Microsoft on Friday released Live Communication Server 2005 Service Pack One (SP1), which is a free update that incorporates some important new and enhanced features as well as security changes:
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Enhanced federation - connect to LCS servers at other companies and enterprises and share presence information securely via the Internet
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Support for the upcoming Microsoft Office Communicator IM client -currently in closed beta, but it requires LCS SP1 to operate (more info here)
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Public IM Connectivity (a.k.a. "PIC") - offers corporate users a way to connect with trusted customers and partners who may be using the most popular IM clients—MSN Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger, or Yahoo! Messenger.
URL blocking and spim filters to help stop the spread of IM worms
Download links:
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Download LCS 2005 SP1 Upgrade files here (reads the release notes and instructions to see if this applies to you)
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Download a 120-day trial version of LCS2005 with SP1 here (keep an eye on the calendar if you try thin in your business, it really will stop working at 120 days, without warning you!)
More information:
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Public IM Connectivity Provisioning Page (only for use when licenses are in place and you're ready to activate PIC)
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KB 897567: Known issues that occur with public instant messaging after you install Office Live Communications Server Service Pack 1 (lots of useful info about inter-service client behavior and firewall/IP info
Member discussion: