Matt Landis Windows PBX & UC Report

HP 4120 IP Lync Phone Edition Video Review

2012-02-11T11:41:00.001-08:00

Here is my video review of the HP 4120.

No surprises with the Lync Phone Edition firmware. HP has brought some new things like “quiet return to cradle”, bigger buttons, no mechanical hook switch, and Ethernet indicator lights. But no large surprises, just another solid Lync certified IP phone.

-quiet "return to cradle" design
-bigger buttons
-2 tilt angles (some have requested higher tilt angle)
-Ethernet indicator lights (can blink in low light office environments)
-narrower than cx600 (taller as well)
-wall mountable (by how cables are routed)
-no mechanical off/on hook switch (to wear out)

snom Brings Lync Presence to Desk Phone Definable Indicator Lights

2012-02-06T00:26:00.000-08:00

Note: While the snom 300 and snom 821 are Lync Qualified devices, the features noted in this article may not be included in the Lync Qualified certification process. I am still awaiting clarification on this point.

I know I am not necessarily in the majority when it comes to being interested in physical buttons on Lync phones but I stick to my guns: some scenarios require buttons for maximum efficiency.

snom is doing some very interesting work in bringing Microsoft Lync presence to phone buttons and indicator lights on their snom 300 and 821 Lync Qualified devices. With the snom UC Edition firmware you can have a button/indicator assigned to show a Lync user’s presence.

Steps to Have snom Lights Show Lync User Presence:

Install snom UC Edition (version 8.7.x) and configure a Lync user (snomLyncUser) on the phone
Make SURE all the Lync users you want to watch/monitor using snom indicator lights are added are in snomLyncUser’s contact list.
1. You will need to use the Lync Client to do this, so log into Lync client using “snomLyncUser” and add the contacts you want to watch.
2. Note that the contacts cannot merely be in the Lync contact list via a Distribution Group, you need to specifically add that Lync User.
Now login to snom device to define the buttons/indicator lamps
1. Click on “Function Keys”
2. Change the button type to “Presence” and type the Lync user URI in the next field. (example: lyncuser01@lyncdomain.com) For this exercise we’ll assign lyncuser01 to P4.
3. Repeat this for each Lync user you want to assign to a light/button.
4. Click “Apply”
5. At the top of the screen (not shown) you will need to click a final “Save”
6. That’s it.

Now lets look at the snom 300 we just configured. The red arrow show the light (P4) we assigned to LyncUser01 and it is working! Since it is lit we know that lyncuser01 is either Busy, DND, Off Work, Appear Away or In Call status. This bring up the weakness of a boolean (light on or off) to show presence, but it is much better than nothing.

Here is a how Lync presence states map to the default snom 300 light states:

Available = Off
Busy = On
DND = On
Be Right Back = Off
Off Work = On
Appear Away = On
In Call = On

If you don’t like how snom mapped the lights, don’t get too upset—they’ve also given us a way to map/configure how they work as well! But first, let’s look at snom 821.

While the snom 300 series only has 1 color light, the 821 has 3 colors, which is very very helpful when trying to convey presence. In the picture below P3 Lync user is Away/Inactive and P4 is DND/Busy/In Call.

The default snom 821 Lync presence to light map is something like:

Available = Green*
Busy = Red
DND = Red
Be Right Back = Orange*
Off Work = Orange*
Appear Away = Orange*
In Call = Red
Inactive = Orange
Away = Orange

[Note: the above chart is what the snom 821 setting say the color mappings should be. In actuality we’ve found the items marked with an asterisk actually the light is entirely off/ not lit.]

How to change the default Lync Presence to light color or state mapping?

In the snom web interface, click “Settings”. Find the spot where the below text is and you will see the settings you need to change to change the light mapping.

led_on!: ON BUSY IN_A_CALL IN_A_MEETING HOLDING DND UNAVAILABLE ACTIVE INACTIVE AWAY PhoneHasMissedCalls
led_blink_slow!: CurrentIdentityHasVoiceMessages
led_blink_medium!:
led_blink_fast!: RINGING PhoneHasCallInStateRinging PhoneHasMonitoringLineKeyInStateRinging
led_red!: BUSY IN_A_CALL IN_A_MEETING HOLDING DND
led_green!: AVAILABLE
led_orange!: AWAY INACTIVE
led_blue!:
led_red_green!:
led_red_orange!:
led_green_orange!:
led_message_usage!: PhoneHasCallInStateRinging PhoneHasMonitoringLineKeyInStateRinging CurrentIdentityHasVoiceMessages PhoneHasMissedCall

If you want to quickly change one of the above settings, just plug something like this into a browser:
http://192.168.1.65/dummy.htm?led_red_green=DND&settings=save

What Do snom Buttons Do In Microsoft Lync Environment?

