Microsoft Lync 2010 Overview

Microsoft Lync ushers in a new connected user experience transforming every communication into an interaction that is more collaborative, engaging, and accessible from anywhere. For IT, the benefits are equally powerful, with a highly secure and reliable system that works with existing tools and systems for easier management, lower cost of ownership, smoother deployment and migration, and greater choice and flexibility.

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Products available in the Microsoft Lync 2010 range

• Microsoft Lync 2010 (Client)
• Microsoft Lync Server 2010
• Device CALs
• User CALs
• External Connector Licences 

Microsoft Lync 2010 (Client)

Microsoft Lync 2010, the successor to Microsoft Communicator 2007, is a communications client that works in conjunction with Microsoft Lync Server or Microsoft Office Communications Server. Microsoft Lync 2010 is also one of the applications included in the Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2010 suite.

Microsoft Lync Server 2010

Microsoft Lync Server 2010, the successor to Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007, facilitates, unifies, and moderates real-time communication by a variety of methods. Microsoft Lync Server supports instant messaging (IM), presence information, web conferencing, and telephony, all utilizing pre-existing software and technology in an office environment.

Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Enterprise Edition can support unlimited users and allows individual components to be deployed on dedicated servers. Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Enterprise Edition requires a dedicated back-end SQL database on a separate server.

Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Standard Edition runs on a single server and can support up to 5,000 users.

Device Client Access Licences (CALs)

Device CALs allow one computer to access the capabilities of Microsoft Lync Server 2010 or Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 R2, regardless of the number of users. This is particularly useful on a shared computer. Each user or device that accesses the IM, presence, or PC-to-PC audio and video communications capabilities of Microsoft Lync Server must have a client access licence (CAL).

Microsoft Lync Server Enterprise Device CAL supports the audio, video, and web conferencing and application-sharing capabilities of Microsoft Lync Server 2010 or Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 R2.

Microsoft Lync Server Plus Device CAL supports the enterprise telephony capabilities of Microsoft Lync Server.

Microsoft Lync Server Standard Device CAL supports the instant messaging, presence, and PC-to-PC audio and video communications capabilities of Microsoft Lync Server 2010 or Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 R2.

To enable all features in Microsoft Lync Server 2010, all three Microsoft Lync Server Device CALs are needed.

Microsoft Lync Server Device CAL Suite includes all three Microsoft Lync Server Device CALs, enabling all features in Microsoft Lync 2010.

User Client Access Licences (CALs)

User CALs allow one user to access the capabilities of Microsoft Lync Server 2010 or Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 on any number of computers or other devices. This is particularly useful when an employee accesses the server from a computer at work and another at home.

Microsoft Lync Server Enterprise User CAL supports the audio, video, and web conferencing and application-sharing capabilities of Microsoft Lync Server 2010 or Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 R2.

Microsoft Lync Server Plus User CAL supports the enterprise telephony capabilities of Microsoft Lync Server.

Microsoft Lync Server Standard User CAL supports the instant messaging, presence, and PC-to-PC audio and video communications capabilities of Microsoft Lync Server 2010 or Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 R2.

To enable all features in Microsoft Lync Server 2010, all three user CALs are needed.

Microsoft Lync Server User CAL Suite includes all three Microsoft Lync Server User CALs, enabling all features in Microsoft Lync 2010.

External Connector Licences

External Connector Licences allow any number of external users or devices to access a single installation of Microsoft Lync Server 2010 or Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 R2. Generally, an external user is defined as anyone who is not an employee of the organisation. For example, external users can include clients, suppliers, and alumni of the organisation. External users do not include independent contractors, agents, service providers, or other persons providing services to or on behalf of the organisation holding the licence.

Microsoft Lync Server Enterprise External Connector Licence supports audio, video, and web conferencing and application-sharing capabilities for any number of external users or devices accessing a single installation of Microsoft Lync Server 2010 or Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 R2.

Microsoft Lync Server Plus External Connector Licence supports enterprise telephony capabilities for any number of external users or devices accessing a single installation of Microsoft Lync Server.

Microsoft Lync Server Standard External Connector Licence supports instant messaging, presence, and PC-to-PC audio and video communications capabilities for any number of external users or devices accessing a single installation of Microsoft Lync Server 2010 or Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 R2.

To enable all features in Microsoft Lync Server 2010, all three Microsoft Lync Server External Connector licences are needed.

Microsoft Lync Server External Connector Licence Suite includes all three Microsoft Lync Server External Connector licences, enabling all features in Microsoft Lync 2010.