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INTRODUCTION
Within the constraints of the hardware mentioned, we created our labs using Microsoft
Hyper-V technology to virtualize many machines. The labs ranged from two machines covering
a domain controller and a single Lync server all the way up to the migration lab, which had both
OCS and Lync installed with full external communication and mediation servers for connectiv-
ity to the PSTN, where we were running ten servers on our single piece of hardware. So while
for production use you must take care to size things according to best practice, in the lab you
can learn a great deal with a single server, Hyper-V, some public IP addresses, public certifi cates,
and a SIP trunk—which are all readily available for affordable amounts of money.
What’s Inside
This book is arranged in six main sections, with a couple of appendixes. The six main areas
focus on key elements that help build your knowledge of Lync, starting with fundamentals that
get you up to speed. We then move through getting your fi rst Lync system up and running to
administrating your system. At that point, the book takes a deep look into using Lync as your
telephony platform, before moving on to cover how to integrate Lync into other systems, and we
then fi nish with a look a Lync mobile clients. The appendices wrap up the Bottom Line learn-
ing entries from the book and conclude by taking a step back from the technical elements to
discuss changes Lync may require to your business and how to make sure you have a successful
implementation.
When fi rst picking up a new book, people frequently jump straight to a chapter that answers
some immediate need or interest. We have attempted to build concepts throughout this book,
with most of the later chapters making the assumption that you are familiar with the previous
material. We have, of course, referenced that earlier material wherever possible in case you need
to brush up, but as a general recommendation, we suggest that if you’re new to Lync, you will
have the most success by reading through the chapters in order.
Part 1: Fundamentals
This section covers the background information that will help you understand what makes
Lync tick.
◆ Chapter 1: What’s in Lync? This chapter runs through Lync from top to bottom, cover-
ing key concepts, features, and where Lync sits in the history of real-time communication
products from Microsoft.
◆ Chapter 2: Standards and Protocols. Like any technical product, Lync is underpinned by
numerous protocols and standards that enable it to operate and interoperate with other
platforms. This chapter focuses in particular on SIP, which enables the majority of Lync
communications.
◆ Chapter 3: Security. Security is front of mind for all administrators these days. In this
chapter, we outline the threats to Lync and explain its architecture in a security-focused
manner that will enable you to discuss requirements with your security team. We also
cover some of the administrative practices needed to help you administrate Lync securely.
◆ Chapter 4: Clients. Without clients, any server product would be pretty useless! In this
chapter, we look at the clients available on a PC, Mac, browser, and telephone, and we dive
deep into how the clients connect to Lync.
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