You have access to the extensibility of Microsoft Lync 2010 when you use Microsoft Lync 2010 API to access the Automation class. Use Automation to launch and automate the Microsoft Lync 2010 user interface and integrate within third-party business applications. By contrast, use Lync Controls to integrate specific features (for example, presence, contact cards, or search) into business applications.

Features

With the extensibility that comes with Microsoft.Lync.Model.Extensibility . . :: . . Automation , application developers can take advantage of the following features:

  • Employ an easy-to-use API for integrating Lync 2010 functionality into a customer's business applications.

  • Programmatic manipulation of a Lync 2010 instance in a third-party application, as well as extending and customizing user experiences with Lync 2010.

  • Specify the size and location of a Lync 2010 conversation window.

  • Specify contacts that are invited to a new conversation.

Scenarios for Extensibility

The following application scenarios feature Microsoft.Lync.Model.Extensibility . . :: . . Automation .

  • Start an instant messaging, audio, audio/video, file transfer, or application sharing conversation from a third-party application.

  • Join or start a conference.

  • Run the Add Contact Wizard.

Architecture

An extensibility application uses Lync 2010 API to access a conversation window and the behind-scenes communications service to manipulate Lync 2010 programmatically, customize the Lync 2010 user experience, or extend its functionality.

The architecture of such an application appears in the following illustration.

Application architecture

An application begins by using the LyncClient . . :: . . GetAutomation method class to get a Microsoft.Lync.Model.Extensibility . . :: . . Automation object. Use the Microsoft.Lync.Model.Extensibility . . :: . . Automation object to start a conversation, join a conference, or launch the Add Contact Wizard.

See Also

Other Resources

Extensibility API Concepts