Microsoft Corp. is launching a qualification program for its unified communications products.

Microsoft and nine device manufacturers introduced 15 phones and devices that support Microsoft's "Unified Communications" platform, today at WinHEC 2007.

The new devices, from Polycom, LG-Nortel, and others, aim to connect the workplace phone to email, instant messaging, real-time presence information, conferencing, VoIP, and mobile communications.

The new phones and devices include IP phones, USB phones, wired and wireless headsets, Bluetooth devices, conferencing phones, portable speakerphones, LCD monitors and laptops.

The platform comprises a combination of software and hardware, including:

• Office Communications Server
• Exchange Server
• Office Communicator
• Live Meeting enhancements
• RoundTable
• Communicator phone experience
• PC peripheral devices

"We're looking to ignite partner innovation to bring software economics to what has been proprietary," said Eric Swift, senior director of unified communications product management for Microsoft. 

Microsoft hopes that qualification program will make it easier for hardware developers to create innovative new phone products in a phone industry that he describes as remaining stagnant for many years.

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