Relentless innovation brings Microsoft customers an enhanced, connected experience through interoperability with LifeSize HD video conferencing systems
AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--LifeSize, a division of Logitech (Nasdaq: LOGI) (SIX: LOGN), today announced the expansion of its rich video collaboration offerings through qualified interoperability with Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 R2. Customers can now experience seamless video calling across the enterprise by connecting LifeSize video systems in conference rooms and meeting spaces to the PC, and vice versa, delivering a unified communications (UC) experience.
“LifeSize delivered the first HD video conferencing system in 2005, the first sub-$2,500 HD video product in 2009, and our commitment to innovation is realized today in yet another first – delivering on our promise to reach true interoperability across UC platforms,” said Craig Malloy, chief executive officer of LifeSize and Logitech senior vice president. “Through LifeSize and Logitech’s relationship with Microsoft and deep dedication to UC, we’re delivering on our vision to extend high quality communication capabilities to anyone, anywhere.”
LifeSize® Team 220™ is qualified within the Microsoft Office Communications Server platform. This is the first of many qualifications LifeSize is pursuing for video systems including LifeSize® Passport™, LifeSize® Room 220™ and LifeSize® Express 220™. These products are on track to reach full Microsoft qualification status in calendar year 2011.
“Microsoft is pleased to be working with Logitech and LifeSize as a qualified partner to offer customers more comprehensive UC solutions through interoperability with Microsoft Office Communications Server and soon, Microsoft Lync,” said Yancey Smith, director of product management for Lync at Microsoft Corp. “The combination of LifeSize technology with Microsoft UC platforms will enable customers to extend their video conferencing ecosystems from the desktop to the boardroom, and everywhere in between.”
LifeSize solution qualification for Microsoft OCS 2007 R2 includes support for:
- Authentication and Encryption (TLS/SRTP) for secure, reliable communications
- Firewall/NAT Traversal via Microsoft Edge Services to ensure issue-free calling outside organizations
- Auto-configuration of systems as they are registered to Microsoft Office Communications Server, helping simplify deployment to users
- Unified presence status with the ability to place and receive calls from one Office Communications Server account between multiple devices (PC or a LifeSize system)
- Addition of LifeSize systems to contact lists in the Microsoft Office Communicator view and vice versa
- Easy placement of calls from LifeSize systems to third-party systems within the Microsoft OCS 2007 R2 environment, using commonly supported video and audio codecs
Today, customers are able to make calls between Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 R2 desktops and LifeSize endpoints, ensuring genuine, face to face interaction within their existing Microsoft environment and workflow. Later in calendar year 2011, LifeSize will seek qualification to interoperate with Microsoft Lync. This flexible interoperability will also enable customers to upgrade from Microsoft Office Communications Server to Lync on their terms. Moreover, LifeSize has licensed the Microsoft RTVideo codec and is planning a future server-based product to enable high-definition interoperability between Microsoft Lync and LifeSize video systems. Later in calendar year 2011, LifeSize will seek Microsoft Lync qualification with true HD interoperability.
Along with this portfolio of enterprise video conferencing products from its LifeSize division, Logitech offers a wide range of Microsoft Lync-optimized video communications solutions to businesses to help them maximize the benefits of their UC investments. Logitech plans to introduce new Lync-optimized corded headsets and webcams in the first half of 2011 and currently offers the following UC offerings optimized for Microsoft Lync:
- Logitech® B910 HD Webcam is available now in the U.S. and Europe for $99.99 (U.S.)
- Logitech® B530 USB Headset is available now in the U.S. and Europe for $49.99 (U.S.)
"LifeSize and Microsoft solutions play a vital role in our existing and future unified communications strategy," said Tom Umphress, information services director at Globe University/Minnesota School of Business. "We're consistently benefiting from improved communication, increased collaboration and significant ROI based on existing LifeSize and Microsoft solutions and we look forward to taking advantage of the expanded offerings from two of our most valued technology partners."
Pricing and Availability
- LifeSize system software to support Microsoft OCS 2007 R2 is now globally available for download
Additional Resources
Unified Communications Interoperability Forum (UCIF)
LifeSize Blog: VideoConferencingSpot.com
About LifeSize Communications
LifeSize is a pioneer and world leader in high-definition video collaboration. Designed to make video conferencing truly universal, our full range of open standards-based systems offer enterprise-class, IT-friendly technologies that enable genuine human interaction over any distance. Founded in 2003 and acquired by Logitech in 2009, LifeSize, with its commitment to relentless innovation, continues to extend the highest-quality video conferencing capabilities to anyone, anywhere. For more information, visit www.lifesize.com.
Note to editors: Photos available at www.lifesize.com/press/media_kit
LifeSize, the LifeSize logo and other LifeSize marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of LifeSize Communications Inc. Logitech, the Logitech logo, and other Logitech marks are registered in Switzerland and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Contacts
LifeSize Communications
Jacey Overton, 512-623-4215
joverton@lifesize.com