Both the Lync on-premise and cloud versions will combine “instant messaging, presence, audio, video and Web conferencing,” and be integrated with Microsoft Office, SharePoint and Exchange.

Microsoft today formally announced Lync, it’s next generation of Office Communication Server (formerly known as OCS 14). Once again Microsoft declared that Lync means the death of the PBX.

I don't think MS would mind if folks wanted to switch to using some future Skype version that's a Lync descendant, they could still charge on the same model that Skype is on (for PSTN connectivity ...

The latest version of Lync brings 1080p HD video conferencing to the table, offering a sharp, clear display to all participants. Lync uses standard video codecs like H.264 SVC to provides ...

Microsoft’s Security Advisory 2896666 warns that Vista, the two Office versions, Windows Server 2008, and all versions of Lync are vulnerable, Microsoft warned in a blog post.

Lync can function as entire phone system, with both softphones on PCs, and normal IP phones at desks, and some time soon, clients on mobile phones.