Lync Offers Instant Messaging, Conferencing

UC Merced faculty, staff and students now have access to Lync, which provides instant messaging, audio and video conferencing and messaging and collaboration tools. While the built-in camera and microphone on most laptops will provide adequate service, they may not provide the best experience. Additionally, there are multiple headsets and cameras available on the market that may or may not work with Lync.

With that in mind, IT tested a series of headsets and cameras that are certified to support Lync and we have identified several that best meet the needs of users. IT has partnered with the Campus Store to make it as easy for our clients to obtain these devices.

The recommended devices and their price points are:

Audio Devices

• Jabra Voice 550 MS Duo, $57.95 - Standard wired USB headset with microphone and inline controls
• Jabra PRO 930 MS, $157.95 - Hands-free wireless headset with microphone and headset controls
• Jabra Speak 410 MS, $106.95 - Wired USB speaker pod for small conference settings

Video Devices

• Microsoft LifeCam Cinema, $59.95 - HD wired USB monitor mounted web camera
• Logitech “Road Warrior” B525 HD, $59.95, We recommend this camera only for clients who do a lot of travel

These devices will be officially supported by IT until a new evaluation is necessary.  As always, IT will continue to make a best effort with third-party devices, but software for the items we recommend will be included as a part of the systems we base build.

For more information about the headsets, cameras, Lync or Office 365, please visit the IT website at  http://it.ucmerced.edu/content/office-365-adoption. If you have any other questions, please contact the IT Help Desk at helpdesk@ucmerced.edu, call 228-4357 or drop by the Help Desk office in COB 132A.