Light shows Presence
One button call
2 Button Call Transfer to Lync User*

* - I’ve noticed when doing a 2 button transfer the experience is a little different than I normally expect: while the user you just transferred is being transferred, you will hear hold music, which will stop when the call is connected.

snom Vision Notes:

UPDATE: snom tells me snom Vision works with Lync. I have not tested that feature yet.
UPDATE 2: I’ve tested an the snom Vision does seem to show Lync user presence in my basic test, shown below.
UPDATE 3: LED color mapping to Lync presence states (mentioned above) does not seem to work for me. (can’t seem to change mapping) Awaiting snom update…

Notes about snom Vision:

Is snom Vision Lync Qualified? I don’t know if there is even a protocol around certification for devices that connect to Lync Qualified devices.
snom Vision does not pull Lync photos from Lync Server. You need to manually configure them on the Vision or from XML provisioning.
How do I connect the snom Vision to a snom 821 Lync Qualified phone? In the snom Vision web interface goto Modules | Extension Module. Type the IP address, User and Password of the snom 821 and click “Reestablish phone connection”. This pairs the snom Vision and 821.
How do I assign a Lync user to a snom Vision button? Follow the instructions above for snom 821 with the follow note: For the 821 when you type in the sip URI of lyncuser@lyncdomain.com it changes it for you to <sip:lyncuser@lyncdomain.com>. Since the snom Vision does not do this for you you need type the lync user SIP URI as: <sip:lyncuser@lyncdomain.com>.

#Lync User QuickTip #16: Leaving the Office? Move The Call To Your Mobile and Continue Call

2012-02-03T23:40:00.000-08:00

You are on a phone call at your pc and you need to leave your office or head to the great outdoors? Setting this up just takes minutes.

If you do not have your mobile number defined for yourself, just click on “Options” | “Phones” and add your mobile phone number as shown below. (you might have to wait a bit till this takes affect)

Now your all set! If someone calls you and you need to walk out the door/drive down the road or just go get the mail, just click “Transfer” and then click your Mobile and the call will be transferred to your mobile device!

NOTES: At the moment I am not aware of a way to transfer the call back to the Lync Client. Also, I don’t think this tip works with Lync Phone Edition. (but if someone knows different, please correct me in comments.) This tip does NOT require the Lync Mobile client to be installed on the mobile device.

Requirements for this Tip: Enterprise Voice

See the whole Lync User Tips Series:
http://windowspbx.blogspot.com/search/label/LyncUserTip

How Ironic: Microsoft Lync Takes Multi-Vendor Hardware Approach While #OpenSource #Digium Shifts to Building Own Handsets #Asterisk

2012-02-01T07:35:00.001-08:00

Tom Keating of TMCNet reports out of ITExpo that Digium will produce its own line of deskphones.

This strikes me as interesting/ironic that the Microsoft Lync ecosystem is appearing more diverse than the epitome of opensource PBX vendors: Digium.

Certified Lync Phone Edition

Poycom CX
Aastra
HP IP Phone

Lync Qualified Devices – Deskphones

snom 300
snom 821

Gateway/Survivable Branch Vendors

AudioCodes
Dialogic
Ferrari Electronics AG
NET
HP

Mobility Vendors (not sure if these are certified)

Altigen MaxMobile
AudioCodes Mobility Plus
Shoretel Mobility Router

And many more vendors in the video and Optimized for Lync program.Well, you can take a look at the devices list yourself:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/lync/gg278164

TMCNet Article: Click Here

What Is Most Important Media Over IP On Mobile Devices? Blog Readers Have Spoken!

2012-01-30T17:48:00.001-08:00

For this blog article we are putting to the side the vigorous debate of Call Via Work versus VoIP over mobile data networks and just asking: What is the most important media over IP to have on a mobile device?

Well, it looks like WindowsPBX blog readers want Voice far and away the most at 52 votes! I’ll admit I expected the runner up to not be so close: Video and Meeting Visuals tied at 13 votes each. And, in comparison, virtually no one is interested in Desktop (if you can call it that) Sharing from the mobile.

