Microsoft Lync

the lync is powerful communication engine. Exactly like your consultants mentioned, its integration options are very wide. But .. like almost each other solution,  the final result depends on the quality of design and implementation. (Fortunately I have user experience with both extremes - horrible one and awesome too, so I feel competent for statement above.)

Let's say all I care about it is that it is a VOIP system. Looking at it as a replacement for my 3com system that does not do much but answer calls and make calls and talk with the 2 other offices that are connected to it.     Is it a good solution in that aspect?

hmm ... depends on many factors, so just some thoughts about
if you really know what you need and wont and will not be influenced with marketing around, I expect that there will be cheaper solution available on the market.
But on other hand, if you have your own 2-3 IT guys in company  (if are skilled a bit in both microsoft and networking) they can try to start basic lync like pilot internal project and you will see whether is it worth without extra costs.

I guess I am considering Lync because of the other options as well like the connectivity with Microsoft products.  Seems like a good choice that will move into the future because it can work seemlessly with MS products.  Lync will change with changing technology pretty well.

So do you think just a straight forward VOIP system from Cisco would be the best way to go?  WIll that be an easier transition?  I'm sure the CISCO system has some of the mobile aspects as well.  I really am looking for ease of use and rock solid performance.  Install and forget it.

. Just few short comments to your assumptions:
- I can agree your bandwidth statement
- Learning curve for users on Lync is straightforward and I can ensure you that it is intuitive.
- the productivity will drop a bit at start for sure (in any case) just imagine child's new toy
- Install and forget -  I'am very pessimistic about.  Lync probably does require more management/housekeeping activities but the CISCO will require some as well. Just few weeks ago I was discussing with friend troubles on their existing VoIP infrastructure when on regular hw refreshment for employees they had to align versions of system with clients versions available for different versions of OS (he claimed exactly - it was rock solid for 5 years, but last 3 months are nightmare).
However, you have it sorted out pretty well and seems that in your situation is way to go the CISCO

I guess I'm just worried about going with Cisco because of all the functionality Lync has with microsoft applications.

As far as i know every vendor does provide modules for at least basic outlook/exchange integration.
obviously no communication expert spotted this question I can provide only user life experience and common sense on this topic. Try to rise moderator request  and ask for Voip/communication experts attention

Would be nice to hear from someone who has experience with a pretty new installation of a CISCO system.

One more thing.  Has anyone on EE heard or used Star2Star Communications for VOIP?  I have been hearing some really good things about them.

Lync has all the tools you need. Despite any bandwidth concerns there are features such as CAC or call admission control that allows you to manage the max bandwidth per call, per site or per pool.

-You have high Availability features
-E911   (emergency 911)
- You can co-exist your pbx with voip and gradually move in to VOIP. You will save money by using less Trunks and you can start eliminating them gradually.

Lync  works with Exchange email and sharepoint. If you currently use Exchange mail then definitely go with Lync. It integrates with Exchange UM  Role (unified Messaging feature where it handles your users Voicemails). Lync talk to Exchange for Voicemails and other things.



Thanks,

Henry