We’re back, with another hardware review! Up for today is our newest acquisition (and already our favorite conferencing tool): the Jabra SPEAK 410-USB speakerphone.

A reader emailed me with a question about call forwarding in Lync. He wanted to keep call forwarding in place so people could receive calls while on the go. But, many of his users don’t change the forwarding while at their desks. They still take calls on their mobiles, using up minutes, when their PCs and/or VoIP phones are left unused.

So he’s looking for a way to stop call forwarding to certain numbers. At certain times.

It’s an unusual request. And after checking, we determined that such a setting isn’t currently available in Lync.

That doesn’t mean it’s not possible to configure call forwarding on a more granular level, though. In fact we came across two options for advanced call forwarding configuration. Here they are.

Tweak Call Forwarding with the “Set-CsClientPolicy” PowerShell Command

If you prefer administering in PowerShell, the Set-CsClientPolicy gives you dozens of configuration options for Lync client policies. Including call forwarding options.

For example, you could use the -HotdeskingTimeout switch to log a user out of their Lync Phone Edition after a short period of time (default is 5 minutes, but it can go down to as short as 30 seconds).

Or use -BlockConversationFromFederatedContacts to stop certain users from receiving outside calls initiated by the outside-the-office party. (Users can still call out though.)

Reserve Policy Control to the Admins with PolicyPak for Lync

We also located a third-party solution which allows you to manage Lync using Group Policy – PolicyPak for Lync. It operates like a layer on top of GPO, building in new options. Geared toward controlling which parts of the Lync client interface users can (and cannot) access.

The introductory video shows how to enable/disable a few common client settings. In terms of configuring call forwarding, PolicyPak for Lync essentially removes the control from users and puts it all in the administrator’s hands. Setting the policies you want becomes a piece of cake.

Want to test it out? A free Community Edition is available if you attend a PolicyPak webinar.

I’d recommend using Set-CsClientPolicy before trying PolicyPak. Just because there’s a lot of options available on that page, and it’s all built into Lync Server already. Still, both are useful ways of configuring many Lync client options. Including where & when calls can be forwarded.

P.S. – If you’re still on OCS 2007 R2 and you want to configure call forwarding, try Unify2′s Call Forwarding Configuration Utility. It lets OCS administrators configure simultaneous ring and call forwarding settings for users, from the same interface. Some of this functionality IS available in Lync Server though; if you haven’t upgraded, now’s the time to do it!

The Duo variant of the BIZ 620 USB. Image courtesy of Jabra.com.

Didn’t we already review this headset? Well, yes and no.

I titled this a “mini-review” because I did post a review on the Jabra BIZ 620 USB headset last month.

But one thing’s different today. Last month’s review was done on the Mono (single earpiece) model.

The Jabra BIZ 620 Duo has two earpieces.

Like its Mono brother, it has an adjustable microphone arm on one earpiece. The mic swivels to either side, so you can use it on the left or right ear (I prefer the right).

In fact switching the headset around is easier to do with the Duo model, since both ears are covered anyway.

Headset controls are located in the same call control knob as the Mono model. Located on the headset’s cord, it has four buttons for adjusting volume up/down, answering a call, and ending a call.

Advantages of the Jabra 620 Duo: Better Focus on Conversations, Music Playback

As someone who’s always used one ear with their phone, the Jabra 620 Duo takes a little bit of adjustment. The good kind – with two earpieces, it’s easier to tune out background noises when you have a call.

Test calls revealed the same audio quality, in and out, as the 620 Mono. That and the dual earpieces make Lync calls easy to make, pay full attention to, and end with a button-push.

Oh, and the 620 Duo will play music through its earpieces ( the Mono wouldn’t).

Comfort Warning: Don’t Fiddle With It Too Much

The only disadvantage I note is the weight of the control knob. It can pull down on the headset if you move it too much. With the Mono headset this isn’t too big a deal.

But with the Duo headset, you’re aware of the other ear piece slipping off your ear when it pulls down. More to adjust. So you notice it more quickly.

Still, pretty small price to pay for an immersive VoIP headset with good sound quality and an adjustable mic!

