Microsoft needs a full-fledged communications center. Small businesses and
individuals really need a central communications center where they can
consolidate and manage ALL forms of communication. Currently, our
communications are disbursed across multiple platforms that include answering
machines, fax machines, internet email, newsgroup forums, internet RSS
feeds, internet messengers, video feeds, and various software equivalents for
all these resources. While, these are good options, we are wasting way too
much time learning how to use different machines and software programs, not
to mention the confusion and inconvenience of having so many resources in so
many places.

The consumer desperately needs a way to consolidate all these resources into
one software program on our computer. We do not object to leaving copies of
e-mails, or similar items, on the internet or elsewhere for remote retrieval,
but most important, we need a SINGLE PLACE where all these resources are
consolidated and managed as one resource at home or in the office!

Furthermore, the software consolidation center needs to have access to all
these communication resources. If either the software application, or the
communications resources themselves, start placing limitations on where they
can be accessed from, or consolidated to, then we are placed right back into
the center of the dilemma we currently face. For example, certain email
accounts cannot be accessed from within Microsoft Outlook, thereby forcing
the user to independentlly access and manage those resources from an internet
webpage. Such mandates undermine the concept of one central computer-based
repository for all forms of communication.

Many programs in the past, including Symantec’s TalkWorks software
application, came very close to accomplishing this unified end over ten years
ago, but the product was mysteriously pulled from the market. This was odd,
since the technology was even available back then, to easily accommodate such
an undertaking. On the other hand, Microsoft, it appears, has done little
towards developing a single product that would facilitate this worthy goal.

We would highly recommend that Microsoft develop a single product that would
incorporate all these communication resources into one application, such as
Outlook. In our opinion, the product should have all, plus many more, of the
following features:

1. The ability to make and answer voice calls from the computer either over
the internet or using a modem. This should include full-duplex mode voice
communications, so user can converse as if on a traditional telephone. It
should also accommodate multiple lines, conference calls, call forwarding,
music on hold, call timers, call monitoring, one button call recording, call
accounting, etcetera.

2. A software based automatic answering attendant that routes and saves
voice messages to multiple mailboxes. It should also have custom greetings,
folders, routing, forwarding, etcetera.

3. Video calling, video messaging, faxing, emailing, and text messaging
from within the same program.

4. A customizable central repository to store, list, and organize all
communications, including voice, video, fax, email, text, and other forms of
communication. Including the option to store them together in the same
folders if desired.

5. A customizable universal address book and contact list available to all
these forms of communication.

6. Integration of all other Outlook features with these resources, such as
the calendar, journal, tasks, etcetera.

----------------
This post is a suggestion for Microsoft, and Microsoft responds to the
suggestions with the most votes. To vote for this suggestion, click the "I
Agree" button in the message pane. If you do not see the button, follow this
link to open the suggestion in the Microsoft Web-based Newsreader and then
click "I Agree" in the message pane.

http://www.microsoft.com/office/comm...utlook.general

cisco has a voip system that integrates w/ exchange that will do most of
that...
But... it'll cost ya.

"The Blue Max" wrote:

