Microsoft Releases Mobile Client for Lync, Lync Online

Event Summary

December 12, 2011 – Microsoft released the first version of its Lync Mobile client software. It extends instant messaging, presence and other Lync 2010 features to mobile devices. A Windows Phone client is available now, with clients for iPhone, iPad, Android and Nokia Symbian submitted for approval to their respective app stores.

Quick Take

Analytical Summary

• Current Perspective: Positive on the release of Lync Mobile for Windows Phone, because it corrects a longstanding weakness of Microsoft’s UC software; namely, lack of a mobile client. Since its release in early 2011, Lync 2010 has lacked a mobile client, as has Microsoft’s more recently introduced Lync Online component of its Office 365 cloud-based collaboration service. This compared unfavorably with rival UC solutions from Aastra, Alcatel-Lucent, Avaya, Cisco, NEC, Siemens Enterprise, ShoreTel and others, all of which have some form of mobility software for a range of mobile devices. The introduction of Lync Mobile for Windows phones marks Microsoft’s first step in correcting this particular weakness in its UC solution set.

• Vendor Importance: High to Microsoft, because the introduction of Lync Mobile for Windows Phone fulfills promises Microsoft made in early 2011 to introduce mobile Lync clients by the end of the year. However, Microsoft must quickly follow up the release of a Windows Phone client with general availability of clients for Apple and Google devices to defend against accusations that support for non-Microsoft operating systems are of secondary concern for the company.

• Market Importance: Moderate on the market for UC solutions, because the introduction of Lync Mobile clients will make Lync 2010 and Lync Online significantly more competitive. Given the demand for mobility in UC solutions, support for a wide range of mobile operating systems will be of extreme interest to enterprises considering the purchase of Lync either for corporate instant messaging or enterprise voice. However, it has long been known Microsoft was working to correct this weakness in its UC solution set. Enterprises involved in long-term buy cycles will be well aware of the mobile client’s planned introduction, and will have factored that into their decision making process.

CLIENTS ONLY

Current Analysis Perspective

| Client access - Full report in Unified Communications and Contact Center | More information

Top

Top