Office Communications Server 2007 is the real-time communication component of the Microsoft Solution for Hosted Messaging and Collaboration version 4.5. Service providers can deploy Office Communications Server 2007 to enable end users to communicate through instant messaging, audio/video conferencing, and Web conferencing.
In addition, end users can also view presence information when using Microsoft Office applications or when using a Microsoft Windows SharePoint?Services team site.
Service providers can benefit by providing a wider range of services to meet the requirements of an expanding set of customers. By using service plans, service providers will be able to provide various sets of features with a flexible sales model.
In comparison with the free services, Office Communications Server 2007 provides an encrypted communications channel, which free services do not support. This helps organizations to better protect communications from being intercepted and manipulated during transition.
The following table describes the Office Communications Server 2007 benefits in detail.
Table: Hosted Office Communications Server 2007 Services Benefits
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
|
Instant messaging (IM) |
Office Communications Server 2007 supports real-time point-to-point IM communication. |
|
Group IM |
Office Communications Server 2007 supports conversation among three or more parties. |
|
PC-based audio and video conferencing |
Office Communications Server 2007 supports multi-party A/V (audio/video) conferencing. Users can specify A/V when scheduling a conference or can add audio or video to an existing IM conversation or conference call. |
|
PC-based Web conferencing |
Office Communications Server 2007 enables for users to take part in a Web conference. These conferences can be scheduled or unscheduled, and can include IM, audio, video, slide presentations, application sharing and other forms of data collaboration. |
|
Microsoft RoundTable |
Office Communications Server 2007 supports the Microsoft RoundTable communications and archival system, Microsoft's new 360-degree surround audio/video conference-room device. It turns an online meeting into a true face-to-face experience much the same as attending a meeting in person. |
|
Service plans |
Hosted Office Communications Server 2007 provides many features that enables service providers to offer a variety of services depending on customer requirements. |
|
Meeting policy |
Hosted Office Communications Server 2007 controls meetings through the use of Meeting Policy objects. A meeting policy object lets the service provider to define items such as audio/video conferencing and Web conferencing. |