LifeSize Team 220 is now qualified within the Microsoft Office Communications Server platform so customers can now video call across the enterprise by connecting LifeSize video systems in conference rooms and meeting spaces to the PC, and vice versa, delivering a unified communications experience.
LifeSize is also pursuing Microsoft qualifications for video systems (including their Passport, Room 220 and Express 220) in calendar year 2011.
Today, customers are able to make calls between Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 R2 desktops and LifeSize endpoints, ensuring face-to-face interaction within existing Microsoft environment and workflow. Later in calendar year 2011, LifeSize will seek qualification to interoperate with Microsoft Lync.
This flexible interoperability will also enable customers to upgrade from Microsoft Office Communications Server to Lync on their terms. LifeSize has also licensed the Microsoft RTVideo codec and is planning a future server-based product to enable HD interoperability between Microsoft Lync and LifeSize video systems. Later in calendar year 2011, LifeSize will seek Microsoft Lync qualification with true HD interoperability.
Logitech, owner of LifeSize, plans to introduce new Lync-optimized corded headsets and webcams in the first half of 2011 and currently offers the following UC offerings optimized for Microsoft Lync. This is a great example of the type of co-opetition you can find in the IT business as Logitech’s biggest competitor in its hardware accessories business is Microsoft’s hardware division.
