[October 27, 2003] RADVISION Announces Support Of Microsoft Office Live Communications Server 2003 And Windows Messenger RADVISION announced full support of the newly launched Microsoft Office Live Communications Server 2003 and Microsoft's Windows Messenger for desktop multimedia conferencing. RADVISION's viaIP solution adds the capability for multiple users to participate together in a single voice, video, and data conference with a few clicks of a mouse - turning Live Communications Server into the ideal conferencing platform for desktop converged communications. Additionally, the RADVISION solution translates between different communications protocols, enabling any end point to speak with any other, regardless of system or underlying communication protocol used. This means Windows XP desktop end points, which use the SIP protocol, can be integrated into an existing videoconferencing network and can communicate with end points using other protocols such as H.323 (voice and video over IP), ISDN (legacy videoconferencing) and new 3G wireless mobile video handsets (H.324M). RADVISION is participating today in the Microsoft Office System Worldwide Launch event in New York City as one of more than 40 companies chosen to demonstrate their solutions in the Microsoft partner pavilion, where selected companies are invited to showcase their Microsoft Office System solutions to attending press and analysts. "The RADVISION viaIP solution allows anyone to participate in a multiparty voice or video call by seamlessly integrating the new world of personal multimedia conferencing at the desktop and over mobile 3G video with existing room based IP and ISDN video solutions, yielding increased productivity, improved communications, and better collaboration," said Gadi Tamari, CEO of RADVISION. "By integrating with the Microsoft Office System, we feel confident that the RADVISION multimedia conferencing solution will provide users of the Microsoft Office System with enhanced functionality and significant value." Currently Live Communications Server 2003 is designed to support multimedia (voice, video, and Web conferencing) on a point-to-point basis. RADVISION added functionality to its viaIP platform to respond to the need for multiparty connectivity for multimedia conferencing and interworking between SIP-based Windows Messenger end points and other existing communications networks and end points, based on other protocols such as H.323, H.320 and H.324M. The viaIP device acts as a "buddy" in the call, taking all the participating voice, video and/or data streams and integrating them into a single multiparty, multimedia session. With a simple click of a mouse an IM session is started. Another click and voice is initiated. Yet another one and videoconferencing is launched. Application and desktop sharing is also possible at the same time. "This technology has greatly improved our interstate communication and has removed inter office barriers traditionally caused by distance -- we truly function as a single team. By using the RADVISION viaIP 400 platform, in conjunction with the Windows Messenger client and Live Communications Server, employees at our branch offices now have a powerful new desktop communications application that seamlessly merges instant messaging, voice, video and data into a single interface for multimedia conferencing," said Steve Moran, Chief Technology Officer at Broadreach Services of Australia, a pilot customer of this solution. "We have already incorporated desktop conferencing into our larger communications strategy and are seeing dramatic increased productivity, enhanced communications, and a reduction in travel expenses." "Live Communications Server 2003 provides great presence and real-time communications value to the Microsoft Office System," said Taylor Collyer, Director of Marketing for Live Communications Server at Microsoft Corp. "RADVISION takes it a step further, by turning Live Communications Server into an ideal conferencing platform for desktop converged communications. Enterprise IT managers will see real benefit in their solution." Microsoft Office Live Communications Server 2003 provides businesses with enterprise-ready instant messaging, presence awareness, and an extensible platform that connects people, information, and business processes - enabling better decisions faster. With a familiar user experience integrated into Microsoft Office System programs, Live Communications Server 2003 allows people to communicate without the constraints of geography, office location, or time zone. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]