5 Benefits of Lync 2013

The most recent version of Office 365 – 2013, has been out for a few months now, and the popular Microsoft program has been generally received well by its users. Because of the popularity of Office programs, Office 365 has enjoyed considerable success, yet there are a number of programs like Lync that have been under utilized. Do you use Lync 2013?

Microsoft Lync is an enterprise/business level instant messaging client combined with video conferencing and VoIP abilities that gives companies a valuable communication medium. There are many benefits Lync can bring to your company. Here are five reasons why you should consider using this platform.

1. It’s mobile
Microsoft has gone to great lengths to make Lync a multi-platform program. There are apps for Android, Windows Phone and iOS, and programs for Mac and Windows. All versions are compatible with other platforms which means that you could technically have a video conference where people on nearly any system can join and contribute.

This is also great if you have staff who travel, or work from home. They can still easily join meetings or keep in touch with the office, as long as they have an Internet connection.

2. It’s HD
When it comes to video conferencing, you need to be able to see the participants and screen clearly. Lync 2013 supports 1080p High Definition video which enables all participants to have a clear and crisp picture. And because Lync 2013 uses standard video coding and decoding, HD conferencing is available on almost any device that can display it.

Many business owners and meeting participants will appreciate this, especially if you are doing webinars where you are sharing your screen. It also gives a better sense that you are sitting beside the participants, which could help improve communication.

3. It’s accessible on the Web
With the release of Lync 2013, Microsoft also introduced the Web version of Lync which allows users to use the program from their browser. Participants will be able to join meetings and conversations from their browser and still have access to most of Lync’s features including HD video, instant messaging and VoIP.

4. It offers improved teleconferencing
Lync 2013 is integrated into other Office programs like Outlook. This means you can schedule a video meeting from your calendar, and send the invitation out all without having to start Lync. When the meeting is about to start, participants will usually receive a reminder, and a link that they can click on. When they click on the link, they are taken directly into the meeting, without having to start Lync, and webcams will be automatically turned on.

Making something as easy as possible for all participants involved will ensure that attendance is higher and that people are more welcoming to virtual meetings. Beyond that, if you purchase the Premium versions of Office 365 e.g., Small Business Premium, you can also get hosted support for Lync. This means that Microsoft or a partner will host and manage the server, relieving you of the worry of complicated infrastructure management.

5. There is Skype integration
While Office 365 is popular among businesses, it’s not as popular among other users. In fact, many personal users don’t have Lync. This would be an issue, especially if you want to reach out to your customers. But, it isn’t, because Lync is integrated with Skype. Lync 2013 offers Skype integration which allows for voice, video and instant messaging with Skype users. This means that you reach is improved, at little to no extra cost.

If you would like to learn more about Lync 2013 and how Office 365 fits into your business, please contact us today.