Office Communications Server 2007 introduces support for VoIP for the enterprise. Although its implementation does not match the rich feature set that IP PBXs offer, Microsoft changes the way users use telephony by conveniently integrating it into the information worker's computing environment for simpler and seamless communication from anywhere with a network connection. Office Communications Server 2007 offers a paradigm shift from how the application has traditionally been used. Now a call can be quickly placed within the context of a Microsoft Office application (Word, Outlook, and so on), Microsoft SharePoint, and third-party applications that integrate with Office Communicator 2007.

With visibility into colleagues' presence, users no longer need to play phone tag. Depending upon the contact's availability, users can choose the form of communication best suited for a particular situation, whether this is e-mail, IM, Web conferencing, or a phone call. Voice calls become an integrated form of communication that is no longer separate from the information worker's primary tool of trade: the computer. Users no longer have to manually bridge the gap between the telephone on their desk and their computer, such as looking up a phone number in their Outlook address book and dialing it from the phone, only to reach a voice mail system.

With Microsoft's Office Communicator 2007, a softphone can also provide a richer user experience than is possible with the 10-digit dial pad of most phones. Advanced features such as call transfer; placing a call on hold, and so on are more easily done by clicking a mouse than pressing * key sequences. Being able to take your office phone with you on the road is a very appealing feature as more and more members of today's workforce have the flexibility to decide where they work from—whether it be the office, a home office, a local restaurant, or wherever they need to be.

Office Communications Server 2007's Enterprise Voice provides a streamlined design so that it is simple to manage while remaining extensible to support future requirements.