Topic Last Modified: 2014-02-21

Exchange and Lync Server have a long history of integration and compatibility. This integration is most noticeable within their respective client application. For example, Lync presence information can be reported in Microsoft Outlook; likewise, Lync can use Outlook calendar to automatically update that presence information. (For example, Lync can change your status to Busy any time your calendar shows that you have a meeting scheduled.) Although you do not have to run Exchange in order to run Lync Server (or vice-versa) there's little doubt that using the two products together epitomizes the very definition of the term "better together."

This is especially true with the release of Microsoft Lync Server 2013 and Microsoft Exchange Server 2013. In addition to features, such as unified messaging and IM and presence, that are found in Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 and Microsoft Lync Server 2010, the 2013 releases of the server products include a number of new capabilities. These capabilities include such things as:

Keep in mind that these new features require the use of both Lync Server 2013 and Exchange 2013. In addition to that, users who hope to take full advantage of these new capabilities must have accounts on Lync Server 2013 and Exchange 2013, and must be using the latest versions of the client software (e.g., Lync 2013). For example, the unified contact store is not available to users who have been homed on Lync Server 2010; likewise, high-resolution photos cannot be displayed in Lync 2010.

This documentation provides information on integrating Lync Server 2013 and Exchange 2013. including step-by-step information on enabling new features such archiving Integration and the unified contact store. What this documentation does not do is discuss the initial setup and configuration of these two products. For details about deploying Lync Server 2013 see the Lync Server 2013 Tech Center at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=246127. For details about deploying Exchange 2013 see the Exchange 2013 Tech Center at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=268528.

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