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Web conferencing and call platform for businesses

Web conferencing and call platform for businesses

Vote: (44 votes)

Program license: Trial version

Developer: Microsoft

Version: 15.0.4420.1017

Works under: Windows

Vote:

Program license

(44 votes)

Trial version

Developer

Version

Microsoft

15.0.4420.1017

Works under:

Windows

Businesses can connect through Microsoft Lync, an instant messaging client for employees of various businesses.

Microsoft Lync is still available for download although it is now formally known as Skype for Business. Think of Skype as it might be used in a business environment, and you instantly have an idea of how Microsoft Lync worked in its previous editions. This is a powerful tool for collaboration between employees of businesses. The tools have been praised as extensive and easy to use, while still maintaining a professional vibe that brings along with it a slight learning curve. There's a lot to explore here.

The fonts are what you would expect for a chat client that thrives on communication. You've got clear status updates on all of your contacts on the platform so that you can easily contact them if you need to. Outlook integration is welcomed and provided. Conferencing features will please people, too. No matter what you have to share - audio, screenshots, video - you've got a way to do it on Microsoft Lync. Everything is kept very simple but still has a sleek professional look to it.

The new edition has some upgrades. For example, the stability of the video calling is much improved here. There's less lag and more time to actually communicate with your peers. There are sharp changes to the appearance as well. You'll get a Windows 8 vibe to it. If you love Windows 8's flat colors, you're going to love this. If you don't, there's not much to brag about in terms of appearance. Functionality is through the roof, though.

Pros

  • Interface is simple, muted and easy to use
  • Features are impressive and varied

Cons

  • You can inexplicably only use Lync with some versions of Office, which can be a real pain to some users
  • Not a very exciting professional chat client

If you want functionality, Lync has been a go-to program for some time. Microsoft knows how to make you productive. They do so with very few fireworks or glamour, though.