Microsoft has a quite compelling Lync Mobility component available now:

Wide array of supported devices: iPhone, iPad, Android, WindowsPhone, Nokia
Easy to roll out
Scales for large amount of users
No additional investment for mobility piece
No extra servers or gateways to support mobile devices
Call Via Work media architecture ensures “always works”

But if you need media to go over IP right now then you may want to look at one of the below solutions that claim to bring VoIP over WIFI/3G/4G functionality to Microsoft Lync:

Altigen MaxMobile: http://www.altigen.com/maxmobile.aspx
AudioCodes Mobility Plus: http://www.audiocodes.com/solutions/mobilityplus
Shoretel Mobility Router (formerly Agito Networks): click here
More?

Thanks readers for you input!

Very Simple SMB Lync Bandwidth Calculator

2012-01-13T06:56:00.001-08:00

http://theucguy.wordpress.com/tag/bandwidth-calculation/

snom ONE IP PBX Forum Community Grows Over 400% in 1 Year

2012-01-12T19:11:00.001-08:00

I was doing a bit of reminiscing tonight and decided to checkup on how the snom ONE forum “community” has grown since pbxnsip became snom ONE. I did a post back in Feb 2011 just after snom took in pbxnsip and compared that to today’s forum members to get an idea of the growth:

Feb 2011 = 3,356 members
Jan 2012 = 13,032 members

I’d say not too bad. snom has been doing quite a bit of work in the last year in the PBX area and desk phone area:

snom 7xx Series
Microsoft Lync Qualification
snom ONE PBX Appliance
snom 300 UC (Lync Optimized device)

snom ONE remains a good PBX solution for SMB’s and hosted scenarios where UC is not a focus.

Very stable software based PBX
Cross platform: Windows/Linux/Mac software IP PBX
Largest feature set among Windows PBX’s
can hook into Microsoft Lync and Exchange UM (although not certified or qualified)

Source:
http://windowspbx.blogspot.com/2011/02/big-interest-in-snom-one-phone-system.html

RELEASED: Lync Who Can Federated App for #WindowsPhone on Marketplace

2012-01-10T07:17:00.001-08:00

The Lync Who Can Federate app has been released on the Windows Phone Marketplace. Go get it!

See Lync WCF app for WindowsPhone on PC:
http://www.windowsphone.com/en-US/apps/cf005e12-89f2-4034-93d0-38d5a4dd22a6

Get App on WindowsPhone:
http://windowsphone.com/s?appid=cf005e12-89f2-4034-93d0-38d5a4dd22a6

Read More About Lync Federation Directory Project:
http://bit.ly/lyncfed

snom 760 First Impression Hands On Review

2012-01-09T07:48:00.001-08:00

I have snom 760 in hand and have looked over it a bit and need to say my first impression is good. I think snom has an interesting device on its hands. (Note: The previous photo blog we did about the 760 I now realize was a prototype model and the production unit looks much better. )

Here are some thoughts:

Pro

Faster boot ( snom760=53secs and snom360=1m15secs)
Nice looking (compared to mockup model)
Easily printable BLF labels (straight piece of paper)
2 color BLF present some interesting possibilities
12 BLF buttons dedicated and 4 dedicated Line keys (means realistically 4 extra definable keys for 760 over 360)
Unit feels snappier (is cpu faster in 7xx series? better GUI feedback?)
New smooth phone user interface that takes advantage of hi color and hi resolution
tool less stand mount installation is nice
Ability to mount on a wall senario is welcome
Box says "snom UC Edition" ready so the cat is out of the bag there as far as snom’s intentions with this device
Blue Tooth upgradeable with dongle
Wi-Fi upgradable with dongle
push to talk button feature is cool.

Cons

No protection to color LCD seems almost an oversight.
The BLF buttons and round navigation button have little “over center” feel
Power supply is no longer included in the box
Might be nice to have a steeper tilt

Below are some screenshots and comments:

The snom 760 is a nice looking phone. It is grey in color compared to snom 3xx black. Overall the phone has a nice, solid feel to it.

The dedicated “Line” buttons are a marked improvement over the 3xx series.

The 12 dedicated definable, 2 color LED buttons are very welcome. Because of the 4 dedicated “Line” keys on the 7xx series, this effectively means the 760 has 4 more and 720 12 more BLF buttons than 370.

The Ethernet system has been upgraded to 1GB and a 1GB pass-through port. LED’s let you know if things are plugged in properly. The way the Ethernet is mounted on the chassis this phone should be fine wall mounted device.

The 760 has 2 USB ports that can be used for Blue Tooth and WIFI dongles.

