Topic Last Modified: 2011-03-24
In Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 and Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 R2, Communicator Web Access is a specialized Web server that allows for instant messaging, Web conferencing, desktop sharing, and dial-in conference support for internal and external users who do not have access to Microsoft Office Communicator or cannot use the full client due to protocol or desktop limitations. In Microsoft Lync Server 2010, Communicator Web Access functionality still exists but has been renamed Microsoft Lync Web App. The browser-based Lync Web App client does not have the full Lync functionality of Lync. For Windows users, all the in-meeting features are available, except for computer audio, video, and the ability to upload Microsoft PowerPoint presentations. The same features that are available to Windows users are also available to Macintosh users, with the exception of desktop and program sharing. Lync Web App Lync Web App is automatically installed as part of a Standard Edition server and on each Front End Server in a Front End pool, rather than a dedicated physical server. For details about Lync Web App functionality, see Lync Web App Features in the Getting Started documentation and What's New in Client Deployment in the Planning documentation.
You configure virtual servers to accommodate both internal and external user types. The virtual servers are separated in such a manner that external users are only allowed access to the external virtual servers, and likewise for the internal user and internal virtual servers. However, it is possible to use a single virtual server for both internal and external access.
