Global Crossing SIP Trunking Solutions Qualify for Microsoft Lync Server 2010

Global Crossing, a global IP solutions provider, today announced that its portfolio of Session Initiated Protocol (SIP) trunking solutions are qualified for Microsoft Lync Server 2010, enabling a feature-rich unified communications (UC) experience to customers worldwide.

Formerly known as Office Communications Server 2007 Release 2 (R2), Lync Server 2010 is the next generation of Microsoft's UC server and software that enables businesses to connect in new ways, anytime, anywhere.  Global Crossing is among a group of qualified SIP trunking providers worldwide working with beta customers on SIP trunking testing with Lync Server 2010.

"Global Crossing provides customers a portfolio of SIP trunking services to complement their Lync deployments," said Kirk Gregersen, senior director of product management for Microsoft Lync. "We are pleased to be working with Global Crossing in bringing cost-effective solutions to customers in transforming their communications."  

SIP trunking is the enabling technology that network providers rely on when establishing a broad range of UC tools such as "presence" solutions. Lync Server 2010 allows end-users to access presence-based features such as sending and receiving instant messages from within Microsoft Word documents or SharePoint sites. 

Global Crossing's SIP trunking solutions offer cost savings by eliminating the deployment and management of additional communications equipment. This simplified infrastructure increases productivity through easier-to-use communications tools and maximized bandwidth utilization in a converged environment.

"We were one of the first service providers qualified for Microsoft's communications platform," said Dave Carey, Global Crossing's chief marketing officer. "SIP Trunking provides us with a technical aptitude, reach, and customer service advantage that enables enterprises to migrate to the new server without service interruptions."

Global Crossing's network throughout Europe, North America and Latin America offers a UC experience for Lync Server 2010 users around the world.  The SIP Trunking solutions that support Lync Server 2010 include Global Crossing VoIP Outbound, Global Crossing VoIP Local Service, and Global Crossing VoIP Toll Free.  

These solutions combine voice, instant messaging, Web, audio, and videoconferencing services into a seamless, cost-effective and convenient global communications tool to help enterprises increase employee productivity. Global Crossing VoIP Local Service recently expanded to include 27 countries worldwide, with enhanced capabilities in select European countries. 

"As a provider of contact center software and IT services that leverage unified communications, and a Microsoft Certified Gold Partner, Aspect has been working closely with Global Crossing to test SIP trunking in support of Microsoft Lync 2010," said Jamie Ryan,  chief information officer at Aspect. "Global Crossing's SIP trunking solutions have enabled us to successfully manage off-net calling over a high quality IP connection while trialing the latest in Microsoft UC technology."

According to research firm IDC, the U.S. SIP trunking services market is projected to surpass $1.47 billion in revenue by 2014, representing growth of 39.8 percent between 2009 and 2014.