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The unified communications (UC) space is ever expanding. Ever since the UC platform Microsoft (News - Alert) Lync 2010 was launched, Internet protocol (IP) phones optimized for Lync have been thronging the market, because they provide advanced productivity.

Cashing in on the market trend for these devices and as a competitor to the Polycom (News - Alert) range of Lync 2010 optimized phones, Aastra had introduced IP Phones Optimized for Microsoft.

Now, the company is demonstrating its IP Phones Optimized for Microsoft Lync at the ongoing 2012 Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC) held in Toronto, Canada.

Along with the IP Phones Optimized for Microsoft Lync, Astra is also demonstrating its SIP-DECT (News - Alert) mobility solution.

Microsoft Lync, in general, is an enterprise-ready unified communications platform that allows users to keep track of their contacts’ availability; send an IM; start or join an audio, video, or web conference; or make a phone call—all through a consistent, familiar interface.  

According to Microsoft, it tests and qualifies phones, headsets, webcams, conference room devices, PCs and other devices for Lync under its Compatible Devices Program (CDP).

The Aastra (News - Alert) 6721ip and 6725ip IP phones, which have been qualified for Microsoft Lync 2010, feature Microsoft Communications Server integration, thereby making these devices user-friendly.

Featuring very high voice quality, both Aastra 6721ip and 6725ip IP phones also feature: an intuitive interface displayed on a full color 3.5 inch LCD screen; access to the most essential calling features through navigation keys; and wideband audio that enhances the clarity of all calls.

In addition, the 6721ip phone provides users selective functionality at an affordable price, making it an ideal IP phone for many users or common areas. Whereas, the 6725ip is a feature-rich IP phone designed for users seeking additional functionalities.

According to Aastra, the company’s Lync phones can deliver business productivity via integration with the Microsoft Lync desktop client, Outlook calendar, contacts and more. The company’s representatives will be demonstrating live calls, such as PC desktop control of calling features such as transfer, hold, call park, conferencing and click-to-dial at WPC2012.

Apart from IP phones, Aastra also delivers a mobility solution - Aastra SIP-DECT - integrated with Microsoft Lync 2010. This solution combines the tried-and-tested DECT technology with SIP innovation for flexibility. It can be used with Aastra communication systems, third-party systems and systems from SIP providers.

According to Aastra, the combination of SIP-DECT with SmartSIP 2.0 from NET allows DECT handsets to be integrated into Microsoft Lync. ?This combination of SmartSIP 2.0 with Aastra’s SIP-DECT products delivers an enterprise-grade mobility solution for organizations deploying Lync.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO West 2012, taking place Oct. 2-5, in Austin, TX. ITEXPO (News - Alert) offers an educational program to help corporate decision makers select the right IP-based voice, video, fax and unified communications solutions to improve their operations. It's also where service providers learn how to profitably roll out the services their subscribers are clamoring for – and where resellers can learn about new growth opportunities. For more information on registering for ITEXPO click here.

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