On November 24, when Microsoft Hong Kong announced the general availability of Microsoft Lync, the QI Group was cited as one of the many early adopters of the system, next to other international conglomerates like The Estee Lauder Companies Inc., Nikon Corp., and Shell.

Microsoft Lync is a single platform that integrates instant messaging, presence, audio, video, Web conferencing and voice, to bring people together in the ways they communicate best. It uses an interface that works with the applications businesses already know and use today, including Microsoft Office, Microsoft SharePoint and Microsoft Exchange.

Lync unifies all forms of today’s business communications, providing a more collaborative, ‘in person’ experience with features like high-definition video, conference recording, and social features such as status updates and activity feeds,” said Peter Yeung, General Manager of Microsoft Hong Kong. “In addition to transforming the way people communicate, IT departments are also looking to Lync to evolve their infrastructures and enhance or eliminate their traditional PBX systems, saving time and reducing costs,” he explained further.

The QI Group has been using Lync widely for its operations in Hong Kong and is among Microsoft’s global customers who are experiencing an increase in productivity, as a result of embracing the system. “As global retail and direct sales are the flagship businesses of our group, we are always exploring the latest innovation in communications to increase operational efficiency,” said Malick Aboobakar, Chief Information Officer of the QI Group. “We have found that Microsoft Lync streamlines different communication modes such as voice over the Internet, conferencing and instant messaging, while using a simple, single interface that provides a comprehensive and intuitive communications experience. With Lync, our employees will enjoy seamless communications, internally and externally, integrated with our Exchange [2010] AD [Active Directory]. Lync creates greater flexibility and mobility, and assists us in reducing operational costs and increasing productivity. Based on our usage experience with the product, we will be recommending our business teams to pilot test it.”

Through our partnership with Microsoft, a worldwide leader in software, services and solutions, we aim to bring our communications to new heights and help realise the full potential of the Group’s highly diversified business portfolio.

For Microsoft’s full online version of the press release in Hong Kong, please click here