Organizations can leverage Lync Server to provide audio and video (A/V) conferencing services to their users without deploying additional clients or software. Deploying A/V conferencing enables users to perform peer-to-peer or multiparty conferences using high-fidelity audio and video conducted across the IP network. Users have a consistent experience because they can make and receive A/V calls through the same Lync client used for presence, IM, and web conferencing. Although A/V conferencing is sometimes linked to Enterprise Voice features, it can be deployed separately from any kind of telephony integration.
Note
It is important to note that although the term A/V is used, video is not a required component of these conversations. Users can conduct audio-only conversations using the Lync endpoint instead of a traditional phone call. These audio conversations are performed at a higher level of audio quality than a traditional PSTN call and are not subject to any long-distance or international charges like a regular call.
With video conversations, both peer-to-peer and multiparty video conversations can negotiate to use high-definition video quality using either Microsoft RTVideo or H.264 SVC/AVC.
Organizations have a wide variety of webcams to select what is compatible with Lync Server, and Microsoft provides a continuously updated list of certified devices. In Lync Server, video endpoints such as the Polycom CX5000 can be used in Lync to provide a full 360-degree panoramic view of the room.
Lastly, Lync Server video endpoints can be integrated with video conferencing systems from vendors such as Polycom, LifeSize, and Cisco.