> Microsoft needs a full-fledged communications center. Small businesses and
> individuals really need a central communications center where they can
> consolidate and manage ALL forms of communication. Currently, our
> communications are disbursed across multiple platforms that include answering
> machines, fax machines, internet email, newsgroup forums, internet RSS
> feeds, internet messengers, video feeds, and various software equivalents for
> all these resources. While, these are good options, we are wasting way too
> much time learning how to use different machines and software programs, not
> to mention the confusion and inconvenience of having so many resources in so
> many places.
>
> The consumer desperately needs a way to consolidate all these resources into
> one software program on our computer. We do not object to leaving copies of
> e-mails, or similar items, on the internet or elsewhere for remote retrieval,
> but most important, we need a SINGLE PLACE where all these resources are
> consolidated and managed as one resource at home or in the office!
>
> Furthermore, the software consolidation center needs to have access to all
> these communication resources. If either the software application, or the
> communications resources themselves, start placing limitations on where they
> can be accessed from, or consolidated to, then we are placed right back into
> the center of the dilemma we currently face. For example, certain email
> accounts cannot be accessed from within Microsoft Outlook, thereby forcing
> the user to independentlly access and manage those resources from an internet
> webpage. Such mandates undermine the concept of one central computer-based
> repository for all forms of communication.
>
> Many programs in the past, including Symantec’s TalkWorks software
> application, came very close to accomplishing this unified end over ten years
> ago, but the product was mysteriously pulled from the market. This was odd,
> since the technology was even available back then, to easily accommodate such
> an undertaking. On the other hand, Microsoft, it appears, has done little
> towards developing a single product that would facilitate this worthy goal.
>
> We would highly recommend that Microsoft develop a single product that would
> incorporate all these communication resources into one application, such as
> Outlook. In our opinion, the product should have all, plus many more, of the
> following features:
>
> 1. The ability to make and answer voice calls from the computer either over
> the internet or using a modem. This should include full-duplex mode voice
> communications, so user can converse as if on a traditional telephone. It
> should also accommodate multiple lines, conference calls, call forwarding,
> music on hold, call timers, call monitoring, one button call recording, call
> accounting, etcetera.
>
> 2. A software based automatic answering attendant that routes and saves
> voice messages to multiple mailboxes. It should also have custom greetings,
> folders, routing, forwarding, etcetera.
>
> 3. Video calling, video messaging, faxing, emailing, and text messaging
> from within the same program.
>
> 4. A customizable central repository to store, list, and organize all
> communications, including voice, video, fax, email, text, and other forms of
> communication. Including the option to store them together in the same
> folders if desired.
>
> 5. A customizable universal address book and contact list available to all
> these forms of communication.
>
> 6. Integration of all other Outlook features with these resources, such as
> the calendar, journal, tasks, etcetera.
>
> ----------------
> This post is a suggestion for Microsoft, and Microsoft responds to the
> suggestions with the most votes. To vote for this suggestion, click the "I
> Agree" button in the message pane. If you do not see the button, follow this
> link to open the suggestion in the Microsoft Web-based Newsreader and then
> click "I Agree" in the message pane.
>
> http://www.microsoft.com/office/comm...utlook.general

Thanks for the reply, dlw. As you infer, cost is the problem. Individuals
and small businesses, while really needing such an application, cannot afford
the cost. On the other hand, the old Symantec Talkworks application came
very close to meeting this vision and cost a whopping $84.95. That was 12
years ago, think what features they could have today for that price? Could
never figure out why Symantec abandoned such a promising application!

