Microsoft Office applications are getting a multimedia facelift, which will incorporate voice, instant messaging and multi-faceted conferencing in its new 2007 Office system products.
The move made by Microsoft implies the company efforts to regain its lead in some arenas among competitors like Apple and Google, by investing in a unified communications package for Microsoft Office applications. The bundled Features will include, Office communication server, Exchange Server, Live Meeting, RoundTable and Office Communicator.
According to Microsoft, the new vision of Microsoft 2007 Office applications will include:
– Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 will incorporate Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) standards-based real-time communication platform for presence-based VoIP call management, audio- video- and web conferencing, and IM communication within its exiting software applications, services and devices.
– Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 unified messaging will bring a unified inbox of e-mail, voice mail, and faxing functionality as well as speech-based auto attendant allowing users to access their communications from any phone.
– Microsoft Office Communicator 2007, which works with the Office Communications Server 2007, will deliver VoIP “softphone,” IM for intercompany federation and connectivity to public instant messaging networking such as MSN, AOL and Yahoo!, one-to-one and multiparty audio- video- and web conferencing, and will be available in desktop, browser-based and Windows Mobile-based versions.
– Microsoft Office Live Meeting is a conferencing service, Microsoft says will help users collaborate, train, and deliver presentations using a PC and Internet connection and will support e-learning, enhanced audio and video capabilities including VoIP, a streamlined user interface, seamless integration with the Microsoft Office system and simpler deployment.
– Microsoft Office RoundTable, an audio-video collaboration device with a unique 360-degree camera that combines with Office Communications Server 2007, to enhance conferencing and includes a panoramic view of users in the conference room as well as close-up views.
– Microsoft Office Communicator phone experience will be based on communicator-based software designed to run on an innovative set of new voice and video devices including business-enabled IP desktop phones from Polycom Inc., LG-Nortel Co. Ltd. and Thomson Telecom.
– PC peripheral devices including USB handsets, wireless USB headsets, USB webcams and PC monitors with built-in audio and video components, Microsoft plans to have work with Microsoft Office Communicator 2007. Devices from industry partners Microsoft is working with include GN Netcom Inc., Logitech, Motorola, Plantronics Inc., Samsung and Tatung Co.
Microsoft plans to release Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 in late 2007 or early 2006, while Microsoft Speech Sever 2007 later this year, while all other new applications are set to release in the second quarter of 2007.
It is Predicted that the Office 2007 Ultimate Edition will be available at a price of approximately $679, Windows Vista Ultimate will retail for around $450.
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