Microsoft is quick to point out that it is not proposing to replace the traditional IP PBX with this combination rather, it touts its standards-based Session Initiation Protocol ( SIP) ties for trunking and communications with traditional PBX systems.
The pieces add up to a solid foundation for presenting voice at the desktop. Furthermore, when Microsoft Exchange 2007's unified messaging services (see story detailing these capabilities) are added to the mix, voice mail and autoattendant features also are on the table. When OCS's software-based VoIP engine is coupled with Microsoft Office Communicator 2007 client software, users have access to IP telephony, instant messaging and presence awareness.
Microsoft is getting ready to make a big splash into the VoIP pool with its OCS 2007, expected to ship this summer.
