For those of you that are unfamiliar with the application, Microsoft Lync (formerly Microsoft Office Communication) is the business version of its Messenger application. It provides chat, video conferencing and VOIP functionality for users and it also integrates with other Microsoft software including Exchange and SharePoint.
In an effort to convince businesses that Windows 8 is a practical solution for users, Microsoft has today released the Lync client application for Windows 8 and Windows RT. It joins the Lync client already available for Windows Phone 7.
As expected, the interface is tailored to the Modern UI, but it will work in the traditional desktop if you install Lync 2013 as part of a Microsoft Office 2013 deployment. Microsoft lists its features as:
- Communicate from anywhere with an Internet connection
- Easily switch between IM, voice, or video or use all at once
- Stay connected to your colleagues with real-time status updates, rich presence information and fast and fluid contact list search and management
- Join Lync Meetings with a single touch and easily switch between IM, group video, and content views
- Stay connected while reducing resource consumption -- Lync provides background and connected standby connectivity so you never miss an important conversation
- Use Windows search to find and communicate with your colleagues
- Snap view -- Need to reference another app or website while using Lync? Lync can snap to the side of your screen so you can multi-task and use both apps at the same time
So, if you are lucky enough to have your own Lync server, download the app and test it out. If your work uses Lync, and their policies allow, download the app and give it a try for yourself.
Source and image: Windows Store