Updated: July 13, 2020 (February 23, 2009)

  Analyst Report

Communications Server Gets Update, Partners

My Atlas / Analyst Reports

440 wordsTime to read: 5 min
Rob Helm by
Rob Helm

As managing vice president, Rob Helm covers Microsoft collaboration and content management. His 25-plus years of experience analyzing Microsoft’s technology... more

Communications Server 2007 R2 was released Feb. 3, 2009, along with updates for Communicator and its browser and mobile clients. Communications Server (which Microsoft calls Office Communications Server, or OCS) delivers real-time communications services such as presence, instant messaging (IM), voice, and video over IP-based networks. R2 closes gaps in its predecessor’s voice features and adds an audio-conferencing bridge, moving it one step closer to becoming a viable alternative to traditional telephony infrastructure. However, R2 requires new licenses for customers who don’t have Software Assurance coverage on the product, and most new features require the product’s premium client license.

Licensing, Pricing Largely Unchanged

R2’s licensing and pricing are similar to that of Communications Server 2007. Organizations that have current Software Assurance coverage for licenses can upgrade to corresponding R2 licenses at no charge; others must purchase new licenses to upgrade from earlier versions.

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