Thanks

*****************
"dlw" wrote:

> cisco has a voip system that integrates w/ exchange that will do most of
> that...
> But... it'll cost ya.
>
> "The Blue Max" wrote:
>
> > Microsoft needs a full-fledged communications center. Small businesses and
> > individuals really need a central communications center where they can
> > consolidate and manage ALL forms of communication. Currently, our
> > communications are disbursed across multiple platforms that include answering
> > machines, fax machines, internet email, newsgroup forums, internet RSS
> > feeds, internet messengers, video feeds, and various software equivalents for
> > all these resources. While, these are good options, we are wasting way too
> > much time learning how to use different machines and software programs, not
> > to mention the confusion and inconvenience of having so many resources in so
> > many places.
> >
> > The consumer desperately needs a way to consolidate all these resources into
> > one software program on our computer. We do not object to leaving copies of
> > e-mails, or similar items, on the internet or elsewhere for remote retrieval,
> > but most important, we need a SINGLE PLACE where all these resources are
> > consolidated and managed as one resource at home or in the office!
> >
> > Furthermore, the software consolidation center needs to have access to all
> > these communication resources. If either the software application, or the
> > communications resources themselves, start placing limitations on where they
> > can be accessed from, or consolidated to, then we are placed right back into
> > the center of the dilemma we currently face. For example, certain email
> > accounts cannot be accessed from within Microsoft Outlook, thereby forcing
> > the user to independentlly access and manage those resources from an internet
> > webpage. Such mandates undermine the concept of one central computer-based
> > repository for all forms of communication.
> >
> > Many programs in the past, including Symantec’s TalkWorks software
> > application, came very close to accomplishing this unified end over ten years
> > ago, but the product was mysteriously pulled from the market. This was odd,
> > since the technology was even available back then, to easily accommodate such
> > an undertaking. On the other hand, Microsoft, it appears, has done little
> > towards developing a single product that would facilitate this worthy goal.
> >
> > We would highly recommend that Microsoft develop a single product that would
> > incorporate all these communication resources into one application, such as
> > Outlook. In our opinion, the product should have all, plus many more, of the
> > following features:
> >
> > 1. The ability to make and answer voice calls from the computer either over
> > the internet or using a modem. This should include full-duplex mode voice
> > communications, so user can converse as if on a traditional telephone. It
> > should also accommodate multiple lines, conference calls, call forwarding,
> > music on hold, call timers, call monitoring, one button call recording, call
> > accounting, etcetera.
> >
> > 2. A software based automatic answering attendant that routes and saves
> > voice messages to multiple mailboxes. It should also have custom greetings,
> > folders, routing, forwarding, etcetera.
> >
> > 3. Video calling, video messaging, faxing, emailing, and text messaging
> > from within the same program.
> >
> > 4. A customizable central repository to store, list, and organize all
> > communications, including voice, video, fax, email, text, and other forms of
> > communication. Including the option to store them together in the same
> > folders if desired.
> >
> > 5. A customizable universal address book and contact list available to all
> > these forms of communication.
> >
> > 6. Integration of all other Outlook features with these resources, such as
> > the calendar, journal, tasks, etcetera.
> >
> > ----------------
> > This post is a suggestion for Microsoft, and Microsoft responds to the
> > suggestions with the most votes. To vote for this suggestion, click the "I
> > Agree" button in the message pane. If you do not see the button, follow this
> > link to open the suggestion in the Microsoft Web-based Newsreader and then
> > click "I Agree" in the message pane.
> >
> > http://www.microsoft.com/office/comm...utlook.general

Microsoft already has products that do this. Perhaps you need to go back and do some more homework.

Office Live Communications Server coupled with Microsoft Exchange 2007 Server and its UM options.

Oh, and why should Microsoft develop this platform (which they already did)? Why not find some startup and seed some venture capital to get it going.

Or do you enjoy seeing Microsoft in court every time it enters a new market? <eg>

--�
Milly Staples [MVP - Outlook]

Post all replies to the group to keep the discussion intact. All
unsolicited mail sent to my personal account will be deleted without
reading.

After furious head scratching, The Blue Max asked:

