Yesterday, Microsoft announced a private beta of its Office Communications Server 2007, introducing VoIP services and other new communication features into the Exchange environment. OCS 2007 will allow companies to integrate VoIP technology into their existing telephony infrastructure, eliminating the need for expensive network overhauls and extending the lifespan of existing investments. By the second quarter of 2007, Microsoft said it will open the beta to 2,500 IT professionals at 1,100 companies.

For more information about Microsoft and VoIP:
- read this InformationWeek article
- see this press release

PLUS: In an interview with FierceVoIP, Chris Cullin, director of product management for Microsoft's Unified Communications Group, discusses Microsoft's VoIP strategy. Interview

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