A peek at Office Communications Server '14' (images)
At the VoiceCon event on Wednesday, Microsoft offers its first look at Office Communications Server "14," a new version of its business telephony product due out later this year.
Ina Fried
During her years at CNET News, Ina Fried changed beats several times, changed genders once, and covered both of the Pirates of Silicon Valley.
Among the capabilities of the upcoming Office Communications Server "14" is improved location information.
OCS 14--the next version of Microsoft's business telephony, corporate instant messaging and presence server--is due out in the second half of the year.
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Activity feeds
With OCS 14, users can update their status at any time, with a list showing up in an activity feed, similar to what is available in consumer instant messaging.
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So, why are you calling?
Unlike in a traditional phone call, workers using OCS 14 will be able to enter a subject line--such as "The Contoso Account" at left--so a recipient knows why someone is calling before they answer.
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Which phone to use
A new menu lets workers choose which device to use for a call, such as a PC-connected headset or VoIP phone.
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Dial pad
Although one of the benefits of integrated communications is not having to remember phone numbers, a dial pad in OCS 14 lets people call the old-fashioned way if they wish.
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Ringing all over the place
A "simultaneous ring" feature lets a user choose, based on who is dialing, to have the calls ring in one location, more than one place, or go straight to voice mail.
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Skill search
A "skill search" feature lets workers see who is available with particular skills.
