What Is Live Communications Server?

Live Communications Server (LCS) is a Windows server application that performs certain key services for the Windows Messenger client and other applications or devices that use the Windows Real-Time Communications (RTC) Client APIs. These applications or devices allow users to communicate and collaborate “live” with each other using instant messaging (IM), chat, voice-over-IP (VoIP), audio/video conferencing, or data conferencing sessions, and receive notifications from server-based programs (such as a monitoring system that notifies the person on call when a service has gone down). The APIs also make it possible for client applications and devices to show the availability of other LCS users, thereby helping initiators to choose the best means with which to communicate. For example, collaboration features in Office 2003 applications and the Windows SharePoint Services team site and portal product use Windows Messenger and LCS to show the availability of others who have agreed to share “presence” information—for example, whether they’re in their office, away from their desk, or do not want to be disturbed.