News

Lync-Enterprise brings enhanced connectivity to AFRC

  • Published
  • HQ Air Force Reserve Command Public Affairs
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Air Force Reserve Command recently implemented the Microsoft Lync-Enterprise Instant Messaging system that allows all users across the command to connect, collaborate and share in real time.

Lync-Enterprise, part of the Microsoft Office suite, is the upgraded version of the Lync-Standard instant messaging software that Air Force deployed to all users Dec. 15, explained Lt. Col. Clayton Sammons, Air Force Reserve Command Communications Directorate.

AFRC invested $3.3 million to extend the much-more capable Lync-Enterprise to all Air Force Reserve members.

“One of the biggest advantages of having Lync Enterprise is the ability to share your desktop,” said Sammons. “This includes being able to share PowerPoint slides, shared applications, whiteboard, and screen sharing. The ability to initiate multi-party audio and video conferences allows AFRC personnel to reach the people they need to, globally, in a matter of seconds.”

Lync-Enterprise has potential to reduce dependence on corporate email because it offers some of the same file and link sharing features of email, but the content is shareable and viewable instantly. Users can drag and drop images, documents and links into the instant messenger dialog box.

Users will find much more capable collaboration tools which are helpful when budget constraints prevent travel for training.

“Desktop sharing is especially crucial in a training environment,” said Sammons. “I use it in A6 with our bases and tenants, and our Knowledge Managers use it to conduct ad-hoc training on a user's desktop from across the country.”

Information technology technicians can support users with a virtual "over the shoulder" assist to fix issues, train or explain applications or processes. Lync-Enterprise can be configured in seconds, compared to traditional video teleconferencing that has to be schedules days or weeks ahead because of coordination involved. “It’s basically VTC capability at your desktop. Any AFR user can now fully train, communicate, assist any other AFR member via a virtual environment,” said Sammons.

Anyone can be in a Lync session and bring up a collaboration white board that all participants can draw on and interact. Three or more users can interact via video and audio conferencing, a new feature of Lync-E.

The Air National Guard, Air Force Office of Special Investigation, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and the Air Force District Washington are also Lync-Enterprise capable, according to Sammons.