During my 17 years at Microsoft, I have seen computers and software become an increasingly important part of communication. E-mail, instant messaging, presence, Web conferencing, and VoIP telephony are completely transforming the way that we communicate. By combining these modes of communication, Microsoft Office Communications Server provides enterprise users with easy and flexible ways to communicate with colleagues and contacts. This is a major shift from device-centric communication to people-centric communication. This software-powered transformation is so fundamental that we are redefining the traditional communication models, deployment models, and programmability. This is the new world of Microsoft Unified Communications.

Communication is critical to every business. Before you make the leap to any unified communications solution, you will want to know all the facts about making the transition. Most unified communications solutions involve migration from and interoperating with existing PBXs, as well as network infrastructure, such as routers, firewalls, and load balancers. If you want to understand how all the components work together, determine how to use and secure the solution, and ensure performance, this book is for you.

The Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 Resource Kit is the most in-depth technical reference to date on Office Communications Server. The authors and contributors are key engineers and consultants who built, tested, and deployed the product. They provide their unique perspective and deep knowledge of how Office Communications Server works and explain ways to better plan, deploy, and troubleshoot your own unified communications infrastructure. In addition, there are scenario-based walkthroughs that take you through the experience of planning and deploying Office Communications Server, with insights and tips from consultants who are currently leading Office Communications Server deployments in major enterprises around the world.

I have known the authors and contributors for many years. We built and learned about this product together. As the designers and implementers of key features in Office Communications Server, both Jeremy and Rui educated Microsoft IT and Support teams, many enterprise customers, and fellow engineers about the inner workings of the product. As a member of the Technical Adoption Program team, Jochen leveraged his many years of industry experience migrating PBX infrastructures to software VoIP systems to help numerous customers understand and successfully roll out their Office Communications Server systems. This book passes on the expertise and experiences of these key people to you.

Jeremy, Rui, Jochen, and the contributing authors have done a fantastic job providing the key information about the inner workings of Office Communications Server in a clear, concise style that will appeal to any architect or IT-professional. As an engineer, I especially appreciate the tools and detailed diagnostic resources that can be used by developers and administrators alike to understand, monitor, and troubleshoot their Office Communications Server system.

Leading the Microsoft Unified Communications effort from the beginning has been an amazing experience for me. I hope that implementing these ground-breaking products in your unified communications strategy is an empowering experience for you as well.

Gurdeep Singh Pall

Corporate Vice President, Office Communications Group, Microsoft Corporation