The converged solution will provide desktop call control using Microsoft Office Communicator for telephony infrastructures built on Nortel Communication Server 1000. Nortel’s open SIP application interface allows customers to build solution sets that meet their business needs with flexibility and simplicity. To provide this functionality, Microsoft Live Communications Server and Office Communicator will be integrated with the industry-leading telephony and flexible IP communications of Nortel Communication Server 1000.
The new Nortel/Microsoft converged office solution will also provide access to critical applications such as Unified Messaging, Contact Center and Self Service via the Nortel Applications Center.
Providing an easy to use solution for simplifying business communications is a very powerful and valuable tool for the enterprise, said Dr. E. Brent Kelly, senior analyst and partner at Wainhouse Research. The integrated Nortel and Microsoft solution offers a strategic capability for increasing business competitiveness by driving productivity and improving profit potential._
Combining the capabilities of Microsoft’s Live Communications Server and Microsoft Office Communicator’s capabilities with Nortel’s IP Telephony represents a win-win scenario for end-users, said Malcolm Collins, president, Enterprise Networks, Nortel. We are pleased to be working with Microsoft to integrate our open, SIP applications, which are designed to enable customers to drive increased productivity through enhanced access to a multitude of applications and simplified communications. Designed to ignite global commerce, we expect this new solution to open up a world of new opportunities for businesses by providing users with the convenience and flexibility to collaborate through the most effective means available.
Communications have to be effective, simple to use and provide the flexibility to accommodate a variety of methods for businesses to enable their employees to be more effective, said Zig Serafin, general manager, Microsoft Office Real-Time Collaboration. _Our collaboration with Nortel provides that foundation. Integrating the Microsoft Office Communicator with business-grade communication capabilities from Nortel will provide more effective real-time collaboration capabilities for our customers.
The Nortel/Microsoft converged office solution builds on a longstanding relationship between the two companies.
This solution is designed to enable end-users to exploit the personal computer-based Microsoft Office Communicator client in concert with a Nortel desktop phone for business communications. It will also enable them to determine when colleagues are available and employ an integrated Instant Messaging capability, all from the Communicator client interface. In addition, end-users will be able to access communications directly from the desktop phone or from Communicator.