The box states “snom UC Edition Ready” so I expect this is a hint that Lync firmware is in the works.

The unit comes with a paper manual. (but no power supply, I expect this is a cost cutting measure which is realistic considering most people will use POE)

Below are some phone user interface screen shots:

above is home screen and the DND.

above is a call in progress. Not the 2nd screenshot shows a new button press graphical indication allowed by the new higher screen resolution.

The full color screen shows nicely when you press the call record button as shown in the first picture.

A Couple Tips I Learned Publishing First Windows Phone App on the MarketPlace

2012-01-05T18:33:00.001-08:00

Your going to need a transparent graphic for you application Tile: No, Paint won’t work, get Paint.net and below is how:
http://www.ehow.com/how_6618106_make-background-transparent-paint-net.html
Making all the different icons can be greatly sped up by using this Winodws Phone icon generator:
http://www.kkj.no/apps/windows-phone-svg-icon-generator.htm
Even publishing an app as a Beta app takes a bit (day?) to become fully available.
With a phone app you spend a lot more time on design then a Windows form app.
IIt’s a lot easier than I thought. ;-)

Here is some screenshots of the Who Can Federate Tool for Windowsphone:
http://windowspbx.blogspot.com/2011/12/who-can-federate-tool-coming-to-windows.html

Note: App submitted, waiting for it to be approved.

#WindowsPhone #Lync Who Can Federate Tool Limited BETA Released

2012-01-04T10:50:00.001-08:00

The Windows Phone Lync Who Can Federate Tool has been released to select group of beta testers. (If you are not in this limited beta you can always use the PC WCF Tool right now-click here) If you are in the group, check your LiveID email for the link.

Known Issues:

Does not scan some social media contact emails (I think this is a WP API limitation)

Known Issues on List to be fixed (or already fixed)

Incorrect false positive when “checking domain” which a very short domain
“checking domain” allows you to check a none valid domain
Enhancement: when you check a domain, it now remains on the screen instead of a message box.

Other notes:

If you want to blog, go ahead. Please link back to WindowsPBX blog using http://bit.ly/lyncfed or the equivalent URL

Please put your comments and suggestions below as the Marketplace review features doesn’t seem to be working yet. Most of Beta testers have my Lync ID as well if you want to discuss something. (be aware this afternoon I may not be available.) Finally, thanks!

PS: I’m a AppHub/WindowsPhone Dev newbie, so I might get some things tangled-- bear with me.

I’m Humbled and Honored to Receive the #Lync Microsoft #MVP Award #mvpbuzz

2012-01-02T08:53:00.001-08:00

Some friends have been wondering: Have you been awarded Lync MVP? That answer is: I’m humbled and honored to have been awarded Microsoft Lync MVP designation on Jan 1, 2012. Since I haven’t nominated myself or asked for this award, I would like to thank those who took the time and were a part of the process.

The MVP program is really about community—and I’d like to say that Microsoft Lync has an incredibly strong community thanks to the many veteran MVPs and thousands of others who contribute to make everyone’s life a little easier. Congratulate yourself.

For those not familiar with the MVP you might ask, What is an MVP? Below is Microsoft’s description:

The Microsoft MVP Award recognizes exceptional technical community leaders from around the world who voluntarily share their high quality, real world expertise with others. Microsoft MVPs are a highly select group of experts representing technology's best and brightest who share a deep commitment to community and a willingness to help others. Worldwide, there are over 100 million participants in technical communities; of these participants, there are fewer than 4,000 active Microsoft MVPs. (for more details click here)

Now, off to going through the sign up process…

PS- At this point I’m planning to be at the MVP Summit 2012.

Microsoft Lync Mobile Running on Everything

2011-12-29T07:21:00.001-08:00

Just this morning a colleague showed me that he had Microsoft Lync Mobile running on an HP TouchPad (rooted running Android of course) and I got the idea to post a blog of photos of Lync Mobile running on everything!

You can help by sending your photos via twitter post @matthewlandis and I’ll add new entries here. A couple devices to “prime the pump”…

HP TouchPad (Running Android)

Samsung Focus (Windows Phone)

Samsung Galaxy IIS (Android)

iPad

Asus Transformer (Courtesy: @Triumfas)

Who Can Federate Tool Coming to Windows Phone Soon #lync #wp7 #windowsphone

2011-12-28T13:53:00.001-08:00

Our WCF Tool for Windows makes it one click to see which of your Contacts in Outlook could be Lync/OCS enabled. It has been in demand: nearly 1,000 downloads in a little over a month. This is a big achievement for us and, to keep the momentum, we decided to bring the Who Can Federate Tool to the Windows Phone platform.

