ShoreTel

Introducing OCS 2007 R2

Microsoft is hosting an official launch event for Office Communications Server 2007 R2, but the actual RTM code is already available. After testing the OCS 2007 R2 Beta for the past few months and deploying it internally, Mike Stacy of Evangelyze Communications recently had an opportunity to do the first real-world deployment for a customer. The implementation involved replacing an existing Shoretel PBX infrastructure. You can check out Mike’s blog for details about the project and the features and benefits that OCS 2007 R2 was able to deliver for this customer. If you’re free Tuesday, be sure to participate in the Microsoft launch event to learn even more about what R2 as to offer.

Shore Up Security With ShoreTel

It is an unfortunate truth in IT that hot new technologies tend to be embraced and adopted long before the concept of ’security’ enters the picture. Things are improving, but in general security is often an afterthought. VoIP was no different. As vendors pushed the idea of leveraging the existing IP data network for voice communications, and customers bought the idea that they could both save money, add features, and work more effectively, VoIP took off. Well after the fact the realization hit that voice communications were now residing on that same data network that is impacted by viruses, worms, denial-of-service (DoS) attacks and more. Communications that used to be completely separate might now be sniffed or intercepted on the network.

VoIP security is emerging as one of the next hot technologies (logical- as all of the VoIP adopters now need to protect their communications investments). ShoreTel, one of the bigger players in the IP PBX and VoIP arena, has introduced new products that incorporate a host of security features. The ShoreTel 8.0 software is pre-configured with many of the security features enabled. The remaining security functions can be turned on with a simple checkbox in the software.