Patton announced that SmartNode VoIP media gateways (release 6.T and newer) have been tested and certified in Microsoft's Unified Communications Open Interoperability Program for Lync Communications Server.

Microsoft lists Patton and SmartNode in the Direct SIP category, while Patton cites Microsoft as a Patton-Certified Enterprise Communication Partner for Lync and OCS.

The certification assures enterprise customers and system integrators that SmartNode VoIP equipment interoperates reliably and seamlessly with Microsoft's UC software, so they can select and deploy the products with absolute confidence.

SmartNode gateway-routers enable organizations to reap the benefits of Lync-based unified communications without replacing their existing phones or PBX systems, and without sacrificing connectivity with the traditional PSTN.

By interconnecting Lync software with legacy voice technologies and the PSTN, SmartNode preserves past investment in still-operational systems, while adding rich IP-telephony features including voice-and-data survivability and least-cost call routing—with the legendary set-it-and-forget-it reliability of SmartNode.

For more information about Lync solutions incorporating SmartNode VoIP gateways, register for Patton's educational webinar entitled "Gateway to Link" scheduled for Wednesday 27 June 10:00 AM EDT.

To facilitate trouble-free installation, Patton has published a free eleven-page application note entitled Microsoft Lync and Patton SmartNode. The publication provides set-up tips, valuable background information, and a sample SmartNode configuration file. Patton also provides free lifetime support with free software upgrades for its entire catalog of over 1,000 products.

Scaling from 2 to 2048 voice channels, the SmartNode product line is ideal for the small-to-medium, enterprise. SmartNode offers an exhaustive selection of telephony interfaces including PRI, BRI, FXS, FXO, T1, E1, and others.

Swiss-engineered and manufactured in the USA at Patton's world headquarters, SmartNode is the industry's first Microsoft Lync Certified VoIP gateway that offers models with integrated BRI interfaces.