If you are familiar with snom technology AG (News - Alert), then you are aware of the company’s focus over the past year on pairing its IP phone portfolio with Microsoft Lync. snom currently boasts three of its UC business phones interoperable with the MS Lync platform with more in the works.

To add to the IP communication solution provider’s passion about its partnership with Microsoft (News - Alert) Lync, the company has just introduced a new beta release of firmware for its snom UC business phone portfolio for MS Lync.

The new snom software, Apollo, features all new configuration and management capabilities designed specifically to accelerate the speed and simplicity for deploying and operating Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Enterprise Voice and snom UC edition phones in large multi-site business environments.

“Apollo delivers a range of new capabilities to make mass multisite deployment of voice-enabled Microsoft Lync with snom UC SIP-based business phones faster and easier,” said Mike Storella (News - Alert), snom technology chief operating officer. “Resellers and businesses alike will appreciate the technical benefits of these management and usability features that translate to bottom line savings for their Lync deployments.”

Apollo provides integrated configuration and management of snom UC endpoints within Microsoft Lync Server allowing for “plug and play” deployment. Any software update can now be made and managed directly from the MS server, as well as password changes, and hot desking for users with multiple accounts. The new firmware also adds support for call parking and integration with survivable branch appliances for continued communication during a WAN outage, according to snom officials.

The new firmware also features support for Microsoft Lync qualified snom UC phones, which include snom 300 UC edition, snom 370 UC edition and snom 821 UC edition. With the latest firmware release, snom adds support for major features that further integrate the phone with Lync’s capabilities such as music on hold, presence buttons and boss/admin features.

snom’s UC Apollo Beta is now available for testing. If you are a member of snom’s network of registered VAR partners and customers you are eligible to test the beta release of the new snom UC firmware. All feedback will be considered for incorporation into the RTM code for the final release, prior to the qualification process by Microsoft, according to the company. Contact a snom representative for more details.