Microsoft Lync and Unified Communications

Education

Miami-Dade County Public Schools

City school district saves $250,000 annually with Office Communications Server
Miami-Dade County School District, in Florida, implemented a telework pilot to enable its 40,000+ employees to take advantage of Instant Messaging, Live Meeting, and other features of Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007. As a result, the district is reducing direct travel costs and avoiding related expenses for nearly 400 principals who attend regular off-site meetings, boosting their productivity, and saving some $250,000 annually. In the future, the district will also use Office Communications Server to provide a virtual school environment for homebound students, giving them a richer learning experience.

Government

Microsoft telework solutions for government agencies

Until recently, telework—work conducted from locations other than traditional office environments, such as employees' homes or the field—was frowned upon by many businesses and government agencies. However, with the rising cost of fuel, long commutes on congested roadways, and innovations in mobile and Internet technologies, telework has become an attractive and practical alternative for government workers. Some agencies, including the Internal Revenue Service, The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and the U.S. Department of Defense, are already implementing telework programs with positive results.

Historically, even the most progressive employers had concerns about allowing staff to work away from the office. These concerns included the possibility of reduced productivity, loss of control over sensitive data, and inefficiency due to network and application issues. The Microsoft telework solution addresses these concerns with a cost-effective, security-enhanced approach that you can apply to help your agency:

• Maintain network and data security with interrelated encryption technologies that can help protect even highly sensitive data, no matter where it goes.
• Share information from remote locations using a range of devices, including laptops, computer kiosks, and smartphones.
• Collaborate and respond rapidly to emergencies, such as natural disasters, terrorist acts, and disease outbreaks, from backup locations.
• Ensure accountability with the same Microsoft technology used in the office.

A telework solution can provide flexible work arrangements that may increase productivity and job satisfaction and reduce turnover, lower transportation costs for your agency and your employees, and reduce traffic congestion. You may also find that telework solutions help you to recruit and retain top talent.