Introducing Microsoft Lync Web App

With the release of Microsoft Lync 2010, we are introducing Lync Web App, a new Silverlight based web browser client that allows participants without Lync 2010 account or Lync 2010 client to participate in meetings using Windows or Mac operating system and present and view PowerPoint slides, share desktop/application (Windows platform only), poll the audience and collaborate on a whiteboard.

Lync Web App can be used by employees who have Lync 2010 account, but do not have a Lync 2010 client installed on their machines, like those working from home on a PC or a Mac. Lync Web App also enables external partners, such as salespeople, who are invited to Lync 2010 meetings but do not have Lync 2010 account to join meetings as guest.

The Lync Web App sign-in page below illustrates how Lync Web App can be used by guests who do not have a Lync 2010 account, as well as by users who have a Lync 2010 account, but do not have Lync 2010 client installed on their machine.

Lync Web App provides most of the Lync 2010 features in a meeting; including viewing and presenting PowerPoint slides, meeting wide IM, telephone based audio, file distribution and application and desktop sharing.

Check Supported platforms for Lync Web App to see if you or a colleague can use Lync Web App. In addition to being on a supported platform/browser combination, you will need the Microsoft Silverlight 4.0 (or later version) browser plug-in to join meetings using Lync Web App. You will be prompted to install the Microsoft Lync Web App Plug-in if you choose to share your application/desktop (Windows only).

Lync Web App cannot be used to schedule meetings or exchange instant messages with individual meeting attendees, but allows sharing group messages with all participants in a meeting.

Roshin Lal Ramesan
Program Manager
Published Tuesday, October 19, 2010 1:19 PM by octeam
Filed Under: Communicator Web Access