The local unit of the software giant Microsoft has announced HCL Infosystems as Microsoft’s Voice Certified Partner for OCS R2. The Office Communications Server Release 2 (OCS R2) is used by Microsoft Unified Communications Platform to offer comprehensive communication services, such as Messaging, Voice and Video across applications and devices.

The partnership will allow the HCL customers to enjoy benefits of communication services including E-mail messaging, unified messaging of voice instant messaging and presence, conferencing (audio and video), live meeting, seamless federation and collaboration with partners and customers, voice integration with PBX and IP-PBX systems.

In a statement, HCL Infosystems has stated that the certification as a service partner for voice solutions will deliver key benefits to HCL customers. The Executive Vice President, HCL Infosystems Ltd., George Paul has stated that the HCL Infosystems is pleased to be selected as a certified partner to support Microsoft's Unified Communications technology. The company has a long standing relationship with Microsoft and the company believes that this recognition will make voice solutions a smoother experience for many customers by overcoming challenges like streamlining end user communication, integrating communication model with core business applications and collaboration with partners and customers to reduce associated cost and will help transforming businesses in the coming decade in the manner e-mail changed the business landscape in 1990s.

The Director-Microsoft Business Division, Microsoft India, Sanjay Manchanda has said that the importance of Unified Communications (UC) is increasing in the current economic scenario. It is one of the most flourishing areas toady, as it helps customers save expanses. The customers are increasingly opting for a comprehensive UC solution catering their email, chat, conferencing and voice requirements via a single user interface. Partners are always key to the success of UC, and the partnership with HCL will help delivering customers the full value of Microsoft’s software powered VoIP, and end–to-end Unified Communications solution.

Meanwhile, Proximity Communications has been declared as a Voice Ready Partner for Microsoft Unified Communications (UC). Proximity Communications was formed with the merger of Applinet and Unified Group in March.