What's New in Microsoft OCS 14

With the next generation of Office Communications Server, due out before the end of this year, Microsoft will look to establish itself as a company that can be trusted with unified communications. One of Microsoft's sticking points with customers will be enterprise voice capabilities.

Code-named OCS 14, the new suite will include more voice features and will be the final wave in the full Office 2010 release. Exchange 2010 has been available since November and Office 2010 and SharePoint 2010 will be available to businesses May 12 and to the general public in June.

Unified communications is a broad term meaning the integration of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and telephony, instant messaging, presence and video conferencing into a Web-based platform.

As enterprises craft their UC plans and budgets, Microsoft, Cisco, Avaya and IBM/Lotus will be fighting for customers. Microsoft approach with UC is to keep it software-based, integrating UC features like voice and chat into Outlook and SharePoint.