About Microsoft Lync
Microsoft Lync, available for both Windows and Mac, allows you to use Indiana University's UniCom service. Lync is the next generation of the software previously available as Office Communicator (for Windows) and Communicator for Mac.
All versions allow you to:
- Chat using instant messaging
- Make PC-to-PC phone calls
- Make video calls
- Share files
- Share your desktop
- See others' availability and manage the information others see about you
Note: The features you can use depend on which mode you're using, UniCom Basic or UniCom Enterprise Voice. See IU UniCom feature comparison. Students are eligible for UniCom Basic only.
The capabilities of Lync are integrated with Microsoft Office applications. For more about the Windows and Mac versions, see below.
Before attempting to use either client with Indiana University's UniCom service, see Getting started with UniCom.
Windows
In addition to all the features of Office Communicator, Lync also allows seamless switching between audio devices. It has a graphical phone dial pad, and also provides a Call Park feature that allows a call to be placed on hold and then retrieved from another location. Lync has an integrated web conferencing feature, and eliminates the need to run the Live Meeting client.
Indiana University students, faculty, and staff can download Lync from IUware.
Note: If you use the IU Video Bridge technology, UITS
recommends not upgrading to Office 2013 yet. The Lync 2013 client
cannot make video calls to conferences on the IU Video Bridge (e.g.,
22xxxx@vc.iu.edu and 24xxxx@vc.iu.edu )
or direct calls to conference room systems. These calls will connect
as audio only. If you do upgrade to 2013 but still need to participate
with video in IU Video Bridge calls, you can request a Cisco Telepresence Movi account as an
alternative.
Mac
Lync for Mac includes more features than Communicator for Mac and is the preferred client for Mac users. See the Client Comparison Table for a list of Lync for Mac features. For additional support resources, see:
Indiana University students, faculty, and staff can download Lync for Mac from IUware.
Note: You may want to remove the Communicator client after installing Lync for Mac.
Phones
IU faculty and staff can obtain Lync-compatible devices (USB devices or IP phones) by going through their department telecommunications coordinators and/or their local support providers (LSPs). For more about available devices, see About equipment for use with UniCom.
If you do not know who your telecommunications coordinator is, at IU Bloomington, call 812-856-2287; at IUPUI, call 317-274-3004. You can also email Telecom Consulting.
Note: To learn the name of your department's LSP, call the UITS Support Center at 812-855-6789 (Bloomington) or 317-274-4357 (Indianapolis).
Last modified on January 23, 2013.







