Cool stuff in Office 2007: Outlook adds support for text messaging, IVR integration

Outlook 2007 adds support for text messaging: That's one of the more interesting developments with Microsoft Office 2007, released in Beta 2 today and slated for year-end release. By using Outlook as a universal SMS client, Microsoft has taken unified messaging one step further by adding text messages to the instant message, e-mail and voice mail capabilities Outlook already supports in conjunction with its Live Communications Server and Exchange products. Microsoft also plans to widen access to Outlook as a unified messaging repository by enabling telephone access.

Microsoft's support for text messaging could pave the way for more serious use of SMS, which today is still viewed more as a consumer toy for teenagers and the ring-tones crowd than as a credible business tool.

Using Outlook, users will be able to send text messages to a participating user's cell phone number and receive replies back to their Outlook inboxes. Users can also configure the Outlook calendar to send text message reminders for upcoming meetings, according to Microsoft.

There are a few catches. Initially, only Verizon Wireless will offer the SMS service, although Microsoft says it is in negotions with other carriers. Each user that wants to use the service will have to sign up with Verizon individually and the additional fees Verizon will charge for the service were not disclosed.

Text message content also won't be fully integrated with Outlook and Exchange, at least not initially. Outlook will not store and index SMS message traffic and a company representative would not say whether or not Microsoft plans to add that feature in the future.

Another interesting feature, shown at a recent reviewer's workshop, was the "live" demonstraton of an interactive voice response (IVR) system that lets users access their Outlook calendars by telephone. Using voice commands, users will be able to call into their calendars and hear their upcoming meetings. Users also will be able to postpone or cancel meetings and create an explanatory voice message that is routed to participants.

For more details on Office 2007 Beta 2, be sure to see Computerworld's in-depth assessment, Review and Visual Tour: Microsoft's 2007 Office Beta 2.