What headset do you use with Lync?

Something a little different this week – two mini-posts!

One today on a Lync Server update. One tomorrow on the Jabra BIZ 620 Duo USB headset.

Mobile Clients are Coming Soon: Prepare Lync Server

Yesterday I tweeted a link to a recent Microsoft announcement: Lync clients coming soon for Windows Phone 7, the iOS platform, and Android (via Engadget).

Last week, Microsoft also released a new Cumulative Update for Lync Server 2010 – one intended to prepare Lync for use of these new mobile clients.

The update, Cumulative Update 4, consists of multiple server-side (and client-side) updates, as well as six new Cmdlets. The cmdlets are what mark this as a mobility update. Tom Arbuthnot has written thorough descriptions of the cmdlets over at the Lync’d Up blog. I’ll just give overviews on what they do here (go read his post for full information – it’s worth it!).

1. CsAutodiscoverConfiguration: Lets you change Autodiscover settings. Autodiscover helps client apps (like a mobile Lync client) find certain resources, like a user pool.
2. New-CsWebLink: Creates a Web link to Autodiscover. Handy for updating configuration with new clients.
3. Test-CsMcxPushNotification: Verifies that Push Notification’s working, so you’re able to send notifications out to mobile devices.
4. CsMobilityPolicy: Lets you control Mobility Policies. In Lync, these policies govern who can use a mobile client, as well as if you can use Call via Work (using work numbers instead of mobile numbers for calls).
5. CsMcxConfiguration: Configures Lync Server Mobility Service settings. Enabling mobile devices to use many of Lync’s services – Presence information, voicemails, conferencing, etc.
6. CsPushNotificationConfiguration: This cmdlet lets you configure Push Notification.

Lync Server Updates for Core Components, Administration and Clients: Install Them All

The Cumulative Update 4 files are available for download at Microsoft Downloads. The easiest installation method would be to use the Cumulative Update Installer (LyncServerUpdateInstaller.exe).

If that doesn’t work for you, look under “Installation Methods” on this Microsoft Support page for a manual install option.

And as Justin Morris wisely reminds us – don’t forget to backup your Lync Server setup first!

Check back tomorrow for our second Lync headset review!

Some people learn by reading, some by doing, and some by seeing. Which are you?

Up until now I haven’t done much beyond text on this blog. But today, I have a treat for the visual learners – eight Lync Server how-to videos!

I’ve written a lot of how-to on this blog over the past year. Most of what’s covered in these videos can be found here in text format. However, if you’d rather SEE how to set up an Edge Server or call forwarding, these are for you.

How to Install a Lync Server: Start to Finish, on Video

The first 5 videos come from a YouTube member named “ITBananas.” (Their YouTube Channel is here: http://www.youtube.com/user/itbananas) We’re looking at a 5-part series on how to install and configure a Lync Server 2010 setup.

I suggest watching these in Full Screen mode. It makes seeing the options selected easier.

Video 1 – Install and Configure Lync Server 2010 – Installing ADCS

Video 2 – Install and Configure Lync Server 2010 – Prerequisites

Video 3 – Install and Configure Lync Server 2010 Part 1

Video 4 – Install and Configure Lync Server 2010 Part 2

Video 5 – Install and Configure Lync Server 2010 Part 3

The videos can run a little fast. And there’s no voiceover. (I don’t mind that, but it might throw you off if you expected audio.)

Nonetheless, these make for a good step-by-step visual aid to installing Lync Server.

More How-To: Edge Servers, Call Forwarding and Making Lync Calls

Add an Edge Server to Lync Server 2010

This video was posted by “AhmedYousryHassan,” who’s likely a Microsoft tech. (The “Microsoft TechNet” logo at the beginning, and the contoso.net domain used, sort of give it away.)

This video does have voiceover. It walks you through using Topology Builder to add an Edge server to an existing Lync setup.

It’s a very clear how-to on one specific task. I’m adding this to our training regimen.

Setup Call Forwarding and Simultaneous ring in Lync 2010

We’ve had a few call forwarding questions lately, so I wanted to include a good how-to video for setting it up.

