The certification forms part of Microsoft’s Unified Communications Open Interoperability Program (UCOIP) through an independent 3rdy party process that validates the operator’s services meets the requirements required to successfully operate with a Microsoft Lync Server.
Steve Ashley-Brian, Gamma’s SIP Trunking Product Manager “This is a major step forward for us and heralds a new and exciting chapter in the provision of SIP trunks via channel partners.”
The announcement makes Gamma one of just a handful of service providers in the UK that is authorised to interwork directly with Microsoft Lync. Steve Tassell, UC Product Manager at Microsoft said “now that their service is certified, Gamma is in an excellent position to allow channel partners in the UK to maximise the opportunity that this presents.”
Steve Ashley-Brian continued, “As SIP trunking continues to gain momentum as the logical replacement for ISDN, resellers need to remain conscious not only of the features that make Microsoft Lync attractive to end users, but also of the connectivity options that are essential for successful installations. SIP trunking has unique strengths that play well into such an environment; notably number flexibility and a range of resilience options. SIP can also provide painless migrations by responding to hybrid environments where MS Lync may still need to be operating with an existing PBX.”
From the channel’s perspective, a typical Microsoft reseller will want to work with an experienced voice provider, particularly if they want to experience a high level of confidence in the whole solution; for some, with little or no experience, this will be a prerequisite.