Global Crossing announces that its portfolio of SIP Trunking solutions are qualified for Microsoft Lync Server 2010, enabling a feature-rich unified communications experience to customers worldwide.

Formerly known as Office Communications Server 2007 Release 2, Lync Server 2010 is the next generation of Microsoft Corp's UC server and software that enables businesses to connect in new ways, anytime, anywhere. Global Crossing is among a group of qualified SIP Trunking providers worldwide working with beta customers on SIP Trunking testing with Lync Server 2010.

SIP Trunking is the enabling technology that network providers rely on when establishing a broad range of UC tools such as "presence" solutions. Lync Server 2010 allows end-users to access presence-based features such as sending and receiving instant messages from within Microsoft Word documents or SharePoint sites.

Global Crossing's SIP Trunking solutions offer cost savings by eliminating the deployment and management of additional communications equipment. This simplified infrastructure increases productivity through easier-to-use communications tools and maximized bandwidth utilization in a converged environment.

Global Crossing's network throughout Europe, North America and Latin America offers a UC experience for Lync Server 2010 users around the world. The SIP Trunking solutions that support Lync Server 2010 include Global Crossing VoIP Outbound, Global Crossing VoIP Local Service and Global Crossing VoIP Toll Free.

These solutions combine voice, instant messaging, web, audio and videoconferencing services into a seamless, cost-effective and convenient global communications tool to help enterprises increase employee productivity. Global Crossing VoIP Local Service recently expanded to include a total of 27 countries worldwide, with enhanced capabilities in select European countries.

According to IDC, a leading industry research firm, the U.S. SIP trunking services market is projected to surpass $1.47 billion in revenue by 2014, representing growth of 39.8 percent between 2009 and 2014.