Microsoft chases UC prominence

Microsoft has launched its long-anticipated major push into unified communications, integrating many telephony applications with its Microsoft Office Server software to create Office Communications Server 2007. Microsoft officials dissed the traditional telecom industry in announcing the new platform yesterday, pointing out the antiquated logic behind the use of telephone numbers, among other things.

One report covering the launch asks if unified communications could make Microsoft the new AT&T. Some people may in fact be ready to make and receive phone calls over the Internet using their e-mail, but Microsoft still has a long way to go to unseat telco giants. Not that it won't, if telcos don't find a way to figure prominently in the future of unified communications.

For more:
- Check out this story at ZDNet.com
- InfoWorld
asks if Microsoft is the next AT&T

Related articles:
- Telcos may face UC power struggle with enterprise CIOs