<p>Microsoft plans to release a new version of its Lync communications platform that will be compatible with Windows 8 and Windows RT-based devices. Lync 2013 will be available as both a mobile app and desktop client. Delivering the Full Lync Experience via Mobile Device</p><p>The new Lync app, slated for release at the end of October 2012, will be optimized for touchscreen devices (which at this point covers virtually any mobile device released in the last few years) and provides integration of voice, video, telepresence, IM and online Lync Meetings. Using the H. 264 SVC (Scaling Video Coding) standard, Microsoft says Lync Meetings will be delivered to devices of varying screen sizes without "heavy transcoding."</p><p>In addition, the new mobile app will deliver VoIP and video to Windows Phone, iOS and Android devices and be compatible both Lync Server 2010 and Lync Server 2013. Connecting to Skype, Office</p><p>Microsoft also plans to connect Lync to the Skype VoIP service, which it purchased in May 2011. Lync users will have full access to Skype users, including "seeing" their availability and directly communicating with them via IM, phone call or telepresence.</p><p><a href="http://www.cmswire.com/cms/social-business/microsoft-to-release-unified-communications-tool-lync-2013-for-windows-8-rt-017498.php">Keep reading...</a></p><p>Read also:</p><p><a href="http://channelnomics.com/2012/09/24/skype-lync-integration-headed-windows-8/">Skype-Lync Integration Headed For Windows 8</a> (Channelnomics)</p><p>Explore: <a href="http://news.google.com/news/more?pz=1&ned=us&ncl=dKya9FkIc0l8G8M2hoO9mCsULfkdM">3 additional articles.</a></p>