In addition to populating the office space with Microsoft keyboards and mice, the software giant is now looking to dip into communication tools such as phones and conference cameras. At this year’s Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC) 2007, Microsoft and nine other companies - ASUSTek, GN, LG-Nortel, NEC, Plantronics, Polycom, Samsung, Tatung and Vitelix introduced new devices for use in the public beta program of Microsoft Office Communicator 2007.

Microsoft is providing the device manufacturers with design specifications that connect the workplace phone to e-mail, instant messaging, real-time presence information, conferencing, voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and mobile communications.

"Today's office phone is marooned on an island, separate from the rest of the communications tools that information workers rely on to do their jobs," said Jeff Raikes, president of the Microsoft Business Division. "By weaving the business phone together with e-mail, instant messaging, presence, conferencing and the productivity software people use most, we are putting voice communications back into business."

The qualified phones and devices work out of the box and plug-and-play with Microsoft unified communications software. 15 different devices are the first to be revealed, including Internet protocol phones, USB phones, wired and wireless headsets, conferencing phones, LCD monitors and laptops.