The Microsoft Office Communication Server 2007 is an innovation in the field of communication systems and applications. It aims to deliver an enhanced functionality that can considerably improve the entire operation of businesses and government institutions. The long-term benefit is definitely the good return on investment (ROI).

The OCS 2007 is being hailed as a strategic business benefit that will induce changes in the existing business infrastructure and transform the very mode of business operations. Basically, using the OCS 2007, businesses can open a new world of possibilities that are driven by creativity and innovation.

The Office Communication Server 2007 has the capability to merge different types of communication abilities like voice, data and video into a single seamless structure. It has the ability to provide a rich communication experience within the business environment.

Some of the key values of the Office Communication Server 2007 are as follows: 

• Instant messaging
• Presence
• Audio, video and web conferencing
• IP Telephony
• Audio and video over the IP
• Integration of Microsoft Office (Includes MS Office, email and collaboration software)
• Software development kit
• Speech server
• Deployment options
• IM archiving and call detail recording

The OCS 2007 can enhance the ROI by enabling applications like:

1. Conferencing using in-house servers: Most companies and businesses have to buy web conferencing or audio & video conferencing capabilities from a third party service provider. With the installation of the OCS 2007, this cost will be taken care of. 
    
2. Expand the use of conferencing: Till date, conferencing is very limited based on a particular business requirement. Once the Office Communication Server 2007 is installed within office environments, it will be available for use on every desktop. This will help save cost in the areas of travel and will make meetings shorter, efficient and informative.
    
3. Excellent VoIP - Internal: The OCS 2007 provides an excellent Voice over internet protocol facility, which can be accessed using the office communicator. Basically, using this facility, one enterprise can call another enterprise in locations across the world without having to call on the landline. The result is cost savings. Some of the customers using the beta have reported a 50% savings in logistics and inter-location calls.
    
4. Excellent VoIP - External: The Office Communication Server 2007 has been created in such a way so that it can be configured with ease to receive calls made from PSTN phones.
    
5. External conferencing: The Office Communication Server 2007 enahnces conferencing as well as live meetings with the help of a web browser. 
    
6. Call detail report: There is an option in OCS 2007 that will help an enterprise to capture and log all calls as well as archive instant messages. It also includes CDR functionality that promises economical returns.
    
7. Administration is integrated: The OCS 2007 can administer services on a broad scale using just one administrative management console and can also automate most of the administration requirements using scripting software.

All these functional capabilities of the Office Communication Server 2007 will create an impact the will not only define enterprise solutions but also enhance the overall ROI of an enterprise or business.