26 June 2006

A new initiative by Microsoft sees it team with multiple global telecommunications providers, in a bid to unify platforms and accelerate the transformation of voice, video and data communications.

At the heart of the initiative is the intention to advance the transformation of telephony, audio, video and web conferencing, instant messaging and email into a single unified communications platform.

Hewlett Packard will provide enterprise servers and systems integration services for new and enhanced products within Microsoft's unified communication platform, including Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007, Microsoft Office Communicator 2007, Microsoft Office Live Meeting, Microsoft Office RoundTable, Communicator phone experience and Microsoft Exchange Server 2007.

Siemens will provide new products and systems as well as integrate its HiPath 8000 softswitch real-time telephony solution with Microsoft Exchange Server and Microsoft Office Live Communications Server, utilising the OpenSpace communications broker capability. The solution will provide enterprise customers with the ability to cost-effectively transition from conventional PBX and voice-mail communications systems to Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 and Exchange Server 2007.

"As the world of work changes, companies are realising that a unified communications environment can reduce the cost of communications while providing richer capabilities that keep them competitive," said Anoop Gupta, corporate VP of the unified communications group at Microsoft. "These collaborative efforts will deliver a simple and flexible path to a complete range of unified communications solutions."

Microsoft has also announced that it is teaming with leading telecommunications providers to deliver a broad set of unified devices including IP phones, PCs and peripherals.

Polycom, LG-Nortel and Thompson Telecom will develop and market IP-enabled desktop phones as an extension of the unified communications platform, which will include Microsoft Office Communicator software and integrate with Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007.

In addition, GN Netcom, Logitech, Plantronics, Samsung and Tatung are joining forces with Microsoft to deliver a range of peripherals such as USB handsets, wireless USB headsets, webcams and monitors with built-in audio and video components to further strengthen the overall offering.

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