Business communications—this once meant installing a robust phone system to support landline calls between colleagues and customers. Today, the options we have available via networked connections allows for seamless communication across continents and channels. Whether you want to launch a GoToMeeting or simply exchange a text message, business communications is very different today than it was just a short decade ago.

With the introduction of VoIP into the mainstream, the costs associated with communications changed drastically, making just about anything possible. Those without a physical office could create the same look and feel of the larger players by simply putting a robust VoIP solution in place. Skype gave us the opportunity to connect without cost and Microsoft (News - Alert) launched its Lync product to extend office capabilities.

The lines became somewhat blurred when Microsoft purchased Skype. While a strong move to make, how do you promote Lync and Skype (News - Alert) to your business customers? The branding identity crisis is enough to give anyone pause, especially those responsible for making decisions. Fortunately, Microsoft has plans to get rid of this confusion and plans to rebrand Lync to Skype for Business this month. And, while Lync is a popular brand among current users, why not leverage the popularity and positioning of the Skype name to make the most of the investment moving forward?

The coming change is likely to drive opportunity for a brand well-known in the office world, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait to start enjoying the perks associated with Lync. For some, that means simply using the tool to bring others into a conversation where collaboration over a shared screen is important. Still others view Lync as the viable solution to replace their older PBX (News - Alert). It’s a considerable shift for the company still relying on the landline, but could bring with it enough value to guarantee a smooth transition.

Making the transition, however, is what has some companies lying in wait. It’s a challenge to consider new technology opportunities and without a guiding hand, could leave a company vulnerable to loss of features simply because they don’t know they exist or how to use them effectively. Fortunately, it’s not a road that any company has to try and travel alone.

AVST (News - Alert) is working to help companies navigate the benefits associated with Lync when they integrate the technology within their environments. The company is offering a free webinar: 8 Ways to Enhance Lync on Wed, Mar 25, 2015 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CDT (News - Alert). If you’re looking for ways to maximize an investment in Lync, this is one event you won’t want to miss. Claim your free spot – register today.