| Microsoft needs a full-fledged communications center. Small
| businesses and individuals really need a central communications
| center where they can consolidate and manage ALL forms of
| communication. Currently, our communications are disbursed across
| multiple platforms that include answering machines, fax machines,
| internet email, newsgroup forums, internet RSS feeds, internet
| messengers, video feeds, and various software equivalents for all
| these resources. While, these are good options, we are wasting way
| too much time learning how to use different machines and software
| programs, not to mention the confusion and inconvenience of having so
| many resources in so many places.
|
| The consumer desperately needs a way to consolidate all these
| resources into one software program on our computer. We do not
| object to leaving copies of e-mails, or similar items, on the
| internet or elsewhere for remote retrieval, but most important, we
| need a SINGLE PLACE where all these resources are consolidated and
| managed as one resource at home or in the office!
|
| Furthermore, the software consolidation center needs to have access
| to all these communication resources. If either the software
| application, or the communications resources themselves, start
| placing limitations on where they can be accessed from, or
| consolidated to, then we are placed right back into the center of the
| dilemma we currently face. For example, certain email accounts
| cannot be accessed from within Microsoft Outlook, thereby forcing the
| user to independentlly access and manage those resources from an
| internet webpage. Such mandates undermine the concept of one central
| computer-based repository for all forms of communication.
|
| Many programs in the past, including Symantec’s TalkWorks software
| application, came very close to accomplishing this unified end over
| ten years ago, but the product was mysteriously pulled from the
| market. This was odd, since the technology was even available back
| then, to easily accommodate such an undertaking. On the other hand,
| Microsoft, it appears, has done little towards developing a single
| product that would facilitate this worthy goal.
|
| We would highly recommend that Microsoft develop a single product
| that would incorporate all these communication resources into one
| application, such as Outlook. In our opinion, the product should
| have all, plus many more, of the following features:
|
| 1. The ability to make and answer voice calls from the computer
| either over the internet or using a modem. This should include
| full-duplex mode voice communications, so user can converse as if on
| a traditional telephone. It should also accommodate multiple lines,
| conference calls, call forwarding, music on hold, call timers, call
| monitoring, one button call recording, call accounting, etcetera.
|
| 2. A software based automatic answering attendant that routes and
| saves voice messages to multiple mailboxes. It should also have
| custom greetings, folders, routing, forwarding, etcetera.
|
| 3. Video calling, video messaging, faxing, emailing, and text
| messaging from within the same program.
|
| 4. A customizable central repository to store, list, and organize all
| communications, including voice, video, fax, email, text, and other
| forms of communication. Including the option to store them together
| in the same folders if desired.
|
| 5. A customizable universal address book and contact list available
| to all these forms of communication.
|
| 6. Integration of all other Outlook features with these resources,
| such as the calendar, journal, tasks, etcetera.
|
| ----------------
| This post is a suggestion for Microsoft, and Microsoft responds to the
| suggestions with the most votes. To vote for this suggestion, click
| the "I Agree" button in the message pane. If you do not see the
| button, follow this link to open the suggestion in the Microsoft
| Web-based Newsreader and then click "I Agree" in the message pane.
|
| http://www.microsoft.com/office/comm...utlook.general

See in-line replies below:

"Milly Staples [MVP - Outlook]" wrote:

> Microsoft already has products that do this. Perhaps you need to go back and do some more homework.
>
> Office Live Communications Server coupled with Microsoft Exchange 2007 Server and its UM options.

Fortunately, I have done a little homework already. Obviously, your
suggested solutions are very expensive solutions for an individual or small
business. However, if Microsoft can match the Symantec $84.95 offering of
12 years ago, even at double the price, I would be happy to purchase their
solution.

> Oh, and why should Microsoft develop this platform (which they already did)? Why not find some startup and seed some venture capital to get it going.

I have no problem with how they approach a new venture? Develop it, buy it,
whatever. The problem is they still are not offering a comprehensive,
affordable solution to small users, that I am aware of at least.

> Or do you enjoy seeing Microsoft in court every time it enters a new market? <eg>

If this had been the over-riding consideration we wouldn't have Windows,
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access or any other product.

Finally, I simply submitted this as an enhancement request to Microsoft.
Unfortunately, it links us to a forum. The idea was not to solicite
criticism, just an innocent attempt to suggest a product that at least one
little user would like to see. And, if I'm not mistaken, I think America
still tolerate such a simplistic liberty.