Since this one comes from the Microsoft Lync Adoption and Training Kit, I’d say it qualifies.

Make a Call Using Lync 2010

The acting is kind of bland, but don’t let that ruin this Microsoft training video. It does a good job of showing Lync’s call options. Starting calls from IM, adding people to existing calls, two-click conference calls, and so on.

What other Lync Server videos have you seen? Any good how-to’s we should mention here?

First off, I want to say thank you to all the new signups, and the people who’ve emailed me with questions! We’ve had a lot of conversations lately. It’s great! Lync Server adoption is growing like crazy (not just on the blog too – we’re getting more & more consulting projects on it).

Today’s post centers on the Skype purchase. Yes, once again. Someone asked about it, honest!

Thing is, they asked me a very poignant question:
“What else do you think is in the cards for Skype at Microsoft? I’m thinking about Windows 8, mostly.”

GOOD question. And from just a little research, I determined that we’re not the only ones who’ve weighed in on it lately.

Skype’s Future at Microsoft: Ars Technica Speculates

Big-name tech news site Ars Technica posted on this the other day. Jon Brodkin speculated on “integration everywhere,” putting everything from Windows Phone to Xbox Live to Windows 8 on Skype’s potential-destination radar.

Jon has some very good points about how easily Skype could be integrated into the Microsoft software base. I think building it into Xbox Live and Windows desktop make a lot of sense. With that in mind, I’ll say this:
Adding Skype as a default option to Windows 8 is the smart play.

Picture this. You install Windows 8 around this time next year, on a dozen tablets for employees. Lync Server is already running on your back-end. The Skype client included in your Windows 8 detects each employee’s Lync credentials, auto-configures…and poof, your employees are able to call anyone.

I mean *anyone.* In the office or around the world. The VoIP in Skype and the Unified Communications in Lync, working together.

Pick up a Windows Phone and you’d have the same connectivity there. Same interface too. Sounds like a good future for Skype, doesn’t it?

Will Skype Grow, Shrink, or Vanish? Web Users Weigh In

That wasn’t the only speculation I came across though. Many Web users have their own questions. And their own concerns.

I’ve copied out a few of them below. And added my own thoughts. Some useful food for thought, for those of us involved in office communications.

“Do we have to use an integrated client?”
I suspect there will be several client options. A “basic” Skype client, Lync 2010 with Skype baked in, a Windows Phone app, etc.

“Skype on Windows Phone 7?”
As one commenter said on the Ars Technica piece, “Microsoft could easily roll its own telephony package.”  With the Skype technology and a Lync backend, they could indeed. That’s a bit more ambitious than I was thinking. It would be a very good pull for Windows Phone though!

“Skype allowed multiple logins before. Will we lose that?”
More than one person was interested in multiple logins. Since a seamless integration – not just with Lync, but also with Windows Phone and Xbox – makes sense, multiple logins is still a safe bet.

“Will Skype disappear into Lync and Windows Live Messenger?”
Unlikely. The Skype contact interface is too well-known to just throw it out. It’s more likely that Windows Live Messenger will take on most of Skype’s interface.
Lync less so, since it has its own interface. That will be more of an in-process integration; certain steps to use Lync may come to resemble Skype.

“Skype’s painfully inefficient. Anything Microsoft does will be an improvement.”
While that seems a little excessive, a lot of user complaints about Skype are that it’s slow. Bloated, memory hog, call it whatever you want.
Will that increase load time for Lync? Or other Windows integrations? Possibly. It IS a disparate code base. One possible method would be to re-develop segments of the code as they’re integrated into separate Microsoft platforms (one for Lync, one for Xbox, one for Windows 7, one for Windows 8…).

Hopefully Microsoft will release some additional plans soon. Now that the merger is approved, they’ll want to avoid wild speculation going on too long.

Since there’s already so much discussion, they’d better hurry!

I hope this sates your curiosity (for now). Next week I’ll discuss a Lync bug we came across in our latest implementation.

