Microsoft showcases improved Lync and Skype integration with video call feature

Back in 2011, when Microsoft bought Skype, there were quite a few questions asked about how the software giant would integrate the VoIP service to its numerous platforms. One of these questions, was how Microsoft would integrate Skype with its enterprise video and voice messaging software, Lync. Microsoft has cleary taken a slow practical approach to answer the same.

While last year Microsoft integrated Lync with Skype for voice calling across the two platforms, the company on Tuesday demonstrated a video call between Skype and Lync, showing how it could integrate cross-platform video calling for the two systems. The demonstration was held at a Lync conference on Tuesday. Reports say that the feature will go live for a limited beta version this year in summer or fall. In addition to that, reports say that there will be compatibility between Lync and Cisco/Tandberg video conferencing systems.

In order for Lync to work on an enterprise system, the business needs to have a Lync server installed. It will create an integrated network where calling will be possible without using a phone network. According to reports there are plans to support PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) connectivity for Lync Online and the Office 365 cloud service. This functionality is one of Skype's specialities. Lync cannot make a plain phone call over the PSTN. Reports now say that Lync Online and Office 365 will now be able to support voice calls, to and from regular phone numbers. It will also support E911 (Enhanced 911) in the US.

More than individual customers, the integration service is likely to benefit a host of businesses where earlier it was only possible to sync Lync with Skype on voice calls after determining whether the person was online. The service will provide for better integration for employees at business that do make use of Lync.