About Microsoft Lync and Communicator clients
Microsoft's Lync client, 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.
At Indiana University, the Office Communicator client for Windows no longer works with the UniCom service. Windows users should download the new Lync client instead. See About the UniCom Lync deployment.
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
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.
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 Lync Help and the Lync for Mac Deployment Guide (PDF).
Indiana University students, faculty, and staff can download Lync for Mac from IUware.
Note: You may want to remove the old Communicator client after installing Lync for Mac.
