One of the coolest integration features of the paid versions of 3CX Phone System for Windows is the ability to talk to MS Exchange Unified Messaging (UM) as a substitute for the 3CX Voice Mail (VM) System. Basically – this allows tighter integration of 3CX with users of Outlook/MS Exchange by allowing VM’s to appear in a unified messaging inbox. User of this integrated 3CX/Exchange system can access either their VM’s or corporate email by phone – or in Outlook and Outlook Web Access (OWA).
The primary benefits of this type of deployment is that users can take advantage of Microsoft’s text-to-speech capabilities in UM and MS Exchange. Actions can be performed such as reading emails (and even replying) via phone. Voice command can also be used to manage your inbox and perform functions such as deleting or forwarding mail. In Outlook and OWA – voice mail messages are available in the Inbox and can be played. Additionally, in UM 2010, voice mail transcripts are available, so users can “read” a voice email directly as a text message.
3CX has just provided an updated guide on how to configure 3CX with either MS Exchange 2007 or 2010’s Unified Messaging. To view the guide in its entirety – click here.
As a side note – 3CX will also integrate with just about any another email server, such as IceWarp Server, or Kerio Connect. This will also provide the ability to receive VM and email in the same unified inbox. What MS Exchange UM provides over and above this capability is the text-to-speech, voice command capability, and transcription capability. However – using 3CX with a “vanilla” email server can greatly reduce costs and simply installation and maintenance, while still providing a highly integrated system.
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