We decided to do this for several reasons:

Excellent little tool to have in your pocket for those moments when a client or colleague wonders if so-and-so organization can Lync. This is a feature that PC version does not have. (basically a good way to see if a company is anybody {grin})
Windows Phone consolidates more Contacts into one list than any other place I know
Finally, and biggest business case: I wanted the challenge of writing a Windows Phone app. {another grin}

The first release of the Windows Phone edition will have some slightly different functionality than the PC version:

A simple way to check a single domain you type in for Lync-ability
You can email the list of Lync-able contacts to your PC with hot URL to test for yourself if they are open (if by arrangement this obviously must be done first)
Will entirely depend on the Lync Federation Directory Project domain list--No DNS lookups at the moment.

We have all the tough, behind the scenes code done. Now we will smooth the UI, make a slick logo, more testing and go through app submission process. Keep on eye on this blog for the release, or go and grab the PC WCF Tool right now!

Wish You a Happy Christmas!

2011-12-23T13:57:00.001-08:00

I’m ready to hang it up and head out for the holiday and wanted to say “Merry Christmas!” before heading out. I hope each one of you a very Happy Christmas.

One of the things I like to do over Christmas holiday is read the “original” Christmas story. In my perusing I came across this recording (by Max McLean) which you might like. Here is the link.

And finally, the words of a very famous carol:

God rest you merry Gentlemen!
Let nothing you dismay;
Remember Christ our Saviour,
Was born on Christmas-day;
To save our souls from Satan's power,
Which long time had gone astray:
This brings Tidings of Comfort and Joy.

Eagle Eye from Polycom

2011-12-23T05:59:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyijAUsNsNg&feature=related

#Lync User QuickTip #15: Adding VoIP Calling to Lync Mobile for iOS in 10 Minutes #iphone #ipad #ios #lync

2011-12-20T05:55:00.000-08:00

Note: The below solution definitely falls into the experimental category. But the exercise “works” and demonstrates some interesting future possibilities. So, please, don’t harass your IT with it and remember: it’s not an Enterprise solution. So much for disclaimers, onward…

Some have expressed interest in having Voice over VoIP for mobile devices using the new Lync Mobile client. With a little work around this is actually possible.

Overview

The general concept is that we will have the Lync Server call your mobile via a VoIP call instead of through the mobile voice voice network. (thanks, Microsoft for designing Lync Mobile to do call back. Brilliant.)

Prerequisites

Be Using Lync Server On-Premise with Enterprise Voice enabled for the mobile user in question
Use Lync Mobile for iPhone or iPad
- (since Lync Android does not “Call Via Work” and currently there is no Skype Voice client for Windows Phone we are left with iOS based devices. Not trying to prefer iOS friends. ;-)
Have a Skype Account with a “Online Number” enabled (approximately $60/yr)

Steps

Goto www.skype.com and setup a Skype account and buy an “Online Number”
- a Skype Online Number allows people to voice call you from any mobile or landline phone using a regular phone number.
- You do not pay for any minutes used while people are calling you. The only cost is paying the monthly fee to skype to rent the phone number which is about $6 USD/mo or $60 USD/yr.
Install Skype on the same mobile device as your Lync Mobile client and make sure you can receive calls on the device by calling your Skype “Online Number” from another phone.

In Lync Mobile for iPhone/iPad, Go to Options and change the Mobile Number to your Skype “Online Number”.

Now connect to a Lync Contact using “Call Via Work” or use One-click Meeting Join. Lync should initiate call to you via Skype. First you will see the Lync Mobile message “Answer incoming Call”

After a few seconds (about 10 seconds in my case) you will see the Skype incoming call notification and you can click “Answer”.

Celebrate, that is it! You should now be able to join Lync conference and make “Call Via Work” calls entirely using VoIP.

