As Macintosh computers make some inroads into the enterprise, they are still behind in certain areas of corporate communications. On Tuesday, Microsoft took a step toward closing a bit of that gap by releasing its Messenger for Mac 7 with audio and video support, if users are connected via Office Communications Server 2007.
With Communications Server 2007 and the newest Messenger for Mac on a corporate system, users can have face-to-face instant messaging, audio/video meetings — and even multi-party conferencing — with others both inside and outside their office. This includes people using Windows PCs and users of the Windows Live Messenger and Yahoo Messenger services. It does not support communication with AOL Instant Messenger or people using .Mac accounts.
Supports Bonjour, Easy Searching
Messenger 7, which now supports the Bonjour service-discovery functionality that is built into the Mac operating system, is available as a free download. It requires Mac OS X 10.4.9, Windows Live ID for personal accounts, or Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 for enterprise users.
The new offering also makes it easier for enterprise workers to search a corporate address book from within Messenger, or to find internal contacts. A user can see which contacts are connected to a local network and, for example, if you have two contacts named Sam, you can assign nicknames. Contacts can be located in large buddy lists via a search-as-you-type box. The company also said that communications have increased security within the corporate network.
New “presence” enhancements in Messenger also allow users to add a personal message to contact information, so that you can let others know when you’re available for chatting. Mac users with a Windows Live account can also share files and other communications through Messenger 7.
No Audio/Video When Stand-Alone
On officeformac.com, the blog for Microsoft’s Office for Mac team, a team…
0 Responses to “Messenger for Mac 7 Adds Enterprise Audio, Video Support”
Leave a Reply