Communicator Web Access is a client designed to extend the reach of Live Communications Server 2005 to a broader base of information workers, requiring nothing more from a user than a Web browser. Communicator Web Access offers a similar user interface to the desktop version of Microsoft Office Communicator 2005 and enables information workers who cannot take advantage of the desktop client to connect to Live Communications Server 2005.

• Universal connection

• Familiar, easy-to-use interface

• Simple and integrated deployment

• Pricing and licensing

Universal connection

As the browser-based client for Live Communications Server 2005, Communicator Web Access requires only a Web browser and network connectivity enabling more information workers to take advantage of the benefits of Live Communications Server 2005 and Communicator.

• Users who are away from the office can stay connected when on the road. With Communicator Web Access, information workers can access Live Communications Server 2005 with only a Web browser using a communal PC, a kiosk, or even a home computer.

• Users who have locked down PCs, or machines running earlier version operating systems that do not run the desktop version of Communicator, need only a Web browser to gain access to Live Communications Server 2005 via Communicator Web Access.

• For users running operating systems other than Microsoft Windows, Communicator Web Access provides access to Live Communications Server 2005 with no platform dependencies and enables real-time collaboration.

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Familiar, easy-to-use interface

Communicator Web Access is based on the intuitive, easy-to-use interface of the desktop Communicator product.

• Users already familiar with the Communicator desktop product do not have to learn a new user experience—the look, feel, and key functionality are consistent between the different clients, making it easy for users to adopt.

• The Communicator Web Access client capabilities focus on instant messaging (IM) and presence to ensure usability across as many platforms and browsers as possible. The core features between the clients are consistent, meaning that users can still enjoy tools such as corporate directory integration and the ability to communicate with customers and partners via Public IM Connectivity.

• To ensure the best experience for users, Communicator Web Access has a number of features that are specifically adapted to provide a consistent and intuitive interaction for a client delivered in a Web browser.

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Simple and integrated deployment

Communicator Web Access is designed to be easily deployable by both end users and IT professionals.

• End users can connect to Communicator Web Access by simply entering a URL into their Web browsers. Users do not need to install platform-dependent components or other prerequisites on the client other than the supported Web browser.

• It is easy to incorporate Communicator Web Access into your existing Live Communications Server 2005 deployment—no schema or major infrastructural changes are required.

• Integration with Microsoft Operations Manager makes management of Communicator Web Access simple.

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Pricing and licensing

Communicator Web Access is provided at no extra cost to customers who have current Live Communications Server 2005 and Client Access Licenses (CALs).

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