In a recent job application Microsoft is looking for project Managers to help them bring Office 365 to Windows Phone with better integration. Office 365 is Microsoft’s cloud based enterprise offering aka Business Productivity Suite. Two key aspects of Office 365 are Lync Online and Exchange Online.
While Exchange powers email push on the phone it is Lync Online that makes this job posting very interesting. Lync Online is Microsoft’s cloud based audio/video communication service for enterprises. Now think FaceTime, Messenger and Skype. From Lync’s website here are two interesting features that could make Windows Phone fun to use for consumers and business users:
- Connect with customers and partners through instant messaging, audio and video federation.
- Conduct online presentations to customers and colleagues including audio, video, screen sharing and a virtual whiteboard.
It is the first feature I’ve listed that excites me, maybe it is the optimistic in me hoping that Microsoft can pull off something pretty cool. With kinect integration, copy/paste, multitasking and IE9 with HTML5 on the phone, Windows Phone has everything going for it. What Microsoft needs to do is be quick in releasing these features.
Here’s the job description:
You will own the strategy and execution for the Windows Phone client access to O365, including working with product planning and product engineering on product capabilities, engaging cross-group to ensure effective go-to-market sales and marketing plans for Windows Phone and Office 365, and the development of customer-facing materials to describe the value proposition of Office 365 and Windows Phone.