I received a reader email last week. The sender said:
“Your instructions don’t work. There is no ‘Options’ in the Mac version of Lync.”

He’s correct. Lync for Mac/Communicator 2011 doesn’t use the exact same interface as Lync 2010. So my instructions from 8 Things to Do With a New Lync Client were missing something!

Specifically, the sender wanted to add a picture to his Communicator account. So we looked for another way to add pictures.

We found one pretty fast, too! Credit to Joe on the PlanetMagpie team for the following method.

Upload Pictures with the Exchange Management Shell

The solution was to use the Exchange 2010 Management Shell. The Management Shell is a command-line interface where you can automate administrative tasks using lines of code called “cmdlets.”

I wrote about cmdlets the other day, when we discussed backing up and restoring Lync Servers.

The cmdlet we need for adding pictures is “Import-RecipientDataProperty.” The upload process Joe worked out goes like this:

1. Upload the picture you want to add to Lync (or Communicator for Mac) to a folder on your servers. Any internal location should do, but I recommend a spot on your Lync or Exchange servers.
   • NOTE: The picture must be less than 10kb in size, and preferably 96px by 96px.
2. Note the specific folder location. You’ll need this.
3. On the server where Exchange is installed, click Start > All Programs.
4. Navigate to “Microsoft Exchange Server 2010″.
5. Click Exchange Management Shell.
6. In the new Shell window, type the following:Import-RecipientDataProperty -Identity “User Name” -Picture -FileData ([Byte[]]$(Get-Content -Path “C:\Pictures\Picture1.jpg” -Encoding Byte -ReadCount 0))
7. Replace the “User Name” with your username. Replace “C:\Picture\Picture1.jpg” with the specific folder location of the uploaded picture.
8. This adds the picture to your Active Directory schema, under a property called “thumbnailPhoto.”
9. Replicate the new property to the Global Address List (GAL). If you have Exchange 2010 SP1, this should be done by default.
10. If not, you’ll need to turn on replication for the “thumbnailPhoto” attribute. Visit this link: Adding photos to the Exchange 2010 Global Address List – ExchangeInbox.com. Follow the instructions in the “Preparing the AD Schema” section.
11. Lync acquires the picture from the GAL replication.

And that’s it! Your picture should now display in Lync. Even on a Mac.

Do you use Lync for Mac?  What are your impressions of its interface? Is it missing anything right now that you’d enjoy using?

On Monday my boss handed me a new Jabra headset and said, “Here, we got a bunch of these in. Try it out. Let’s put a review up.”

Sure!

Image courtesy of Jabra.com.

Starting With a Headset Overview

I’m using a Jabra BIZ 620 USB mono headset (one headphone, for the right ear). The mic arm is adjustable, and moves up to 270 degrees.

In other words, up alongside your head when you want it out of the way.

The headset has an integrated call control knob on the cord (right).

The buttons are (from top to bottom):

• Answer Call
• Increase Volume
• Lower Volume
• End Call (Pressing this button when not in a call will mute your mic)

There’s also two LEDs on the call control. One green LED to indicate that the device is in use; one red LED to indicate that the headset is muted.

The BIZ 620 is a USB plug-and-play headset. No drivers are required. Just plug it in and you’re ready to talk.

Supports Windows 2000, XP, Vista, and Windows 7. Also support Mac OS 9.0.4 and up.

Putting it On

The call control knob is a little heavy, causes headset to tilt if it’s not adjusted. I had to keep the band fairly tight to balance out the weight on the cord. Once I did that, the headset was very comfortable.
The ear piece is well-padded, so it sits very lightly against the ear.

The mic is adjustable. Jabra recommends putting it about two finger-lengths away from your face.

I’ve had the headset on for about an hour now. No discomfort whatsoever. (In fact I stood up a moment ago, forgetting it was on!)

After I plugged the headset in, Lync automatically recognized it and switched my audio devices. (Note the headset icon in the lower-left corner.)

Right here!

That’s all the configuration I had to do. A test under Options/Audio Device reveals that the headset volume is set to about 40% by default. Just tap the “+” on the call control knob to raise it.

