Enterprise no longer needs to worry about a mising-Lync on their mobile OS of choice

Microsoft confirmed via Twitter that it will be bringing mobile versions of its Lync enterprise communication software to Android, iOS, BlackBerry, and of course Windows Phone. The desktop version of Lync is an IM solution that includes integrated video, web conferencing, and audio features aimed at increasing group productivity in business settings.

It’s not known at this time if all the features of the desktop client will be ported to mobile operating systems, but the release is expected in the next four weeks, so apparently it won’t take long to find out.

This is an interesting move for Microsoft, who closed their acquisition of Skype earlier this year and has pledged continued support for Skype on all mobile platforms. Microsoft presumably hopes to differentiate the two overlapping product offerings, perhaps by including a more secure, enterprise-friendly set of apps for Lync. The presence of a secure cross-platform communication device may put additional pressure on RIM to bring products like BBM to other operating systems.

It should be noted that this is a different strategy than Microsoft has employed for many of its other products. Programs such as Office Mobile have been exclusives to the Windows Phone ecosystem so far, although the partnership with Nokia did bring Office Mobile to Symbian devices. Perhaps if WP7 continues to lose traction in the marketplace this will be the first of many Microsoft offerings that will expand to other smartphones.

source: Twitter via BGR

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