We just deployed Lync Server 2010 in our organization and it is working great so far.
The next step for us is to enable enterprise voice so that we can replace our telephones with service that is handled 100% by Lync. This is where I am at a loss.
I have a fully deployed Standard Edition Lync server and a hosted VoIP PBX provider with VoIP handsets. I would like to get rid of the handsets and have my company's phone service be handled by Lync client (e.g. someone calls my work number, and Lync rings instead of my old handset that is set up with the PBX)
I am new to deploying these types of features. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
Best Answer
If you want to be totally PBX-less and "pure Lync to PSTN" then you want a SIP Trunk which is like a hosted PBX over Internet. Here's your options for connecting to PSTN (public swtiched telephone network and the partner I've used is IntelePeer which can give you a 30-day free trial of a few phone numbers to test with. They are certified on Lync and can help you configure it. On your end you need to enable the Lync Mediation Role which acts as a SIP Router for any calls to/from the SIP trunking provider. There are some firewall rules, and settings you need to setup obviously but that should get you started. It's not as easy as installing Skype, but once it works it's an awesome replacement for legacy PBX :). Might also want to read the Voice Deployment Guide.
Other option is to keep PBX and get a gateway that supports your PBX and Lync and sits between them, also discussed at the first link above.