware," says Jamie Shields, IT Professional of FMG Support. "In addition we also wanted the ability to effectively archive conversations made over Lync. We have set procedures for any changes to contracts or other legally binding documents, but that doesn't mean that someone might not accidentally say something over Group Chat that might be misconstrued. Actiance gives us the ability to go back to that message months or even years later to review what was actually said and to look at the context of the message."
Actiance Vantage provides a comprehensive archive of all exchanges that take place over UC and federated services as well as native public IM services. FMG's policy is that that all business conversations need to be stored securely, however UC's multi-dimensional nature can make the process of archiving, storing and retrieving multi-party chats exponentially more complex.
A simple chat conversation might include numerous participants joining at different times, creating a requirement to understand the context surrounding each participants understanding of these conversations - who entered - and left the conversation at what point during the discussion. Vantage enables FMG Support to understand the context of conversation easily, no matter how long ago it took place. Integrated with Active Directory, Vantage enables FMG Support to map a user's buddy-name to their Active Directory corporate identity, helping to identify individuals to their corporate account. The fleet management firm has been using secure web gateway product, Unified Security Gateway (USG) from Actiance since 2008. FMG Support initially chose the solution as it provided the ability to archive the transcripts of public IM conversations, a capability that traditional secure web gateway solutions were unable to do. "Actiance has already proved its platform is more than capable of securing and managing our access to UC and other real-time communications and web 2.0 applications such as Facebook and Twitter," concludes Shields. "As we enter our next phase of UC deployment with Microsoft Lync, it is good to have a partner that understands the fast moving world of communications and the importance to us of ensuring that embracing the latest communication tools doesn't mean losing control."
Speaking of web chat see the next article.
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One Last Look - Lync Web-Widget Get Your Presence On
There is not a lot of text with this, nor did the provider response to an inquiry but thought it is a cool app for anyone seeking integration between the web and a contact center using Lync. They indicate, "The Lync Presence widget shows Lync presence information on your website. Website visitors can start chat conversations using the Lync Chat widget. The widgets are jQuery plugins communicating with a WCF Service. Place them on any kind of website (PHP, .NET) and style with CSS."
Features
- Fully customizable styling: The client is simply HTML/JS/CSS so very easy to skin.
- Deployable on any website using any technology: No ASP.NET required at the client side.
You can get a demo at
The demo doesn't seem to work but maybe they were offline.
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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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