Lync Server Standard CAL is being added to Core CAL suite
This is good news that you can be licensed for Lync IM and Presence via new Core CAL suite coming August 2011.
See the upcoming CORE CAL here:
*Suite components currently planned for August 2011, and would be available with active Software Assurance coverage on or after the products become available for purchase in Volume Licensing. Because Microsoft must be able to respond to changing market conditions, these plans are subject to change at any time.
As a refresher, Lync Server Standard CAL provides you:
Activate Presence in Exhange, SharePoint and Microsoft Office:
See availability information for your organization and initiate communications from within Microsoft Office 2010 applications.
Collaborate using 1:1 and group chat. Manage compliance with archiving/retention policies. Federation connects users to trusted external organizations.
Peer to Peer Voice and Video Chat:
Escalate an IM to a call or video in the same conversation and save money by using peer to peer voice and video instead of making phone calls.
Read more about the upcoming CORE CAL suite capabilities here.
For more on the Lync Standard, Enterprise and Plus CALs visit here.