Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Unleashed

This is the industry’s most comprehensive, realistic, and useful guide to Microsoft Lync Server 2010. It brings together “in-the-trenches” guidance for all facets of planning, integration, deployment, and administration, from expert consultants who’ve spent years implementing Microsoft Unified Communications solutions.

The authors first introduce Microsoft Lync Server 2010 and show how it represents a powerful leap beyond earlier unified communications platforms. They systematically cover every form of communication Lync Server can manage, including IP voice, instant messaging, audio/video conferencing, web conferencing, and more. You’ll find expert guidance on planning infrastructure, managing day-to-day operations, enforcing security, troubleshooting problems, and many other crucial topics.

Drawing on their extensive experience, the authors combine theory, step-by-step configuration instructions, and best practices from real enterprise environments. They identify common mistakes and present proven solutions and workarounds. Simply put, this book tells you what works–and shows you how to make it work.

• Plan and manage server roles, including Front End, Edge, Monitoring, Archiving, and Director roles
• Understand Lync Server integration with Active Directory, DNS, certificates, and SQL Server
• Manage Lync Server through the Lync Server management shell and Microsoft Systems Center Operations Manager
• Migrate smoothly from OCS 2007, 2007 R2, or Live Communications Server
• Utilize Lync Server’s new enterprise voice and audio conferencing features
• Use Lync Server with your PBX, as a PBX replacement, or in your call center
• Integrate presence into SharePoint pages or Exchange/Outlook web applications
• Build custom solutions with the new Unified Communications Managed API
• Deploy new Lync Server client software, including Mac, mobile, and browser/Silverlight clients
• Integrate headsets, handsets, webcams, and conference room phones
• Use the new virtualization policy to simplify deployment

Alex Lewis has a mixed background in telecommunications, IT, and consulting with more than 15 years experience. Alex has worked with a wide range of environments from small organizations to large enterprises requiring complex or custom communications solutions. Alex is a strong believer in the power of business and technology alignment using technological solutions to reduce costs and drive revenue. Including titles on Active Directory and Exchange, this is the seventh book that Alex has participated in writing. He currently is a principal consultant at Convergent Computing in Oakland, California and leads its Unified Communications practice. He loves a challenge and brings a wealth of experience to each new engagement.

Andrew Abbate is a 17-year veteran of consulting and IT and has a wealth of practical knowledge about communications, collaboration, and security. Andrew has helped some of the largest and most complex environments in North America improve their capability to quickly and securely communicate and collaborate with internal and external resources. In addition to his Lync and OCS background, Andrew has written several other books covering topics such as Exchange, Active Directory, and information security. Andrew currently enjoys the position of principal consultant and partner at Convergent Computing where he continues to consult with both large and small clients to help

improve their IT practices.

Tom Pacyk, MCITP, MCSE, is a senior systems engineer specializing in Lync, OCS, and Exchange projects while working at ExtraTeam in the Bay Area, CA. Tom began his career as a systems administrator and has moved into working as a consultant for the last five years where he designs and implements collaboration solutions for large and small customers. His work began with the original Exchange 2000 instant messaging service and he has been involved with implementations of every version of the product since then and now with Lync Server 2010. Outside of work, Tom runs a blog related to Microsoft Lync and Exchange topics.