The strength of OCS 2007 comes with its remarkable ability to work as an "all-in-one" solution. Described as a "unified communications client" by its creators, the system allows any user within an enterprise to freely communicate with anyone else--whenever they want, however they want. Whether it's via instant messaging (IM), voice-to-voice, or using video technology, OCS 2007 does more than "handle it". It makes it easy. And all of this is accomplished without a company or enterprise having to gut out their existing telephony system--rather, OCS 2007 is seamlessly integrated into it.

OCS 2007 delivers a beefed-up version of its predecessor, Microsoft's Live Communications Server 2005. This time around, the system comes complete with improvements to IM and Presence capability (including integration with Microsoft Exchange Server distribution lists), not to mention new software-powered VoIP integration, giving users the ability to manage, receive, and make phone calls with OCS 2007 up on their computers. This combined with multi-party (on location) audio, video, and Web conferencing options makes it plain that Office Communications Server 2007 takes a simple phone call to a whole new level. In addition, OCS 2007 supports the ICE framework of protocols--meaning that no matter where a user happens to be, each and every one of these features is available for use without the hassle of having to set up a VPN connection.

For Live Communications Server 2005 users, the switch to OCS 2007 will be a fairly simple affair, though some Office Communications Server 2007 infrastructure will need to be deployed. Once this is set up, the migration over to the new infrastructure is quick and easy.

At the enterprise level, streamlined communication is a must in today's increasingly technology-savvy work environment; if the competition has it, chances are you need it. Companies must act fast and that means communication must be swift, succinct, and properly directed. Without doubt, one of the keys to maintaining an edge is the method by which upgrades are accomplished. Office Communications Server 2007 offers companies the convenience of keeping all of the programs that they use the most (i.e. MS Outlook). Instead of replacing them, OCS 2007 integrates them into its all-in-one system, adding more than a few bonus features as well.

In short, Office Communications Server 2007 takes a regular company-wide phone system and integrates it with instant message-sending capabilities, Web conference ability and the freedom to conduct business through the power of VoIP technology.