Last October, Microsoft launched Office Communications Server 2007, the centerpiece of its unified communications platform. Since then, the number of partners earning a UC competency in the areas of instant messaging/presence, messaging and voice has more than doubled, from 793 in 2007 to more than 2,000 in 2008.
In unified communications, Microsoft has been navigating tricky waters as it attempts to unite the previously disparate worlds of voice VARs and traditional VARs. Next year when Microsoft launches Office Communications Server Online, the standalone version of which is priced at $2.50 per user/month, it'll have to be sure to clearly explain where the new revenue opportunities will lie for VARs.
