The 2007 R2 version of Communicator Web Access is a browser-based application that provides access to the instant messaging, audio, and desktop sharing capabilities of Office Communications Server 2007 R2. Using only an Internet connection and a Web browser, Communicator Web Access enables you to take advantage of Office Communications Server 2007 R2 features even when you are away from your personal computer. Communicator Web Access is similar to Office Communicator 2007 R2, making it easy to switch between the two applications. Both applications provide you access to the same contact list and similar instant messaging, call management, and desktop sharing capabilities.

• What’s New

• Benefits

• Pricing and Licensing

What’s New

New features of Communicator Web Access 2007 R2 include:

• Collaborate with external organizations. Communicator Web Access 2007 R2 offers the ability for customers and business partners outside of your organization to join conferencing and collaboration sessions easily and inexpensively. Invite anyone with a Web browser to join a conversation that you are hosting, share your desktop with a vendor to discuss a project, or start a conference call with a stakeholder and route the call to your handheld device.

• Desktop sharing. Users can see everything happening on someone else’s computer, and can even be given the right to control that computer. People running Microsoft Windows and a supported Web browser can share their desktops with others; anyone running a supported Web browser (including people using Macintosh or Linux computers) can view and control a shared desktop.

• "Dial-out” Conference Audio. Audio conferencing (using standard telephones, including cell phones) can be added to any existing instant messaging or desktop sharing session. You supply the names of each person to take part in the audio conference, and Communicator Web Access will take care of calling each person and with setting up and managing the conference call.

• Support for distribution groups. Users can add distribution groups to their contact list and exchange instant messages with all (or some) of the members of those groups.

• Customize the login screen and links. Your IT department has the ability to customize login screen and links.

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Benefits

Similar experience from your PC to the Web

Using the Web browser-based Communicator Web Access 2007 R2 is similar to using the desktop-based Office Communicator 2007 R2. If you are already familiar with Office Communicator 2007 R2, learning Communicator Web Access is easy because the overall experience is consistent, including the look, feel, and key functions.

• The capabilities of the 2007 R2 version of Communicator Web Access focus on presence information, instant messaging (IM), desktop sharing, and “dial out” experience, so that you can communicate effortlessly with anyone.

• The core features between the applications are consistent, meaning that you will still enjoy tools such as corporate directory integration, support for Distribution Groups and the ability to manage your contact lists.

• With the desktop sharing capability, you’ll be able to share your Windows-based computer desktop with anyone. No download is required to participate in a desktop sharing session, but a small plug-in is required to host. Participants can resize and pan the view making it easy for them to follow the conversation.

• Also, if you prefer to communicate during your sharing session on your phone or mobile device, Office Communicator Web Access 2007 R2 will place the call for you with just the click of a button.

Collaboration with colleagues, customers, partners, and suppliers

In the 2007 R2 version, Communicator Web Access allows users outside of your organization to participate in conversation and collaboration sessions.

• External users join sessions via a Communicator Web Access window and are authorized as guests. Guests can share all the capabilities that are part of your session, including instant messaging, desktop sharing, and conference calls, without the need to install any software. You can invite them to scheduled meetings and informal collaboration sessions.

• You also have the option to use either the desktop Office Communicator 2007 R2 client or Communicator Web Access to host the conversation.

With Communicator Web Access 2007 R2, you have the flexibility to communicate with anyone, from anywhere, on any device, with an Internet connection and a Web browser.

Universal access

Communicator Web Access 2007 R2 is supported by a wide variety of browsers and software platforms, enabling you to take advantage of the benefits of Office Communications Server 2007 R2 with fewer constraints.

• Simply start up a Web browser, such as Internet Explorer, navigate to your Communicator Web Access account, and then begin an instant messaging conversation or participate in a desktop sharing session.

• Whether you are using a shared computer or a locked-down machine, Communicator Web Access 2007 R2 can help you stay current with your contacts no matter where your business takes you.

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Pricing and licensing

The 2007 R2 version of Communicator Web Access is provided at no extra cost to customers who have purchased Office Communications Server 2007 or 2007 R2 and Client Access Licenses (CAL). Please send your IT or purchasing department to the Office Communications Server 2007 R2 web site to learn more about how to buy this product.