Microsoft this week demonstrated Release 2 of its Office Communications Server 2007 at VoiceCon in Amsterdam. The release, which is currently in private beta testing, is expected to be available for purchase in February 2009. Among the features in R2 include dial-in audioconferencing; desktop sharing, which enables users to share their desktop and intiate audio communications with PC, Mac and Linux users; persistent group chat who allows teams to collaborate with each other by participating in topic-based discussions that persist over time; single-number reach; SIP trunking; and a workflow design application that manages incoming calls based on user-configured rules. The product is expected to be launched at a worldwide event on Feb. 3.