Notes

Any issues that afflict voice calls over 3G/wifi will apply.
Do NOT complain to IT Helpdesk if voice is choppy
If your iOS device doesn’t support App Switching, don’t even try this.
My experience is that Skype on iPad seems to wakeup the device on an incoming call and {usually} works even if Skype is in the background.
It may be prudent to “wakeup” Skype if you changed wireless networks (WIFI to 3G, for example) or if the iOS device was sleeping.
This same general concept could be used using any VoIP provider and iOS based softphone. We selected Skype because it is well known, simple to setup and has no charge for incoming minutes other than the “Online Number” cost.
This same concept could be used by setting up your own on premise infrastructure. Actually the snom ONE IP PBX would make a good starting point and the detailed steps are available here. snom ONE IP PBX could act as the gateway to handle the VoIP leg to the mobile device. Then you would use a standard SIP softphone such as the Bria softphone on the iOS device. Two items would make this solution superior to the Skype solution:

Since you can totally turn off voicemail in the snom ONE IP PBX you don’t have to worry that voicemail will kick in if Lync Mobile user doesn’t answer the Call Back.
Lync Server and snom ONE IP PBX gateway can be connected using SIP tie trunk, avoiding the need to “waste” a PSTN trunk when doing a voice call.

Acknowledgements: Concept arrived at separately by @itommyclarke and myself. But he beat me to testing it. So, hat tip. See his great Lync blog content please: click here

First Impression Review of Microsoft Lync for iPhone and iPad: The Best Comes Last? #lync #iphone #ipad #ios

2011-12-20T01:48:00.001-08:00

It looks like Microsoft has not held back with its official Lync App for Lync Mobile for iPhone and iPad: This app apears to be the best yet with some features even the Windows Phone version does not have.

Some of the features I’ve noticed are unique to Lync for iOS:

Visual Voicemail and ability to 1 click call back callers
Most Developed Keypad: with dial tone feedback, visual notices
Tab showing Meetings and Online Meetings that can be Joined
Ability to select All and multi-select chats to be Deleted in the Chats windows
iOS Native Contacts are integrated into the Lync experience
Ability to Send Location in a IM/Chat

Some other small things I’ve noticed

iPad version does not have keypad for dialing. iPhone version has nice keypad dialing experience
The IM notification sound on iOS sounds just like the desktop Lync making the experience seem more similar

My Info Tab

This screen allows you to change your note, status, options and Simultaneous Ring settings.

Easily set your status/presence.

Contacts

Lync and iPhone/iPad native Contacts are integrated into the experience. You can search for contacts directly from this same screen as well.

Chats

This is the window to see ongoing chats and move between them.

Below is the IM chat window. Pressing the upper right options” button allow you to take actions on this IM like: Invite more people to this chat, Voice call this contact, send Location and more.

IM Options

Location: When you are in an IM chat Window you can easily send your location.

More More

Meetings

If you have meetings scheduled they will appear in this window. With 1 click you can see the details or join them.

Meeting details and join.

Phone

The Lync for iPhone dialing keypad feels a lot like a mobile phone dial pad. (In contrast to the Lync for Windows Phone where the dialer is a text field you type in.) You can press and hold 1 to access the Exchange UM voicemail system. You can also copy number into the keypad dialer.

Visual Voicemail on the Lync for iOS clients gives the ability to instantly select the voicemail that is of interest to you. You can listen to a voice and delete or callback the caller. You can start listening or move part way into the voicemail using the progress slider.

Visual voicemail notification

Summary

The Lync Mobile for iPhone and iPad appears to be the most full featured and refined Lync Mobile client from Microsoft yet.

Some items that are missing are calling history list (missed, dialed, completed) and conversation history is not automatically saved to Exchange list on Lync Desktop. (you can Send as an email) As with all the Lync Mobile clients, VoIP, video and meeting visuals are not included.

Microsoft has put a lot of thought into fit and finish. With features like Visual Voicemail and the more complete keypad dialing (on iPhone) and small things like very snappy feel/transitions and using the Lync desktop ring tone, the iOS client feels more like the desktop Lync experience than the earlier released Windows Phone and Android Lync Mobile clients.

Download from AppStore:
iPhone: Click Here
iPad: Click Here

UPDATE: Microsoft Lync Mobile App for iPad and iPhone is in the AppStore #ipad #iphone #ios #lync

2011-12-20T00:36:00.000-08:00

It looks like the iOS Lync Mobile app is now available on the App Store.

If it does not show up in your app store here are some links:
ipad:
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/microsoft-lync-2010-for-ipad/id484222449?mt=8
iphone
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/microsoft-lync-2010-for-iphone/id484293461?mt=8

Some quick screen shots below:

Analyzing and Comparing Microsoft Lync Mobile Data Consumption

2011-12-16T11:21:00.000-08:00

Note: The below tests have been conducted in a very informal manner. For implementation planning guidance please reference Microsoft Mobility planning documents.

