Compatible Devices Program

The Compatible Devices Program currently qualifies devices for the Lync 2010 client on Windows-based machines. For non-windows clients Microsoft recommends that you evaluate the USB consumer product lines offered by the device manufacturers that are part of the Compatible Devices Program. IP phones can also be used in non-windows based environments, excluding the PC pairing functionalities.

• ‘Optimized for’ – IP phones, headsets, conference room systems and other devices that offer a rich and integrated experience giving customers the power to get the most out of their Lync experience and return on investment.
• Other compatible IP phones – IP phones tested to provide interoperability and quality of experience without gateways.

‘Optimized for'

The Optimized for Microsoft Lync Logo is designed to help partners bring premium communication experiences to the market. Microsoft Lync users trust the logo as an assurance that the devices have been tested to provide the quality, compatibility, and reliability that ensures the best Microsoft Lync experience.

Only products that pass the stringent requirements can participate in the Lync logo program. The logo program requirements lead to an excellent experience for the customer and improved device interoperability with Lync client software. Devices which meet the requirements are eligible for many benefits, such as being featured on Microsoft webpages and marketing collaterals, and license to use the logo word mark. Partners interested in qualifying devices for the 'Optimized' for program must have:

• A long-term interest in developing product lines for the Microsoft Lync platform.
• A proven record of developing and marketing enterprise grade systems.
• Established global enterprise sales channels.
• Microsoft Partner Program membership at the Certified or Gold Certified membership level, as such terms are defined in the applicable Microsoft Partner Program documentation.
• TSANet membership for product support.

Other compatible IP phones

This program qualifies partner developed and designed IP phones that interoperate with Lync based on a combination of publicly available Windows Protocols (WSPP) and Microsoft Office Protocols. Device manufacturers interested in qualifying devices must have:

• A long-term interest in developing product lines for the Microsoft Lync platform.
• A proven record of developing and marketing enterprise grade IP phones.
• Established global enterprise sales channels.
• Microsoft Partner Program membership at the Certified or Gold Certified membership level, as such terms are defined in the applicable Microsoft Partner Program documentation. Join at a level that aligns with your business strategies.
• TSANet membership for product support.

Partners meeting these criteria can email lynclogo@microsoft.com for more information.

Video Interoperability

The Unified Communication Specification for H.264 AVC and SVC Encoder Implementation is published by Microsoft as a result of Microsoft’s participation in the Unified Communications Interoperability Forum (UCIF) H.264/MPEG4 AVC/SVC Task Group. It defines and constrains the H.264 AVC/SVC levels, configurations, and tools used for video communication scenarios. This specification can be used for designing an end-to-end video communication system, or for designing an H.264 AVC/SVC encoder (such as a Webcam) for real-time communication purposes.

Download the Unified Communication Specification for H.264 AVC and SVC Encoder Implementation.