Microsoft Lync: More Unified Communications Partner Momentum?

Microsoft (symbol: MSFT) Lync, the unified communications platform that could launch Microsoft into the cloud PBX market, seems to be gaining more momentum with partners and customers. A new report from Zeacom and McGee-Smith Analytics suggests growing reseller interest in Lync as a contact center applications platform. But even if you’re skeptical of such research, Microsoft’s own financial data suggests Lync is the next big platform from Redmond, Wash.

First, the research: Zeacom is an independent software vendor (ISV) that works closely with Microsoft Lync, Avaya, Cisco Systems (CSCO) and NEC. Zeacom commissioned a report, produced by McGee-Smith Analytics, that reveals “strong, steadily increasing interest from [resellers’] customers for Microsoft Lync information and proposals.  The familiarity and ubiquity of the Microsoft interface is outpacing traditional vendor attempts to “own” the desktop collaboration experience.”

The report summary doesn’t offer up and big Lync adoption stats, but recent Microsoft financial analyst calls have often involved updates on Lync sales trends. Back in January 2012, Microsoft mentioned that quarterly revenues from Lync and Dynamics CRM grew by more than 30 percent. And more recently, Microsoft Channel Chief Jon Roskill described how “cloudified” versions of Lync and other Microsoft business applications would continue to gain popularity.

The VAR Guy realizes Microsoft faces intense competition on multiple fronts. But our resident blogger thinks Lync’s momentum will further accelerate once the platform is finally available as a full-blown PBX within the Office 365 or Windows Azure cloud. Right now, Microsoft’s Lync Online offering doesn’t include that fully powered PBX option.

For that reason, The VAR Guy is keeping a close eye on Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference 2012 (July 8-12, Toronto). Surely, more Lync surprises will surface at the conference.