Microsoft has noted that their new Lync Mobile client has been dramatically optimized to operate in most mobile data network conditions. What exactly does this mean? How much data DOES Lync Mobile client use? How does this compare to the SIP based CoMo (Communicator Mobile for Windows Mobile). We fired up our lab and did some tests.

For our comparison tests we used the same Lync user with with the below profile

15 local contacts
50 Federated contacts

The compared mobile devices/clients were as follows:

Windows Phone (Mango) on Samsung Focus, Lync Mobile
Windows Mobile (6.5) on HTC/ATT 8525, Communicator Mobile

Our test was as follows:

Open the client
Send an IM "test test test” to another user
Have the other reply with “test”
Close the client

We ran the tests 4 times on each platform and averaged the results. What we found was that Microsoft has truly optimized data consumption: On the data receive side Lync Mobile was 6.33 times more efficient (less data received) than Communicator Mobile. On the send side Lync Mobile was 3.42 more efficient (less data transmitted).

To Summarize, our finding in our informal and very limited lab is that:

Summary: Lync Mobile is:

6.33 Times more efficient on Receive
3.42 Times more efficient on Transmit

Below are the exact data amounts in a grid:

	Como	Lync Mobile
RX Data in MB	.19	.03
TX Data in KB	49.46	14.43

other

Note 2: These lab tests have not been peer reviewed. If you notice any anomalies, please report them to me via comments or @matthewlandis (twitter).

Lab test details worksheet: click here

Video Review of Microsoft Lync Mobile for Android: On a Tablet

2011-12-15T20:00:00.001-08:00

Here is a quick first impression review of Lync for Android on an Acer A500 tablet. Enjoy

Ubiquitous VoIP UC over Mobile Data Plans: A Myth? Very Few Enterprise Vendors Seem Willing to Commit

2011-12-15T08:38:00.000-08:00

I’ve been trying to find a major UC Vendor that supports UC media (voice/video) over mobile data plans (2G/3G/4G, etc). While there is a lot of marketing that makes it appear that UC Voice/Video/Collaboration on VoIP is a smooth ubiquitous experience, when you read the technical details, the solution is really designed to work on “WIFI” or “your corporate” network. In some cases, it is noted, you need to switch to your mobile voice network when you leave corporate WIFI.

As an example of this reluctance read these excerpts found in Jabber for Android release notes:

“Voice quality over public Wi-Fi and mobile data network connections cannot be guaranteed.”
“When using Cisco Jabber to participate in Cisco WebEx conferences, you may experience audio issues. For example, you cannot hear participants, participants cannot hear you, you hear choppy or synthetic audio, or participants hear your audio as choppy or synthetic. To resolve these issues, tap Hold and then tap Resume.”
“Voice quality over mobile data network varies depending on the quality of your mobile data network connection and cannot be guaranteed. Examples of voice quality issues you may experience when using a mobile data network include the following:
- If you are driving and listening to a voicemail message, you may have problems hearing the entire message and the audio may sound choppy or synthetic.
- If you are driving and replying to a voicemail message, the recipient may have problems hearing the entire message and your message may sound choppy or synthetic.
- If you try to access your voicemail and you enter your PIN, the time delay associated with remote access may cause prompts to play out of sync, or you may hear a message that you did not enter the PIN on time.”

Below is my informal (I did not contact each vendor/don’t claim to be expert in their mobility products) compilation of vendors that at first blush appear to do UC over VoIP everywhere, but when you start reading the technical brochures in it appears they are committing only to WIFI and Outside Voice/ Call Back/ Mobile Voice Network when not in WIFI range.

Note: I should note that vendor reluctance to commit to VoIP over mobile data networks is not a reflection against UC vendors, but a sign that mobile data networks in some (many?) areas are not primetime ready to handle real time communication data.

Note: If you find any mistakes in my informal research or have a vendor that does commit to VoIP over mobile data plan, let me know, along with URL source, and I’ll update this blog. Also if there is another vendor to add, drop me a comment.

