tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1290406674604009130.post-13331022926509106602007-10-21T20:04:00.000-07:002007-10-23T13:59:11.041-07:00<div> The New York Times recently reported that Microsoft has launched two new programs that enable people to place calls directly from the Microsoft Outlook e-mail program. Obviously, they are working hard to intermingle calling, conferencing, e-mail, and instant messaging. This type of software recently merged some corporate telephone networks with networks connecting office PC's to the Internet. </div><br /><div> <a href="http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/communicationsserver/default.aspx">Office Communications Server 2007</a> and <a href="http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/communicator/FX101729051033.aspx">Office Communicator 2007</a> have added voice calling and video conferencing to its features. Microsoft continues to change the way people communicate. The programs can identify to co-workers how to contact each other based on their "presence" status, whether it is via phone, Instant Message, or E-mail. </div><br /><div> This is just another great example of how technology is improving our world. Already I can listen to my voicemails from Outlook. It's delivered as an email message with an mp3 attachment. I have always hated listening to voicemail, but for some reason, it's not so bad when I listen via Outlook. I don't even have to pick up the phone. I'm sure we'll start to see this technology in many more of our offices very soon.</div><br /><p>If your office has either of these programs, feel free to comment to let us know how you like it. Do you see an improvement in office productivity and communication?<br /></p><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Speaking of telephone calls...Don't forget <a href="http://www.phonehog.com/">PhoneHog</a> members can get free long distance. Register today!</div>Tiffany Holleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00544497699034780395noreply@blogger.com