PBX Replacement

Lync Server provides all the functionality currently provided by a traditional PBX system. This includes the familiar concepts of call routing, call parking, call transfer, conferencing, single-purpose phones, and so on. Lync Server is able to integrate with most PBX solutions through the use of gateways and mediation servers. Similarly, it can replace existing PBX systems either through attrition or via a green field replacement.

Historically the big roadblock to Communications Server replacing a traditional PBX was in the area of equivalent functionality. Features such as call parking, where an attendant can receive a call and then transfer it to a pool of public phones by tying it to an extension, didn’t exist (for example, “Bob, pick up on line 4”). Another big gap was in the area of 911 services, where the abstracted nature of VoIP made it difficult to determine where a caller was physically when he dialed another line.

By tracking location specific information from both the client and the network, Lync Server can work around this limitation. Lync Server actually tracks significantly more information than a traditional PBX. This enables useful features such as placing a “subject” line into a call. Imagine that instead of simple caller ID information displaying on your phone, it actually said, “Incoming call from Bob: Discuss potential destinations for lunch.” This enables users to better prioritize their time by knowing the purpose of a call ahead of time.