We're taking part in the first Blog Action Day, a day to blog about an issue to try and make a difference. This year the subject is how to save the environment and what better way to save trees and paper than to use instant messaging at work.

Cut down on post-it notes, letters and internal memos by using email, IM and even VoIP in your workplace, or go a step further and cut down on travel pollution as well by working from home and using the internet to communicate seamlessly with your office. It could even save you and your company money in the long run.

One of the best tools for workplace instant messaging and collaboration is Microsoft Office Communicator. The latest version, Microsoft Office Communicator 2007 (aka OC), launches this Tuesday 16th October along with the server software it runs on, Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 (aka OCS).

Communicator 2007 has many advantages over Windows Live Messenger in a workplace environment. Some of these include:

• Integration with Microsoft Office programs like Outlook (including the calendar) and business products like SharePoint
• Better security features (including message encryption and server-side logging)
• Advanced contact features (including presence information here, there and everywhere)
• Interoperability with Windows Live, Yahoo! and AOL messengers
• No ads (and a less bloated and cleaner UI in general)
• Support for phones (including call diversion and voicemail)
• Document collaboration features (including OneNote and Live Meeting)
• Multi-user video conferencing

And as Communicator comes in versions for the desktop, browser and Windows Mobile it means that you can access your office and work from almost anywhere and whilst on the move (and without needing a VPN).

I really feel that Office Communicator can be a revolution in business communications. Although it is hard to grasp how it is so different and better from previous offerings without trying it out for yourself, I can easily see this impressive product in offices all of the world in the near future.

Find out more about:
Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007
Microsoft Office Communicator 2007
Microsoft Office Communicator Mobile 2007
Microsoft Office Communicator Web Access 2007
... the rest of Microsoft's Unified Communications products

Reviews of OC and OCS
Microsoft press release: Unified Communications vision