Busy blog day! :)
Today on TechNet, Dr. Rez, another article was published written by myself around configuring IntelePeer SIP trunks with Lync Server 2010. The article is very similar to the OCS articles written last year but of course focuses on Lync Server.
Lync Server 2010 does a great job of connecting Internet SIP trunks directly especially if a Cisco ASA is involved (the 5505 is an amazing appliance). Check out the article from either my home web site or directly on TechNet here.
2011 Orlando, FL
Other than the rain in Orlando (who could have expected that, not me) Orlando is very nice this time of year. I am enjoying the location/hotel happy that my presentation went well yesterday, but a bit under-whelmed at the information presented this year. So much has happened at such a fast pace in 2010 and the beginning of 2011 yet nothing 'new' is being discussed. The cloud story is not new - in fact the idea is not new. Migrations and methods - definitely useful for those that are still on older systems (and there are a lot), but again nothing new. Rehashing the new features that have already been discussed in the products is the most relevant I suppose, in case you have not heard...but really, what we what needs to be shared is how to use the technology in an efficient manner and make sure you are already for the technology tomorrow.
Granted, I do have a slighted view but I do think the UC technology (on premise) is where the futures and cost savings of tomorrow are to be found. Reducing Telco costs using ITSP SIP trunking, enabling a remote workforce, reducing travel expenses, all while improving time-to-market and customer/client satisfaction is exactly what Microsoft Lync has to offer.
If you are in Orlando for Exchange Connections make sure to stop at the EXC22: Enabling PSTN Communication Using the Internet and a SIP Trunk Provider with Lync Server (Tuesday, 10:15am in Tuscany B) where I will briefly discuss how to implement a SIP trunk using IntelePeer as an example.