UF Exchange is adding Microsoft Office Communications Server (OCS) (www.microsoft.com/ocs) for all UF Exchange users. OCS provides a collection of fully integrated services to the UF Exchange environment:

• Presence indicators: users elect to provide information to other UF Exchange users regarding their workstation presence. The system indicates whether or not a user is at their workstation.
• Secure, integrated chat: the chat service uses GatorLink authentication and is fully integrated with UF Exchange.
• Audio services: during a chat session, users can switch to audio and conduct voice conversations over their computers without using a phone.
• Video services: during a chat session, users can switch to video, providing desktop video conferencing.
• Desktop Sharing: during a chat session, users can share their desktop with others in the chat session supporting collaboration and workstation support.

To use OCS, users will need to be using UF Exchange as their email system, and have an enterprise Client Access License (eCAL), available for $9 per year. Departmental IT staff can assist with purchase of eCALs. To use audio users will need a microphone and speakers for their computer. To use video they will need a web camera.

Additional information regarding OCS is available at the UF Exchange web site.