Microsoft OCS = Cisco entering IP

Over at UCstrategies.com, Jay Brandstadter is pondering how Microsoft's entry into the world of Unified Communications recalls Cisco's entry into the IP PBX world a decade ago. While Microsoft has pooh-poohed the PBX as old technology it wouldn't want to pursue, Jay has some déjà vu in the matter.

Cisco leaped into the PBX market in 1998 through an acquisition and built themselves into a leadership position through a combination of aggressive marketing, "ample" R&D, and going toe-to-toe with Avaya, Nortel, and other vendors. Cisco didn't create VoIP but they legitimized VoIP through their efforts and learned about telephony along the way. Customers were also willing to pay a premium for Cisco, replacing IBM in the adage "No one every got fired for buying …"

Enter Microsoft going after the PBX market at the low end with Response Point and up market with Office Communications Server (OCS). Microsoft's foothold into the enterprise world is through the desktop and software applications, while Cisco has its beachhead in the network domain.

Can Microsoft beat Cisco by pumping UC? Voice is already moving out of a closed environment and culture to the IT organization. Cisco wants to play in the UC world because it gives them a way to take more money off the table.

For more:
- Jay's blog on Microsoft UC PBX plans

Related articles:
Microsoft Announces VoIP Partners for Response Point
Cisco leaps to No. 2 enterprise VoIP vendor