Lync Server Management Shell

A big change to Lync Server 2010 is the addition of the Lync Server Management Shell (LSMS). The LSMS is built on Microsoft’s PowerShell command and scripting environment and is really the core of what drives Lync Server 2010 management. Many administrators will use the Lync Server Control Panel (LSCP) by default because they are more familiar with a graphical user interface, but as time goes on it should become apparent that much of Lync server management can be done in a more efficient manner through the LSMS.

Many organizations that use Microsoft Exchange Server are already familiar with how the Management Shell operates. When Microsoft first introduced the Exchange Management Shell as part of Exchange Server 2007, many administrators were frustrated and even intimidated by having some functionality only available in a command-line interface. The same is now true with the LSMS for previous administrators of LCS and OCS. Oftentimes, the same team within an organization who manages Exchange is responsible for managing Lync. If administrators have experience with the Exchange Management Shell, the change might not seem quite as drastic. For those entirely new to a command-line interface, it might take some time to feel comfortable.