> --�
> Milly Staples [MVP - Outlook]
>
> Post all replies to the group to keep the discussion intact. All
> unsolicited mail sent to my personal account will be deleted without
> reading.
>
> After furious head scratching, The Blue Max asked:
>
> | Microsoft needs a full-fledged communications center. Small
> | businesses and individuals really need a central communications
> | center where they can consolidate and manage ALL forms of
> | communication. Currently, our communications are disbursed across
> | multiple platforms that include answering machines, fax machines,
> | internet email, newsgroup forums, internet RSS feeds, internet
> | messengers, video feeds, and various software equivalents for all
> | these resources. While, these are good options, we are wasting way
> | too much time learning how to use different machines and software
> | programs, not to mention the confusion and inconvenience of having so
> | many resources in so many places.
> |
> | The consumer desperately needs a way to consolidate all these
> | resources into one software program on our computer. We do not
> | object to leaving copies of e-mails, or similar items, on the
> | internet or elsewhere for remote retrieval, but most important, we
> | need a SINGLE PLACE where all these resources are consolidated and
> | managed as one resource at home or in the office!
> |
> | Furthermore, the software consolidation center needs to have access
> | to all these communication resources. If either the software
> | application, or the communications resources themselves, start
> | placing limitations on where they can be accessed from, or
> | consolidated to, then we are placed right back into the center of the
> | dilemma we currently face. For example, certain email accounts
> | cannot be accessed from within Microsoft Outlook, thereby forcing the
> | user to independentlly access and manage those resources from an
> | internet webpage. Such mandates undermine the concept of one central
> | computer-based repository for all forms of communication.
> |
> | Many programs in the past, including Symantec’s TalkWorks software
> | application, came very close to accomplishing this unified end over
> | ten years ago, but the product was mysteriously pulled from the
> | market. This was odd, since the technology was even available back
> | then, to easily accommodate such an undertaking. On the other hand,
> | Microsoft, it appears, has done little towards developing a single
> | product that would facilitate this worthy goal.
> |
> | We would highly recommend that Microsoft develop a single product
> | that would incorporate all these communication resources into one
> | application, such as Outlook. In our opinion, the product should
> | have all, plus many more, of the following features:
> |
> | 1. The ability to make and answer voice calls from the computer
> | either over the internet or using a modem. This should include
> | full-duplex mode voice communications, so user can converse as if on
> | a traditional telephone. It should also accommodate multiple lines,
> | conference calls, call forwarding, music on hold, call timers, call
> | monitoring, one button call recording, call accounting, etcetera.
> |
> | 2. A software based automatic answering attendant that routes and
> | saves voice messages to multiple mailboxes. It should also have
> | custom greetings, folders, routing, forwarding, etcetera.
> |
> | 3. Video calling, video messaging, faxing, emailing, and text
> | messaging from within the same program.
> |
> | 4. A customizable central repository to store, list, and organize all
> | communications, including voice, video, fax, email, text, and other
> | forms of communication. Including the option to store them together
> | in the same folders if desired.
> |
> | 5. A customizable universal address book and contact list available
> | to all these forms of communication.
> |
> | 6. Integration of all other Outlook features with these resources,
> | such as the calendar, journal, tasks, etcetera.
> |
> | ----------------
> | This post is a suggestion for Microsoft, and Microsoft responds to the
> | suggestions with the most votes. To vote for this suggestion, click
> | the "I Agree" button in the message pane. If you do not see the
> | button, follow this link to open the suggestion in the Microsoft
> | Web-based Newsreader and then click "I Agree" in the message pane.
> |
> | http://www.microsoft.com/office/comm...utlook.general
>

Wow, that was extremely rude. And unhelpful.

"Milly Staples [MVP - Outlook]" wrote:

> Microsoft already has products that do this. Perhaps you need to go back and do some more homework.
>
> Office Live Communications Server coupled with Microsoft Exchange 2007 Server and its UM options.
>
> Oh, and why should Microsoft develop this platform (which they already did)? Why not find some startup and seed some venture capital to get it going.
>
> Or do you enjoy seeing Microsoft in court every time it enters a new market? <eg>
>
> --�
> Milly Staples [MVP - Outlook]
>
> Post all replies to the group to keep the discussion intact. All
> unsolicited mail sent to my personal account will be deleted without
> reading.
>
> After furious head scratching, The Blue Max asked:
>
> | Microsoft needs a full-fledged communications center. Small
> | businesses and individuals really need a central communications
> | center where they can consolidate and manage ALL forms of
> | communication. Currently, our communications are disbursed across
> | multiple platforms that include answering machines, fax machines,
> | internet email, newsgroup forums, internet RSS feeds, internet
> | messengers, video feeds, and various software equivalents for all
> | these resources. While, these are good options, we are wasting way
> | too much time learning how to use different machines and software
> | programs, not to mention the confusion and inconvenience of having so
> | many resources in so many places.
> |
> | The consumer desperately needs a way to consolidate all these
> | resources into one software program on our computer. We do not
> | object to leaving copies of e-mails, or similar items, on the
> | internet or elsewhere for remote retrieval, but most important, we
> | need a SINGLE PLACE where all these resources are consolidated and
> | managed as one resource at home or in the office!
> |
> | Furthermore, the software consolidation center needs to have access
> | to all these communication resources. If either the software
> | application, or the communications resources themselves, start
> | placing limitations on where they can be accessed from, or
> | consolidated to, then we are placed right back into the center of the
> | dilemma we currently face. For example, certain email accounts
> | cannot be accessed from within Microsoft Outlook, thereby forcing the
> | user to independentlly access and manage those resources from an
> | internet webpage. Such mandates undermine the concept of one central
> | computer-based repository for all forms of communication.
> |
> | Many programs in the past, including Symantec’s TalkWorks software
> | application, came very close to accomplishing this unified end over
> | ten years ago, but the product was mysteriously pulled from the
> | market. This was odd, since the technology was even available back
> | then, to easily accommodate such an undertaking. On the other hand,
> | Microsoft, it appears, has done little towards developing a single
> | product that would facilitate this worthy goal.
> |
> | We would highly recommend that Microsoft develop a single product
> | that would incorporate all these communication resources into one
> | application, such as Outlook. In our opinion, the product should
> | have all, plus many more, of the following features:
> |
> | 1. The ability to make and answer voice calls from the computer
> | either over the internet or using a modem. This should include
> | full-duplex mode voice communications, so user can converse as if on
> | a traditional telephone. It should also accommodate multiple lines,
> | conference calls, call forwarding, music on hold, call timers, call
> | monitoring, one button call recording, call accounting, etcetera.
> |
> | 2. A software based automatic answering attendant that routes and
> | saves voice messages to multiple mailboxes. It should also have
> | custom greetings, folders, routing, forwarding, etcetera.
> |
> | 3. Video calling, video messaging, faxing, emailing, and text
> | messaging from within the same program.
> |
> | 4. A customizable central repository to store, list, and organize all
> | communications, including voice, video, fax, email, text, and other
> | forms of communication. Including the option to store them together
> | in the same folders if desired.
> |
> | 5. A customizable universal address book and contact list available
> | to all these forms of communication.
> |
> | 6. Integration of all other Outlook features with these resources,
> | such as the calendar, journal, tasks, etcetera.
> |
> | ----------------
> | This post is a suggestion for Microsoft, and Microsoft responds to the
> | suggestions with the most votes. To vote for this suggestion, click
> | the "I Agree" button in the message pane. If you do not see the
> | button, follow this link to open the suggestion in the Microsoft
> | Web-based Newsreader and then click "I Agree" in the message pane.
> |
> | http://www.microsoft.com/office/comm...utlook.general
>

I agree. Very unhelpful. You're an MVP??

The idea is a good one, and yes MS has these already in place, but have you
seen he COST of these products (maybe YOU should do some homework as well)?
Sounds like the poster is a SMB and I am in a non-profit, which puts alot of
this higher end solutions out of reach. MS does have Charity licensing but
they are not covered in high end products.

And "finding a startup" is fine in itself, but becoming developers is not
everyone's idea of a good time.

My business idea is to make an electronic sign in board that is connected
via a network to the exchange active directory and automatically logs people
in or out of the office with their meeting name (from the OL calendar).


