Microsoft announced the release candidate of Microsoft Lync, the next generation of Microsoft's unified communications software. Lync is the new family brand for the products formerly known as Communications Server, Communications Online and Communicator, which also includes two new products, namely Lync Web App and Lync Online. The release candidates of Lync 2010 and Lync Server 2010 are now available for businesses of all sizes to try for free. This broad release candidate is the last step toward release to manufacturing and general availability scheduled for later this year. More than 120 enterprise customers and partners are enrolled in the Microsoft Technology Adoption Program (TAP) for Lync, testing early releases and providing feedback, and over 400 unified communications partners are involved in readiness activities, preparing for general availability of the software later this year. In addition, more than 30 partners announced beta versions of their Lync-compatible hardware, software and service products. Hardware products include a variety of internet protocol phones and USB endpoints optimised for Lync. Software services include contact centres, call recording, accounting and new applications that incorporate communications right within business processes. Routing services work with Lync to allow companies to meet US E-911 requirements, regardless of location. Microsoft Lync is on schedule to become generally available in 2010. In addition, Microsoft will share more about Lync Online, which will give customers the added option of a hosted service, in the coming months.