From here, it’s just a matter of clicking a contact (or entering a phone number) and hitting Enter.

Making Calls in Lync 2010

Rubber meets the road time!

I tested the headset on four calls: two to internal contacts, and two to outside clients.

I didn’t tell any of them I used the headset.

Both of the outside clients asked if I had a new phone. When asked why, they said I sounded much clearer. (I’d spoken with them before using my laptop’s built-in mic.)

It’s always better listening to voices through headphones than laptop speakers. The Jabra headset improved sound quality for both of us. No static, no pauses, no issues.

Final Verdict: Great Headset for Lync Users

The Jabra BIZ 620 USB is optimized for use with Lync Server. It’s one of Jabra’s Unified Communications products, made for their partnership with Microsoft. lines comes in mono (one headphone) and duo (two headphones) versions. USB and MS connectors available.

I really like how simple this headset makes things. There’s no setup, and no extra steps in Lync. Click to make a call, and this headset handles the rest.

The Jabra BIZ 620 USB headsets are available through several distributors and resellers. Jabra maintains a list on this page: Jabra BIZ 620 Series – Authorized Distributors and Resellers

Do you use a Jabra headset with Lync? Which model? How’s it working for you?

We’re installing Lync Server for a new client right now. So far everything’s gone smoothly – no server snags, & the user PCs are all new enough to handle Lync.

However, we’re fielding questions about the Lync 2010 client. (This client didn’t have OCS 2007 before, so the Lync interface is brand new to them.)

Is the Lync client new to you? Are you uncertain of what to do once it’s up & running on your screen? Today’s blog post is for you.

I’ve written out 8 things you should do after Lync loads for the first time on your PC. There’s basic stuff, and a couple things that aren’t mentioned in the tutorial screen (so you might miss them). These are all based on the questions we’ve answered for our newest Lync client.

1. Run Through the “Welcome to Lync” Intro

The intro comes up automatically the first time you open Lync. It shows you were to enter your Presence status, what your picture will be, what mobile number you have listed. The important thing is that the intro also tests your audio & video.

Check your audio by clicking “Phone Check”. Click the “Make a Test Call” button. A Lync call window will open, asking you to record a message. It’ll play that message back, so you can hear how you’ll sound on calls.

Next, check your video by clicking “Webcam Check”. This will activate your webcam (if you have one attached or built into your PC) and display it. If all’s well, you should see yourself. (Hope you combed your hair!)

Once you’ve checked audio & video, close the Intro. Now we need to check some options.

2. Turn on Logging (and Event Logging)

• Click the Options button (the gear at top right).
• Under the General options, you should see a Logging section.
• Check the “Turn on logging in Lync” and “Turn on Windows Event logging for Lync” if they aren’t already checked.
• Logging helps pinpoint issues when troubleshooting. If issues come up later, that is.

3. Add a Picture

• Under Options, click My Picture in the left-side menu.
• Chances are you’re set to the faceless “Default corporate picture”. Click “Show a picture from a web address” to add your own.
• Microsoft has provided instructions on how to prepare and add a picture to Lync.

4. Verify Your Phone Numbers are Accurate

• Click Phones in the left-side menu.
• You should see your phone numbers – work, mobile, home.
• Uncheck the “Include in my contact card” box if you don’t want Lync users to see them.
• If the numbers aren’t right, contact your network administrator. (Your information is pulled from Active Directory. If it’s inaccurate, it should be changed in AD.)

5. Set Call Forwarding

• Still under Options, click Call Forwarding.
• You’re probably set to “Turn off call forwarding”. This is fine; as you’ll note in the white settings box, unanswered calls should go to voice mail.
• If you want calls to forward, click “Forward my calls to:” and select the number. Or contact.
• If you want calls to ring your phone and another phone simultaneously, click “Simultaneously ring:” and select the number/contact.
• One change I recommend is in the white settings box. Click the text beside “These settings will apply:”, and you’ll see a window with two options. “All the Time” and “During work hours only as specified in Outlook”. Select “During work hours” and click OK.

Click OK to close the Options window. We’re done there. Now let’s play with Lync a little.

