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?

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.

I’m not a Mac guy. One of our web designers is; he LOVES his Mac. And he does produce some really sharp images on it for us.

So I know that more & more companies use Macs in the office. If not for everyday computing, then at least for specialist jobs like graphics work, web development, video.

And like everyone else, Mac users will want to stay in contact with co-workers. When it came to Lync Server, this was difficult at first – Mac-based clients weren’t first priority.

But now that’s over with. Not only do we have a Lync client for the Mac, two clients for the iOS (iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad) are now available. Let’s take a look, hmm?

Microsoft Lync for Mac

Starting October 1st, Microsoft will ship the official Lync client for Mac.

(Credit to Mary Jo Foley for breaking the news.)

It’s got pretty much everything Lync for PC does: IM/Presence, voice and video, conferencing, desktop sharing, you name it. I don’t have a Mac to test this on, but the interface shots mirror Lync almost exactly.

You can use Lync for Mac with Lync Server 2010 and Lync Online (the Office 365 offering).

(Microsoft’s site says that “some voice capabilities require Lync Server 2010 and are not available with Lync Online.” Doesn’t give specifics though.)

Lync for Mac will be included with Office for Mac Standard 2011, via Volume Licensing.

Xync for iOS (iPhone, iPad) and Android

Credit to Tom Arbuthnot at the Lync’d Up blog for this one. He did a review of Xync on his iPad 2 last month.
(I borrowed the below screenshots from there.)

Xync’s website says the client supports Presence, Search, Audio/Video and PSTN Calls. The “Conferencing” link in their FAQ didn’t work, so I don’t know how much of the Conferencing role is supported yet.

Tom tested sign-in, IM, making calls and adding video. He noted one interesting caveat here: When in a video call to a Lync user, the iPad video looks fine. But the video on the Lync side doesn’t look so good. (You can see the difference in his screenshots.) Commenters also noted that the Xync client crashes on sign-in. Possibly an interface bug, or just a glitch.

Xync is available in the Android Market and the iPhone/iPad App Stores for $19.99. At its website you’ll find a FAQ, guides and how-to videos.

iDialog for iPhone

I couldn’t review Xync and ignore where Tom’s coming from, could I?

Tom works for Modality Systems, which ALSO has a Lync client for iPhone: iDialog. I mentioned it last year in my “How to Use OCS 2007 on Your Mobile” post. iDialog has since been updated for use with Lync Server as well.

The one caveat with iDialog is that it does not take Lync calls directly. From their site:

“…a user can control incoming phone calls to their OCS or Lync phone numbers. iDialog does this by alerting the user to the incoming call and providing the option to forward the call to their mobile phone, voice mail, or another device.”

However, you can reach contacts, IM, and change your presence status. The interface is nearly identical to Microsoft Lync, too.

iDialog is $9.99 in the iPhone App Store.

Never let it be said that, when it comes to Lync, Microsoft ignored the Mac users! In fact, I think the timetable for this release is faster than average – Microsoft doesn’t usually release a Mac software version this fast.

Maybe the third-party mobile apps have sped up timetables. Who knows. I’m glad the mobile apps exist; several good options for every mobile platform makes Lync adoption that much easier.

“If we move to Lync, can we use it on your iPhones?”
“What about my Droid?”

Yes. And yes.

Do you have Lync on your smartphone? What do you use?

Right now there are two Lync Server certifications:
70-664 Microsoft Lync Server 2010, Configuring, and
70-665 Microsoft Lync Server 2010, Administrator.

However, they’re both very new certs. So new in fact, that we don’t have a lot of ways to prepare for them!

Oh, Microsoft has a 5-day class and an e-learning module. But no MS Press books. And no practice tests (yikes!). What do we do?

It’s up to the bloggers, I guess. And we’ve already taken up the challenge. In fact, the heavy lifting has already been done.

Lync Study Guides, Courtesy of GeeksWithBlogs

Enrique Lima at GeeksWithBlogs.Net has meticulously gone through both certs’ “Skills Measured” lists and paired each objective with a TechNet article.

Add these posts to your study aids:
Unofficial Prep guide for TS: Microsoft Lync Server 2010, Configuring (70-664)

Unofficial Prep guide for PRO: Microsoft Lync Server 2010, Administrator (70-665) Part 1 of 2

Unofficial Prep guide for PRO: Microsoft Lync Server 2010, Administrator (70-665) Part 2 of 2

A Book and a Practice Exam

If you want a practice exame, about the only thing I came across was ExamWorx. They list dozens of practice exams and demos for certs. They have one each for 70-664 and 70-665. 664 seems a little out of date (it calls Lync “The Next Release of Office Communications Server 2007″), but it’s better than nothing.

Each has a 10-question demo available for free download. I tried them both out – fairly basic, but it could help you get into the testing mindset.

