Microsoft Lync (formerly known as Microsoft Office Communicator) is an instant messaging (IM) client platform that works with Microsoft Lync Server. It is enterprise-grade software designed for secure corporate environments supporting an expanded feature set. It is available for both PC and Mac systems, and is a replacement for the older Windows Messenger IM client which worked with Microsoft Exchange Server. Since it is not Internet-based like Windows Messenger and runs on a Corporate server, communications are much more secure. However, if you wish to harness the full power of this software in terms of convenience, flexibility and maximum productivity, the purchase of a Lync device is highly recommended.
A Lync device is a special type of headset that is lightweight and optimized for usage within a corporate environment. The latest models of the Lync device have three-way connectivity. This means a person using it can switch seamlessly between computer instant messaging, desk telephone conversations and even mobile phone calls using a single wireless headset.
Some models such as the Plantronics Savi W740-M wireless headset come with features such as setting your status to busy on your PC, mobile and desk phone so that all your colleagues can see your availability. Voice quality is best-in-class and comes complete hand-free mobility along with up to 7 hours of talk time up to 350 feet between the headset and base unit. You can even conference in with up to three other headsets simultaneously. The weight of these headsets is what really sets them apart at only 21 grams. Hot-swappable batteries (extra battery purchased separately) allow for unlimited talk time. Noise-canceling microphones even reduce any background noise interruptions.
It is about time that enterprise-level wireless voice communications got secure. By utilizing a corporate server to handle all communications, no data needs to leave the corporate intranet out into the Internet where anybody may be listening in. If your company already uses existing IM software, that is not a problem since the Microsoft Lync server can be setup to relay messages to other instant messaging networks, avoiding any required installation of extra software on the client side. For even stronger secure communications, support for TLS and SRTP to encrypt and secure signaling and media traffic is included, which can be important if proprietary information may be communicated from one wireless Lync device to another.