Microsoft and Partners Show Devices for MS Office Communicator

Microsoft and nine partners (ASUSTek Computer, GN, LG-Nortel, NEC, Plantronics, Polycom, SAMSUNG, Tatung Co. and ViTELiX) are showcasing a new generation of office devices designed for Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 and Microsoft Office Communicator 2007. Microsoft is providing the device manufacturers with design specifications, helping to assure that these new phones and devices will work easily with its unified communications platform.

Microsoft said its goal is to connect the workplace phone to e-mail, instant messaging, real-time presence information, conferencing, VoIP and mobile communications.

“Today’s office phone is marooned on an island, separate from the rest of the communications tools that information workers rely on to do their jobs,” said Jeff Raikes, president of the Microsoft Business Division. “By weaving the business phone together with e-mail, instant messaging, presence, conferencing and the productivity software people use most, we are putting voice communications back into business.”http://www.microsoft.com