Microsoft Office Communicator Improves Ease Of Use For Windows Mobile

Microsoft has released an update to its Office Communicator service that will make it easer for users of Windows Mobile, as well as potentially lowering costs for your company.First up is a new "Join Conference" feature. If your meeting request was sent through Office Communications Server 2007 R2 with this update, your users should see a "Join Conference" item on their menu. This is a very welcome addition. Even though WinMo devices can multitask, it is virtually impossible to dial your phone and get the conference number and password correct if you have to keep switching back to an email message to get the login information. One click takes care of everything now.

It will also detect if your user is roaming. You can set an option that will block or allow them to join a conference while roaming which could rack up big bucks on your next cell bill, especially if they are roaming internationally.

For Windows Mobile 6.5, they have added a home screen plugin that will tell you how many conversations are available to join. That means you don't even have to bother checking your messages or setting a reminder. It will be there when you look at your screen. Of course, I am not sure how well this will integrate on some devices where the Home screen has been totally replaced by an OEM customization, something HTC loves to do.

If you have WinMo 6.5, which is doubtful since no phone has been released with it yet, you can use the "via work" menu that will use your work phone identity instead of your cell phone.

The Communicator Team blog has more information, including screen shots and links to the downloads your phone needs to get this all working.