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Microsoft Lync for Mac 2011 RTMs

Microsoft Lync for Mac 2011 has hit the release to manufacturing (RTM) stage, with a general release date expected sometime in October.

Previously called Office Communicator for Mac, Lync for Mac 2011 will be bundled with Office for Mac Standard 2011, the Office for Mac 2011 Volume Licensing SKU and other licensing packages.

Microsoft Lync is designed to work in tandem with Lync Server 2011 and Lync Online, the latter being a feature included in Microsoft's Office 365. A version for PCs was released in December 2010.

"Starting in October, our Mac customers will be able to experience the integrated communications experience that Lync has become well known for," Microsoft said in a TechNet blog entry. "From the updated contact cards to the ability to set up Lync conferences from Outlook 2011 for Mac to enterprise voice features, Lync for Mac 2011 offers Mac users integrated functionality for presence, instant messaging, conferencing and voice and is designed to work with both Lync Server 2010 and Lync Online."

The client, along with either the server or online component, will allow for cross-communication between PC and Mac users. However, Microsoft has stated that some cross-platform actions, such as voice communications, will not work for Lync Online users.

More information on Lync for Mac 2011 can be found here.

About the Author

Chris Paoli (@ChrisPaoli5) is the associate editor for Converge360.

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