Microsoft OCS 2007 Review
Tom Keating has written an excellent and informative review of Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 (OCS). I encourage you to have a read.
Despite all the hype, Unified Communications is not a Microsoft invention and many of the services offered by OCS have been available from other vendors for quite some time. So too has the concept of IP Telephony and IP Communications, of all forms, being based on software platforms. Leading vendors such as Cisco, Avaya, Mitel and Siemens are not going to disappear just because Microsoft is in the game.
That being said, there is no doubt that Microsoft will have a significant impact. Their entry will also likely accelerate the integration of communications into business applications and processes. Integrators, equipment vendors, service providers and industry consultants must recognize the transition up the value chain. In three years from now, those who did not successfully adapt either will be out of business or relegated to the low margin "plumbing" aspects of IP Communications.
Rick McCharles
President
RIC Services
Stumble It!
Despite all the hype, Unified Communications is not a Microsoft invention and many of the services offered by OCS have been available from other vendors for quite some time. So too has the concept of IP Telephony and IP Communications, of all forms, being based on software platforms. Leading vendors such as Cisco, Avaya, Mitel and Siemens are not going to disappear just because Microsoft is in the game.
That being said, there is no doubt that Microsoft will have a significant impact. Their entry will also likely accelerate the integration of communications into business applications and processes. Integrators, equipment vendors, service providers and industry consultants must recognize the transition up the value chain. In three years from now, those who did not successfully adapt either will be out of business or relegated to the low margin "plumbing" aspects of IP Communications.
Rick McCharles
President
RIC Services
Stumble It!
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