Microsoft Lync 2010 provides a single interface that unites voice communications, IM, and audio, video, and Web conferencing into a richer, more contextual offering.
Users with a non-SOE Windows machine can install the client by:
- Logging in to Web App
- Selecting Home
- Clicking “Install Lync”.
SOE users will not yet be able to use the client but it will be made available on the new Windows 7 Managed Staff Desktop later this summer.
Install on Mac in the same way as Windows. Once installed click on Advanced and choose the radio button next to Manual configuration. Enter sipdir.online.lync.com:443 in both Internal and External Server Name fields and click on ok. This is shown on http://glazenbakje.wordpress.com/2011/12/28/microsoft-lync-on-mac-os-x-how-to-install-connect-with-microsoft-lync-for-mac/
What can I do with Microsoft Lync?
- Find out location and availability of contacts (Presence)
- Send instant messages to contacts
- Hold online meetings with contacts (Meet)
- Contacts imported from Office 365 (including those on your synchronised mobile device)
- Send an email to an offline contact
- Instant Message a contact from an email in Outlook on your desktop
- Use the client on desktops and mobile devices
- Find copies of previous conversations in Outlook client and webmail
What can I not currently do with Microsoft Lync?
- Make voice calls
- Video Conferencing
- Call or IM other organisations
- Send instant messages from within webmail
More about lync – http://lync.microsoft.com
When I go to the Web App, and click Home, it says it is trying to set up exchange, and it may take a few minutes, and a few hours or days later it is still saying that. I’m at work, but not on the SOE. Is there somethign else I should be doing?
This is a temporary problem and is usually fixed by the next day. I’ve also seen it happen on one machine but not another for the same account. So it is worth trying to login on another machine, if that works then clear the history for the one with the problem. If the problem doesn’t go away please log a support call at http://www.dundee.ac.uk/ics/helpadvice/ and we’ll take a look at your account.
Lync is working well across my Windows, Mac OS X and iOS mobile devices. Conversations are saved but do not travel between devices AFAICS.
Is there a plan to incorporate full phone number formats into the directory for people that have direct-dial? The current format is not recognised on my mobile phone nor by the desktop Lync clients.
Does this mean that everyone at UoD is now licensed to use Lync or do they need to log a call with ICS to get a license activated?
Lync is still in a pilot phase and not yet available to everyone at UoD. Rollout will take place through the summer months.
We use the staff SOE and OWA; Instant Messaging appeared as an option a couple of weeks ago and staff can Instant Message from within webmail even though we were told that it wouldn’t be available for us as it required XP and SP3!
The Lync client will not be available on the SOE which is currently Windows XP and service pack 2 (http://www.dundee.ac.uk/ics/services/soe/soereleaseinformation/). However Lync can be used through Outlook Web Access on this version of the SOE.
If you have administration rights you can download and install the Lync client on an SOE machine. This will also update your PC with Service Pack 3.
Sorry this wasn’t clearer first time round.