"ellobie" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:1B953912-F78B-43A8-B35A-(E-Mail Removed)...
> Wow, that was extremely rude. And unhelpful.
>
> "Milly Staples [MVP - Outlook]" wrote:
>
>> Microsoft already has products that do this. Perhaps you need to go back
>> and do some more homework.
>>
>> Office Live Communications Server coupled with Microsoft Exchange 2007
>> Server and its UM options.
>>
>> Oh, and why should Microsoft develop this platform (which they already
>> did)? Why not find some startup and seed some venture capital to get it
>> going.
>>
>> Or do you enjoy seeing Microsoft in court every time it enters a new
>> market? <eg>
>>
>> --�
>> Milly Staples [MVP - Outlook]
>>
>> Post all replies to the group to keep the discussion intact. All
>> unsolicited mail sent to my personal account will be deleted without
>> reading.
>>
>> After furious head scratching, The Blue Max asked:
>>
>> | Microsoft needs a full-fledged communications center. Small
>> | businesses and individuals really need a central communications
>> | center where they can consolidate and manage ALL forms of
>> | communication. Currently, our communications are disbursed across
>> | multiple platforms that include answering machines, fax machines,
>> | internet email, newsgroup forums, internet RSS feeds, internet
>> | messengers, video feeds, and various software equivalents for all
>> | these resources. While, these are good options, we are wasting way
>> | too much time learning how to use different machines and software
>> | programs, not to mention the confusion and inconvenience of having so
>> | many resources in so many places.
>> |
>> | The consumer desperately needs a way to consolidate all these
>> | resources into one software program on our computer. We do not
>> | object to leaving copies of e-mails, or similar items, on the
>> | internet or elsewhere for remote retrieval, but most important, we
>> | need a SINGLE PLACE where all these resources are consolidated and
>> | managed as one resource at home or in the office!
>> |
>> | Furthermore, the software consolidation center needs to have access
>> | to all these communication resources. If either the software
>> | application, or the communications resources themselves, start
>> | placing limitations on where they can be accessed from, or
>> | consolidated to, then we are placed right back into the center of the
>> | dilemma we currently face. For example, certain email accounts
>> | cannot be accessed from within Microsoft Outlook, thereby forcing the
>> | user to independentlly access and manage those resources from an
>> | internet webpage. Such mandates undermine the concept of one central
>> | computer-based repository for all forms of communication.
>> |
>> | Many programs in the past, including Symantec’s TalkWorks software
>> | application, came very close to accomplishing this unified end over
>> | ten years ago, but the product was mysteriously pulled from the
>> | market. This was odd, since the technology was even available back
>> | then, to easily accommodate such an undertaking. On the other hand,
>> | Microsoft, it appears, has done little towards developing a single
>> | product that would facilitate this worthy goal.
>> |
>> | We would highly recommend that Microsoft develop a single product
>> | that would incorporate all these communication resources into one
>> | application, such as Outlook. In our opinion, the product should
>> | have all, plus many more, of the following features:
>> |
>> | 1. The ability to make and answer voice calls from the computer
>> | either over the internet or using a modem. This should include
>> | full-duplex mode voice communications, so user can converse as if on
>> | a traditional telephone. It should also accommodate multiple lines,
>> | conference calls, call forwarding, music on hold, call timers, call
>> | monitoring, one button call recording, call accounting, etcetera.
>> |
>> | 2. A software based automatic answering attendant that routes and
>> | saves voice messages to multiple mailboxes. It should also have
>> | custom greetings, folders, routing, forwarding, etcetera.
>> |
>> | 3. Video calling, video messaging, faxing, emailing, and text
>> | messaging from within the same program.
>> |
>> | 4. A customizable central repository to store, list, and organize all
>> | communications, including voice, video, fax, email, text, and other
>> | forms of communication. Including the option to store them together
>> | in the same folders if desired.
>> |
>> | 5. A customizable universal address book and contact list available
>> | to all these forms of communication.
>> |
>> | 6. Integration of all other Outlook features with these resources,
>> | such as the calendar, journal, tasks, etcetera.
>> |
>> | ----------------
>> | This post is a suggestion for Microsoft, and Microsoft responds to the
>> | suggestions with the most votes. To vote for this suggestion, click
>> | the "I Agree" button in the message pane. If you do not see the
>> | button, follow this link to open the suggestion in the Microsoft
>> | Web-based Newsreader and then click "I Agree" in the message pane.
>> |
>> |
>> http://www.microsoft.com/office/comm...utlook.general
>>