Microsoft's Lync communications client for Mac goes gold
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Microsoft has released to manufacturing (RTM'd) its Lync unified communications client for the Mac, company officials said on September 9.
The Lync for Mac client will work in conjunction with both Lync Server and Microsoft's Lync Online service (which is available standalone and as part of Office 365). Lync is the successor to Office Communications Server and includes enterprise instant messaging, audio and video conferencing, support for presence and voice-over-IP (VOIP).
Microsoft is working on Lync clients for a variety of other platforms, including all the leading smartphone platforms. Officials have said that they will deliver Lync for iPhone, Android, Symbian and Windows Phones before the end of this calendar year.
Microsoft launched its on-premises Lync Server in November 2010 and the accompanying Windows client in December 2010. Update: There's also a Web-based Lync app out there, as well.
Microsoft is planning to integrate Skype with Lync and make that integration available to users in some way/ways in the coming months.