Cisco Mobile iPhone Jabber 8.1: Wi-Fi

"Place, receive, and manage calls over a Wi-Fi network using your Apple iPhone..."
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/voicesw/ps6789/ps7290/ps11156/data_sheet_c78-658146.html
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps11596/index.html

Cisco Android Jabber: Corporate Wi-Fi

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps11678/index.html
In the video on this page it notes something like: you will need to switch to mobile voice network when leaving corp. wifi

Avaya One-X: Wi-Fi

"Wireless enabled enterprise campus 802.11 b/g/n"
Source click here

Shoretel Mobility: Wi-Fi/Mobile Data Networks

Shoretel Mobility can work over WIFI or Mobile Data Networks. In their technical notes (sources below) they note that when on WIFI you should use the below vendors, and i quote the list:

Cisco (including integration with Wireless LAN Controllers and Mobility Services Engine)
Aruba (including integrationwith Wireless LANControllers/Switches)
Meru
Motorola
HP
Trapeze
Aerohive

When on 3G or less I wonder what the plan is to keep from an “experimental” end user experience?

Source: Click Here
Source: http://www.shoretel.com/solutions/enterprise_mobility

AltiGen Mobility for Microsoft Lync: WIFI/Mobile Data Networks/Outside Voice

Altigen supports Outside Voice for situations where VoIP over mobile data networks does not work.

Aastra Mobile Client Plus for iPhone: WIFI

It appears Aastra Mobile Plus for iPhone is designed to work in WIFI:

“The AMC+ dual mode function will setup the call over internet when you are in range of Wi-Fi access and in that way drastically reduce the mobile calling cost…”

Source: click here

AT&T VoIP App: Wi-Fi

"customers will benefit from the same rates using the app over Wi-Fi"
http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/converg/2011/110711convergence2.html

Counterpath: Wi-Fi/3G (w/ Disclaimer)

“Bria iPhone Edition is a SIP-based phone for Apple iPhone and iPod touch that uses a Wi-Fi or 3G connection to make and receive calls.”

Do note the Counterpath disclaimer related to mobile operators terms of service:

“*IMPORTANT: VOIP OVER 3G NOTICE*
Some mobile network operators may prohibit or restrict the use of VoIP functionality over their network and may also impose additional fees, or other charges in connection with VoIP. You agree to learn and abide by your cellular carrier's network restrictions. CounterPath Corporation will not be held liable for any charges, fees or liability imposed by your carrier for use of VoIP over 3G.”

Source: click here
Source: http://www.counterpath.com/bria-iphone-edition.html

Damaka: Wi-Fi/3G

“…Moreover, damaka’s technology works across networks (WiFi, 3G, 4G). “
Source: http://damaka.com/damaka/

Some More articles that might be of interest:

Cisco says Call Back is not UC
why Outside Voice makes sense
Cisco Jabber Android Release Notes

Available: Microsoft Lync 2010 Release Notes for Mobile Devices (Clients): Is This a Known Issue or No? This Doc Is For You

2011-12-14T13:01:00.001-08:00

If you’re trying to figure out if that bug-a-boo in one of the Lync Mobile clients is you having a bad day or a real issue, check out this document.

Read PDF Right now:
https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=5c8e78952c32af95&id=5C8E78952C32AF95%211010

Or download the MHT file from Microsoft Download:
http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/confirmation.aspx?id=28549

UPDATE: Microsoft #Lync for #Android Is Here

2011-12-13T19:06:00.001-08:00

** This article is in progress and may be updated. **

Looks like Android is #2 to be released after Windows Phone with iOS versions still coming. According to a Technet article released earlier this week, Lync Mobile for Android will have a few less features than Windows Phone, iPhone and iPad in the area of Telephony Support. To see the complete list of features click here. (especially telephony support section, as shown below)

Looks like Microsoft has designed a very nice and clean interface for the Android version of Lync Mobile. Just like on Lync for WindowsPhone, on login you may need to type username for successful login. My Android toting colleagues are reporting the Android Lync Mobile client UI is a smooth and pleasant experience. Also, Lync notifications are received even if the Lync Mobile app is not running since Lync utilizes Android “Background Data” feature.

Get it here:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.microsoft.office.lync

See screenshots below.

Settings

Contacts List

Contact Card

Instant Message

Dialer screen. (Lync for Android does not call as work but will call #’s directly)

Handling multiple chats screen

Android device Sync Settings

screen

#Lync User QuickTip #14: On Lync Mobile for Windows Phone and Want to Change User?

2011-12-12T18:12:00.001-08:00

So you want to login to a different user on Lync Mobile for Windows Phone? While the Windows Phone Lync client doesn’t get official support for cached users like iPhone and iPad, you can do it manually.

Swipe to the “my info” pane
tap presence area
tap “sign out”

Now you will need to type in the new users credentials and go through a short Wizard to setup the new user and your done.

Applies to: Lync Mobile for Windows Phone