A much bigger help, I think, comes from this book: Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Unleashed, published by Sams.

It’s an extremely detailed guide to Lync Server 2010. Sams once again has a winner.

The only snag is, the Skills Measured lists don’t correspond to the book. You can find them IN the book, but you’ll have to search.

In the interests of saving us all time, I put together this list of callouts between Skills Measured listed on 70-665′s page and Lync Unleashed pages. (The ones I’ve found so far. There are more.)

• Design Mediation Topology: Pages 444-452, Chapter 18
• Design Edge Topology: Pages 140-149, Chapter 6.
• Design Call Admission Control (CAC): Page 470, Chapter 18.
• Design for Voice Routing: Pages 455-461, Chapter 18/Pages 739-741, Chapter 28
• Define Conference Policies: Pages 124, Chapter 5 AND Pages 503-517, Chapter 19
• Design for Response Group Services (RGS): Pages 483-496, Chapter 18
• Plan for Migration: Pages 407-421, Chapter 16

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some studying to do.

Are you taking the Lync Server certification exams? What helped you prepare the most? Please share it with the rest of us!

We’re at the end!

The end of the “20 Tasks” series, I mean, (Hah, I scared you! No, the blog’s not going anywhere.)

For the final entry in this series, let’s talk branch appliances.

Branch appliances are Lync Servers running at branch offices. They handle communications between the branch office and the main office, including phone calls, for up to 1,000 users.

(If you have more than 1,000 users at a branch site, you’ll need a Branch Server instead – slightly different installation.)

The main value of a branch appliance is Enterprise Voice. Namely, that branch offices can continue using Enterprise Voice – even if the link to the main office goes down.

If you’re in a position where you need to add a branch appliance, celebrate! It means things are going well!

And then, keep reading.

How to Deploy a Branch Appliance

Part 1: Prepare the Branch Site

We start preparation by adding a new branch appliance to Active Directory. Make sure the physical server is in place beforehand though!

1. Log on to Lync Server as an Enterprise Admins Group member.
2. Click Start, and then click Administrative Tools.
3. Click Active Directory Users and Computers.
4. On the Actions menu, click New –> Computer.
   In the New Object-Computer dialog box, type in a name for the Survivable Branch Appliance computer object (i.e., “OliveBranch1″).
5. Click Change.
6. In the Select User or Group dialog box, add the RTCUniversalSBATechnicians group and then click OK.
7. Click OK to save the Survivable Branch Appliance computer object.
8. Click Start, click Administrative Tools, and then click ADSI Edit.
9. In ADSI Edit, right-click the computer object that you created in the previous steps, and then click Properties.
10. In the attribute list, click servicePrincipalName, and then click Edit.
11. In the Value to add field, type HOST/. (without the brackets) is the FQDN we just set for the branch appliance. For example, “HOST/OliveBranch1.mysite.com”.
12. Click OK to save the servicePrincipalName attribute setting. Then click OK to save the computer object properties.
13. In Active Directory Users and Computers, right-click Users.
14. Click New –> User.
15. Enter information into the wizard to create a domain user account for a Survivable Branch Appliance technician. (They’ll be responsible for adding the physical device to the domain.)
16. In Active Directory Users and Computers, click Users, right-click the user object. Click Add to a group.
17. In Enter the object names to select, type RTCUniversalSBATechnicians, and then click OK.
18. If you want to add more technicians to this branch site, repeat Steps 12-15.

Part 2: Add the Branch Site to Lync Topology

Next up we’ll add the branch site to your Lync topology.

1. Click Start, click All Programs, click Microsoft Lync Server 2010, and then click Lync Server Topology Builder.
2. In the console tree, expand the central site, right-click Branch sites, and then click New Branch Site.
3. In the Define New Branch Site dialog box, click Name, and then type the name of the branch site.
4. If you want to, click Description and enter a description for the branch site (so you can distinguish later).
5. Click Next.
6. (Optional) In the next Define New Branch Site dialog box, do any of the following:
   • Click City, and then type the name of the city in which the branch site is located.
   • Click State/Region, and then type the name of the state or region in which the branch site is located.
   • Click Country Code, and then type the two-digit calling code for the country/region in which the branch site is located.
7. Click Next.
8. If you are using a Survivable Branch Appliance or Server at this site, make sure the Open the New Survivable Wizard when this wizard closes box is checked.
9. Click Finish, and then follow the directions in the wizard that opens. You’ll need the following information:
   • The new branch appliance’s FQDN
   • Which Edge Server this branch appliance will connect to
   • The FQDN or IP address for the gateway you’ll associate the branch appliance with
10. If you want to see what the wizard will want ahead of time, see this page: Define a Survivable Branch Appliance or Server.