6. Make a Test Call

Just right-click any contact you have and select “Call”. (Make sure they’re not Busy first!)

7. Verify Lync Add-ons Work

Here’s a bonus you might not have heard about. Lync 2010 installs two add-ons for Internet Explorer (8 and up recommended). These add-ons make it possible to Click-to-Call.

What’s Click-to-Call? Open up Internet Explorer and you’ll see. Go to any website that lists a phone number on the homepage.

See the phone icon beside it? That’s Click-to-Call. You click that icon, and Lync calls the number for you!

Test this with any number you want. It works just like calling a contact in Lync. (NOTE: The Lync add-on only works in Internet Explorer.)

8. Set Presence Status

• Back in the Lync client window, click the Personal Note area up top (above your picture).
• Type in a short message on what you’re doing. For instance, “Working on the Fisherman Project”.
• Below your name you should see “Available”. Click on it; you’ll see a menu drop down. Click “Busy” to change your Presence.
• Below that you’ll see a field labeled “Set Your Location”. Click it. Type in your location (at your desk, at the office, on-site with a client, etc.).

And now, you’re ready to start using Lync 2010!

Are you a new Lync user? What else would you like to know about the client?

I almost didn’t have time to blog today. Ironically, that’s because two Lync clients are moving forward at the same time. Busy busy.

But, some links have found their way into my browser this past week that were too good not to share. I came across a stellar walkthrough, a new tool for visualizing Lync communication lines, and a complaint from a former Microsoft UC MVP.

I’ve provided the links below. Along with summaries, and my own impressions. And my first impression is, if you want to know anything about how Lync Server is installed, read the first one:

1. Install and Configure Lync Server 2010 Step by Step (with Screenshots for Every Step!)

Last week DoItFixIt.com posted a walkthrough on how to install Lync Server. Somebody spent a LOT of time making this. Their walkthrough is as thorough as a Microsoft TechNet page. With more screenshots.

Seriously, almost every step in this install has a full-sized screenshot included. (Click on any screenshot and it’ll enlarge.)

They run through installing a Lync Standard Edition Server, with Windows Server 2008 preparation, Active Directory configuration, certificate verification and a user setup at the end.

I have to wonder how many hours it took to put this together! It’s one of the best walkthroughs I’ve seen for Lync, hands down. The Lync community owes you guys one!

2. Lync Not Enterprise-Ready, Claims MS Rival – NetworkWorld

Joe Schurman, a former Microsoft MVP who now works for Avaya, has declared Lync Server as a poor choice for enterprises. He’s lobbed 3 complaints against Lync: a) bad support for mobile, b) it’s sold as a software-only platform despite requiring lots of hardware, and c) It’s full of “licensing gotchas”.

Frankly, I think Lync is a fine choice for ALL business types, including enterprises. It does require some preparation and appropriate hardware on the backend. Guess what? So does just about every other server platform out there.

I do agree that mobile support is still lagging. But, as I blogged about last week, the marketplace itself is fixing that.

Something to remember about Lync: It may be a successor to OCS 2007. But with the radical changes made to its architecture, I think of it as an entirely new system. And every new system, no matter who makes it, will have bugs.

The complaint’s well thought out, no question. I don’t fully agree, but it’s good information for the rest of us to chew on. Maybe it will spark further improvements to Lync Server. That’d be the best way to approach this, in my slightly-Lync-biased opinion.

3. Lync Protocols and Ports App for Windows 7 Phones

Via NextHop
I can’t say I’m a big fan of this Windows Phone app store. The design is chunky and cluttered. But the app, as very nicely explained on the NextHop blog, makes for a good Lync reference tool.

The app visualizes all the communication points in Lync. If Client X can’t connect out, this app shows you which links to check. Great for troubleshooting, or as a visual aid for Lync support training.

“Lync Protocols and Ports” is free, but only available on Windows 7 Phones right now. I didn’t find it in the Android Market.

Which of these was most interesting? Should I look for more Lync apps, or walkthroughs, or discussions? You decide. Please email or comment what you think.