MS previews next-gen server

Microsoft has released a nearly completed preview version of its next-generation communications server and associated software, which the company has collectively renamed as Lync, states PC World.

This release candidate will be the final developmental release before the full release of the finished product, expected by the end of the year.

"Over the past five years we have been on a journey to transform communications with the power of software," says Gurdeep Singh Pall, Microsoft corporate vice-president for unified communications.

The State of Virginia's technology vendor will pay at least $250 000 for an independent review into how one of the state's computer servers had an unprecedented meltdown, writes Fredricksburg.

Sam Nixon, head of the Virginia Information Technologies Agency, assured lawmakers that Northrop Grumman - the company with a 10-year, $2.4 billion contract to provide the state government's computer services - will pay for the review, and may pay a fine for the downtime suffered by some agencies as a result of the server failure.

Nixon was speaking to the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, which had scheduled an update on the state's computer contract long before the late August computer crash.

The Australian Crime Commission plans to upgrade its ageing communication tools, according to Government News.

The statutory body operates a series of communication technologies - integrated over a number of years - including e-mail, instant messaging, presence, secure voice-over-Internet protocol and secure room-based video conferencing.

Its office locations operate using minimal server infrastructure in deference to the centralised model.