Microsoft will be launching its Unified Communications platform in San Francisco on October 16. To register, sign up at besreg.com/uclaunch, using RSVP code UCLTBL18.
Expect to see a lot of hype around Microsoft's Office Communications Server (OCS) 2007 product, which represents Microsoft's entry into the IP-PBX market. OCS 2007 leaves a few critical features to be desired (e.g., Emergency 911 service); that said, OCS provides promising functionality to Microsoft-centric organizations willing to put up with some growing pains over the coming year or two while Microsoft plays catch-up in this arena.
Other key aspects of OCS include IVR, presence, and videoconferencing integration with Live Meeting 2007 (which now includes an on-premise edition) and Exchange Server 2007 Unified Messaging.
... David Sengupta