Thomas Implements New Communications Server

WATERVILLE, Feb. 4 - On January 22, Thomas completed an upgrade to the Microsoft Communications Server 2007 with integrated LiveMeeting 2007, becoming one of the first colleges in the country to do so. With licenses for all faculty, staff, and students, this software will allow for greatly enhanced connectivity campus-wide.

Integral to the upgrade is the usage of Office Communicator 2007. All computer users on campus are encouraged to log in to Communicator each morning, just as they would to Outlook to check e-mail. In doing so, Communicator can offer greater visibility and flexibility in scheduling and communication.

By using Communicator 2007, users have a host of benefits. Primarily, Thomas users will have the benefit of a secure IM system and the ease of a single e-mail/IM address. Communicator has a directory so that it is easy to locate and instant message your contacts; in addition, it interfaces easily with the three major commercial IM providers (AOL, MSN and Yahoo). The benefits of Communicator go well beyond instant messaging capabilities though: it also offers text, voice and video conferencing without the need for expensive microphone or camera devices. For faculty, this means the ability to broadcast and record class sessions, and even to share teaching tools like PowerPoint presentations through a simple, easy-to-use interface.

Communicator shows color-coded availability icons for its users, so at a glance, you can see if your contacts are online and, if so, their current status (Communicator 2007 uses information from your Outlook calendar, and automatically changes your status if you are in a meeting, for example.)

As Communicator 2007 becomes second nature to Thomas college computer users, the true usefulness of this program will be realized. In keeping with Thomas's commitment to be in the forefront of technology, Communicator is a welcome addition to campus.

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