Microsoft Lync 2010 bring UC to mobile devices; IBM app brings social networking, collaboration to businesses
In two separate initiatives that advance mobile unified communications and collaboration, Microsoft has deployed mobile clients for Lync 2010 while IBM has launched new social networking and collaboration mobile apps designed to address enterprise-class requirements.
MORE: IBM launches enterprise social collaboration apps for tablets
The Microsoft Lync 2010 mobile client app, first demonstrated at Enterprise Connect earlier this year, brings unified communications to a mobile device with features that include:
• Audio conference calls available with a single touch, eliminating the need for an access code or PIN.
• Rich presence so users controlling their availability via status and notification settings, also see who’s available connect over IM, email or a call.
• Outbound calls appearing as the user’s Enterprise Voice number, making it easier for others to recognize calls from the Lync mobile client.
• Channel encryption, transport layer security (TLS) support, and perimeter/internal network protection.
The Lync 2010 app is available for download via Windows Marketplace, while “clients for iPhone, iPad, Android, and Nokia Symbian have been submitted for approval to their respective app stores,” according to a blog posted by Lync’s group product manager BJ Haberkorn.
In a separate initiative, IBM has also launched new social networking and collaboration mobile apps for business. A recent IBM study found that 73% of businesses support mobile devices or tablets on corporate networks. IBM is delivering apps that include:
• Social networking for iPad delivered to existing IBM Connections users, with a new interface enhanced document editing capabilities.
• Online meeting access from Android, BlackBerry, iPad and iPhone devices delivering LotusLive Meeting and IBM Sametime software users new collaboration features.
• New mobile IM apps for iPad and Android enabling IBM Sametime features.
• IBM Lotus Symphony Viewers can view ODF-based document, spreadsheet and presentation on their Android devices; viewers will be available for other devices soon.
• IBM Sametime Unified Telephony on tablets allows user-controlled call routing preferences and device selection along with one unified number for caller ID.
• IBM Lotus Notes Traveler provides IBM mail users Android home screen widgets for access to mail, calendar and click to call.
