Clarus Systems Announces Strategic Relationship with Microsoft for Testing and Monitoring of Communications Server 14

Clarus also Joins the Microsoft Technology Adoption Program (TAP)

by Ray Horak, Technology Editor

(April 13, 2010) — Clarus Systems, Inc., a leading provider of integrated VoIP management software and services for Unified Communications, today announced that the company has entered into an alliance with Microsoft Corp. Clarus is collaborating with Microsoft to create value-added testing and monitoring solutions for Microsoft Communications Server 14, Microsoft’s imminent platform for Unified Communications and Collaboration. As Microsoft only very recently (March 24) announced Communications Server 14, the relationship with Clarus has been formed very early on in the development process.

“The relationship between Clarus Systems and Microsoft is a direct response to feedback from our enterprise customers and our strategic alliances,” said Brendan F. Reidy, President and CEO, Clarus Systems. “Clarus has deep expertise in managing enterprise VoIP systems from Cisco Systems. However, our customers increasingly want to include Microsoft Communications Server 14 in a ‘best of breed’ approach to Unified Communications and Collaboration. They’re asking Clarus to test and monitor the health of this integrated solution, with Cisco for call control and Microsoft UC. We value our relationship with Cisco and are delighted to have the opportunity to work closely with Microsoft, as well. This alliance is a major step forward.”

Microsoft Communications Server 14, targeted for general release in the second half of 2010, will provide holistic enterprise telephony and allow customers to embed communications within applications. The platform also will introduce a Communicator client that interoperates with Microsoft Office, Microsoft SharePoint Server and Microsoft Exchange. It will allow enterprise workers to use instant messaging and other on-premises and cloud-based software to communicate and collaborate on projects.

According to Gurmeet Lamba, Clarus Senior Vice President, Product Development, “We have had access to Microsoft Communications Server 14 pre-release versions for some time. The development process is well underway and the systems are fully operational in a lab environment. The Microsoft Communications Server 14 environment presents some interesting, but not insurmountable, challenges, given the emphasis on softphones, mobility and cloud telephony. We are known for providing scalable IP communications solutions that combine automated end user testing, configuration management and performance management. That is what we do, and we do it very well. Microsoft Communications Server 14 represents yet another great opportunity to prove that.”

“Combining Microsoft Communications Server 14 with Clarus’ VoIP management software offers customers a great way to manage their infrastructure,” said Yancey Smith, Director of Communications Server Product Management at Microsoft. “Clarus’ combination of end-user testing, health monitoring and configuration management can help deliver a quality user experience to our customers.”

As a result of this relationship, Clarus has also accepted an invitation to join the Microsoft Technology Adoption Program (TAP). TAP’s mission is to provide a consistent experience for Microsoft alliances to obtain real-world customer feedback on Microsoft pre-release products and provide technical feedback, support, and discussions with customers. This is followed by an implementation of recommended software enhancements during Microsoft’s developmental phases. TAP is targeted for Microsoft Communications Group alliances who have committed to build applications that leverage Communications Server 14 protocols, APIs, and features as well as submit such applications, associated devices and complimentary infrastructure for interoperability testing and certification through Microsoft’s Open Interoperability Program. Reidy noted that “TAP is an exclusive, invitation-only program that involves a rigorous selection process, including close examination of development and testing methodologies. It is virtually a certification process.” Reidy went on to say that “We are confident the relationship with Microsoft will be long term and very substantial. We encourage you to follow our progress.” Note: We at Telecom Reseller do indeed intend to follow the progress of the relationship through beta and into general release.

More at clarussystems.com.