Lync has more features than you can shake a stick at. In the latest version for 2013, Lync gets even better. For some businesses, Skype alone may be enough, but businesses that want more robust, comprehensive communication tools should take a look at what Lync 2013 has to offer.Microsoft's Lync has become the standard for corporate web conferencing and chat. Microsoft has also made some substantial improvements in the look and feel of Lync 2013-making it easier to facilitate Lync Meetings, and presenting a cleaner, more intuitive interface for users. Office 365 makes sense for most business customers, and the addition of Lync, Exchange, and SharePoint for only $50 per user per year more make it an even greater value.

There are other video conferencing solutions, like Cisco Webex or Citrix GoToMeeting, but they can be costly and only provide the video conferencing piece.

The Office 365 element is arguably the most compelling aspect of Lync 2013. Lync is not part of the standard Office 365 Home Premium service, but for $150 per user per year the Office 365 Small Business Premium offering includes Lync, as well as Exchange and SharePoint hosted and supported by Microsoft so you don’t have to invest in or manage the backend server infrastructure yourself. Small and medium businesses-or even larger businesses for that matter-can take advantage of Lync 2013 as a function of the new Office 365 offering. Microsoft is wise to provide tools that make sure customers continue to rely on Microsoft software no matter what platform they choose. Microsoft would obviously prefer that everyone choose Windows Phone, but the reality is that Windows Phone has relatively little market share, while the vast majority of smartphones and tablets use iOS or Android. The cross-platform approach is a trend with Microsoft, and it’s an important one. The Lync Mobile apps allow users to instant message, call, or join a Lync Meeting from virtually anywhere. Microsoft has developed Lync Mobile apps for Windows Phone, iOS, and Android, so Lync communications are available almost universally. Lync 2013 uses the standard video codecs like H.264 SVC to provide compatibility across a broader range of platforms and devices, and provide greater flexibility in terms of how video is delivered. Lync 2013 delivers support for 1080p HD resolution for video conferencing so participants have a sharp, clear display.

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