Microsoft to Enter Business Phone Market

Microsoft plans to extend its reach into the business telephone market as early as June 2007. According to The Wall Street Journal, Microsoft is developing phone systems and video conferencing equipment designs that partner companies will sell. The equipment will link up to Windows-based computers so that you can control your phone via a desktop interface, and a group video conferencing system that automatically aims a camera at whoever is speaking is also in the works.

The move will put Microsoft in competition with companies like Cisco and Avaya in the telecom market. The Redmond-based company also expects this will help boost sales of its other server products.