There are two models of messaging unification to be considered when integrating Avaya and Microsoft communication products to provide Unified Communications:

• Unified Access
• Unified Message Store

 

The Unified Access approach allows Microsoft Outlook to access e-mail messages from Microsoft Exchange Server as well as fax and voice messages from the Avaya Modular Messaging Message Storage Server.  Avaya provides add-ins for Microsoft Outlook. These add-ins work with either Avaya Modular Messaging Message Storage Server or Microsoft Exchange.  Users can also access Subscriber Options directly as an Outlook add-in or as a Web-based application to administer their mailboxes.  In this method, the telephone user interface (TUI) does not provide e-mail reading for messages store in Exchange. Mobile users can access both e-mail and voice messages via speech commands using Avaya one-X Speech.

 

In the Unified Message Store approach, Outlook is used to access e-mail, fax and voice mail, and Microsoft Exchange is used for storage. With a Unified Message Store, the TUI provides Dual Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) access to all messages stored in the user's inbox on the message store. In this method, the TUI or one-X Speech can provide access to voice mail along with e-mail-reading (via text-to-speech technology) of messages stored in the corporate e-mail system.

 

Enterprises that opt for the Unified Message Store approach realize the savings that can accrue from having a single messaging architecture. A Unified Message Store reduces IT expense by establishing a single solution to operate and maintain directories, message store, back-up procedures, administration, and servers. In addition, a single, unified message store solution leverages the investment, operations, and business practices associated with Microsoft Exchange.
 
The Modular Messaging Restricted Outlook Client is an optional client that can help addresses corporate governance and security concerns. It can provide additional security as well as unification at the desktop. Users can use Outlook to access voice messages stored on the Modular Messaging Message Storage Server, which is kept separate from Exchange. However, messages can’t be moved or copied to other Exchange or personal folders and can’t be exported to the PC. Message playback is by way of the telephone or by streaming the content to the PC. No permanent copy of the message is left on the PC. Messages can only be addressed to local and networked voice mail subscribers of the system.

 

When the unrestricted client is used, a deleted message is moved to the deleted items folder. In contrast, a message is permanently deleted when the restricted client is used.  Enterprises can minimize concerns about the storage, portability and distribution of voice messages by using the Modular Messaging Restricted Outlook Client.

 

Avaya one-X™ Speech (formerly known as Unified Communication Center) can be used to access all messages types regardless of whether voice, fax, and email messages are maintained in one or multiple message stores.  In addition to reading email messages, users can have the system read some email attachments.

 

Ideal for mobile users, Avaya one-X Speech provides eyes-free, hands-free, and speaker-independent access to messages, calling and conferencing, calendar, tasks, and reminders.  Avaya one-X Speech creates a virtual desktop environment that allows users to shift back and forth between their applications to manage their interrelated activities.  Concatenated speech commands make using the system as natural as speech.