Part 3: Determine What Voice Routing Method to Use

There are three options when it comes to routing method. A PSTN gateway, or SIP trunking with or without media bypass. I’ll link to TechNet posts on each for greater detail:

1. Define a PSTN Gateway at the branch site,
2. Configure Media Bypass on a SIP Trunk,
3. Or configure the SIP Trunk without Media Bypass.

As of yet we haven’t performed #2 for any clients. We have done 1 and 3. Neither is difficult. But be sure to test your branch appliance thoroughly, just in case!

After all this, your new branch appliance should be in place and running.

I’m not sure what next week’s post will be on. We’ve received a lot of questions (and Lync issues) lately, so the field is fertile. Do you have a question about Lync Server–or a problem? Email me, or leave a comment. I like digging for the answers.

Hope everyone in the US has a good Labor Day!

Live Meeting’s functionality was absorbed into Lync Server. Since Lync had Web Conferencing (and the Dial-In Conferencing service!) built in, it made sense to equip the software with Live Meeting’s anyone-can-join capability too.

With Live Meeting, people wanting to join a conference (as guests, outside your network) would join in by downloading the Live Meeting Client. In Lync Server, you have two new choices: Lync Attendee, or the Lync Web App.

Meeting Option #1: Lync Attendee

Lync Attendee is a downloadable client for external users to join Lync meetings. In other words, it operates just like the Live Meeting Client.

However, it doesn’t allow for Presence, or scheduling meetings on its own. (You need the full Lync client for those.) Attendees can enter a meeting as a Guest or as an Authenticated User, with their own corporate credentials.
Download Lync Attendee here.

Meeting Option #2: Lync Web App

The Lync Web App is a Silverlight-based app for people who don’t have Lync 2010. It enables remote connection as a guest – same functionality as Live Meeting, just in a Web-based app.

The Web App doesn’t allow for Presence either. But it *does* include IM. And all the collaboration features you’d find in Lync 2010 or Lync Attendee: PowerPoint presentations, the Whiteboard, polls, etc.

(Using these features may prompt attendees to download a plugin. Warn them beforehand.)

NextHop has a thorough run-down of the Lync Web App here.

So Which Should You Use for Meetings?

If you’re reasonably sure attendees are on newer computers, use the Lync Web App. Silverlight is newer technology; the latest systems will support it easily.

Also, use the Web App if you’re inviting people on Macs and/or smartphones.

Otherwise, go with Lync Attendee. It’s a good all-around client for meetings, and it’s easier to use than Live Meeting.

A Note About Conference Scheduling

Scheduling a web conference in Lync is pretty easy. Lync users can begin a meeting anytime (what’s called an “ad-hoc meeting”) by right-clicking on another contact.

However, when it comes to scheduling meetings, the Conferencing Add-In I mentioned will likely get more use. Being integrated into Outlook, it’s literally right there.

You’ll see a “New Online meeting” button (with the Lync logo) under Calendar. Click that and enter the meeting details.

This should clear up a little confusion. I’m sure there’s a lot more to discuss when it comes to meetings in Lync though.

Have you had trouble scheduling or attending one? Let’s hear about it!

Sometimes the phones just won’t work. And then they call you. So you’d better know how to fix them!

Troubleshooting Lync devices (mostly phones, but this applies to gateways and other devices too) is a lot like any other tech support.

As such, the standard behaviors apply:
a. Test the device.
b. Restart it.
c. Check logs for problems.
d. If it’s not fixed, then move to support resources.

Since I can’t restart your phone from way over here (and frankly, I look at enough logs!), I’ll help out with the resources part.

Support Resources for Lync Phones, and Other Devices (If You Use Them)

1. Tools & Services for Troubleshooting Devices
   This is a list of, naturally, tools and Lync services that help you troubleshoot. The Control Panel, Management Shell, Monitoring Server reports, etc. Start here. 

   Note: One of the tools listed is Device Logs. If you find yourself collecting logs a lot, try installing a Collect Logs button in Microsoft Lync to expedite the process.
   The Lync PowerShell blog has an excellent write-up on how to setup a Collect Logs button. (Fair warning, it uses a little PowerShell.)

2. Troubleshoot Devices (Connections, Phone Issues)
   This section drills into IP phone support. It has useful infographics on how phones connect in Lync, and checklists so you avoid missing an obvious-after-you-see-it step. 

   The “Device Connection Process” subpage helped us troubleshoot an internal phone the other day in fact. It hadn’t received an update; we pushed it out again, and everything worked.

3. You can also download a guide with all of the above information (and more):
   Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Device Management and Troubleshooting Guide from Microsoft Downloads. 

   I like having this option because it’s a Word document, it’s small and it’s simply-formatted. Meaning you can load it on just about any smartphone and bring it with you.

Of course, you have this blog as a support resource too! And the other Lync Server blogs I’ve linked to in the past.

Have you encountered a phone-specific Lync problem? What was it?