Microsoft OCS: Will Microsoft stand alone with VoIP?

Convergence & VoIP This newsletter is sponsored by New Edge Networks Optimally manage your virtual enterprise Get real-world advice on how to best support and manage your organizations virtual workforce. Watch this complimentary Webcast, Building IP Networks for the Distributed Workforce, to hear how selecting the right WAN service to support distant employees can make all the difference. Click here to view now. Network World's Convergence & VoIP Newsletter, 10/15/07 Microsoft OCS: Will Microsoft stand alone with VoIP? By Steve Taylor and Larry Hettick Brian Riggs, research director for Current Analysis’ Enterprise Communications practice, published an advisory report last week pointing out that Microsoft has, over the last year or more, “gone out of its way to garner the assistance and trust of PBX developers.” But he adds: “Given Microsoft’s highly competitive nature, will this cooperative idyll last?” Microsoft’s three-pronged approach to providing business voice includes Microsoft Live Communications Server (LCS), Microsoft Office Communications Server (OCS), and Microsoft Response Point. With Microsoft’s scheduled worldwide Unified Communications Server 2007 launch in San Francisco on Oct. 16, and Microsoft Response Point scheduled for delivery at the end of 2007, Riggs notes that Microsoft “has yet to deliver its first generation of communications platforms, and has neither a customer base nor a reseller network prepared.” 25% off DNSstuff Membership! Exclusive offer for Network World Readers. DNSstuff.com is a web application providing expertise and all the tools necessary to ensure that your DNS operates smoothly, efficiently and safely. Only $36/yr Coupon Code: NWW2007NLA Work smart & join today! According to Riggs: “In the near term OCS is unlikely to be received as the PBX replacement it purports to be. It is likely that it will be a good while before a representative number of businesses, particularly large enterprises, are convinced to abandon the PBX systems that have delivered such highly reliable communications services for so many years.” Riggs also points out that “the general trend in server-based voice systems is away from Microsoft-based platforms and toward more affordable and reliable Linux platforms.” He concludes: “Microsoft will need to rely on its PBX partners for quite some time.” But for the small business, Riggs observes: “Unlike OCS, which relies on integration with various third-party communications software platforms and applications, Response Point requires no such crutch. Microsoft is the sole provider of the call control software, voice features, automated attendant, speech interface, and unified messaging software integrated into the little device.” Riggs concludes that Response Point “is very clearly a replacement system, aimed to displace – not peacefully coexist with – other, better established communications platforms that might happen to be at the small business.” Bottom line: Riggs says: “As Microsoft becomes better recognized as a developer of business communications systems that are viable alternatives to PBX expect the Redmond company to forge more competitive, less cooperative relationships with other developers of business communications systems.” Our thanks to Brian for his in-depth analysis. Oh, and by the way, we agree with his conclusions.   What do you think? Post a comment on this newsletter

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Contact the author: Steve Taylor is president of Distributed Networking Associates and publisher/editor-in-chief of Webtorials. For more detailed information on most of the topics discussed in this newsletter, connect to Webtorials, the premier site for Web-based educational presentations, white papers, and market research. Taylor can be reached at taylor@webtorials.com Larry Hettick is an industry veteran with more than 20 years of experience in voice and data. He is Vice President for Telecom Services and Infrastructure at Current Analysis, the leading competitive response solutions company. He can be reached at lhettick@currentanalysis.com This newsletter is sponsored by New Edge Networks Optimally manage your virtual enterprise Get real-world advice on how to best support and manage your organizations virtual workforce. Watch this complimentary Webcast, Building IP Networks for the Distributed Workforce, to hear how selecting the right WAN service to support distant employees can make all the difference. Click here to view now. ARCHIVE Archive of the Convergence & VoIP Newsletter. BONUS FEATURE IT PRODUCT RESEARCH AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Get detailed information on thousands of products, conduct side-by-side comparisons and read product test and review results with Network World’s IT Buyer’s Guides. Find the best solution faster than ever with over 100 distinct categories across the security, storage, management, wireless, infrastructure and convergence markets. Click here for details. PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE You've got the technology snapshot of your choice delivered to your inbox each day. Extend your knowledge with a print subscription to the Network World newsweekly, Apply here today. International subscribers, click here. SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES To subscribe or unsubscribe to any Network World newsletter, change your e-mail address or contact us, click here. This message was sent to: networking.world@gmail.com. Please use this address when modifying your subscription. Advertising information: Write to Associate Publisher Online Susan Cardoza Network World, Inc., 118 Turnpike Road, Southborough, MA 01772 Copyright Network World, Inc., 2007