Over the weekend, I got an email from IBM stating that Sametime 8 was now available … and that INCLUDES the Mac client. WOOHOO!!!
I’ve installed it on my Mac and its very nicely done. It really feels like a big improvement from the previous version. I then fired up Parallels to load it into my Windows environment. It was at that moment I realized I needed to do some more research on the new versions/flavors of Sametime. So I called my IBM/Lotus rep, who’s still working on getting me an answer to “what each version of Sametime exactly does” compared to the others.
She did send me a link to a blog with some good Sametime information. That’s helpful, but what I was really looking for was a table that showed each version of Sametime and what features are available across those versions. Apparently, this doesn’t exist (or else I assume she would have sent it by now).
What I did find was this graphical representation of what I was asking for:
This is a GREAT graphic, but I’m not sure what it means. I’m trying to figure it out based on the graphics, but stuff like the plug icon still confuses me. Does Sametime Standard 8 require A/C power?
Meanwhile, the other big mystery I’m trying to solve is how this integrates with our Cisco network. I know it does, I just don’t know HOW. When I find out, I’ll let you know. In the mean time, the visions of seeing my Sametime contact list with icons showing if a person is on-line and on the phone; and then being able to click-to-call them without having to look up a phone number — are very, very cool visions that I can’t wait to make happen. It’ll allow us to get ahold of people so much more effectively and easily, especially the mobile workers that are rarely in their “home” office location.
December 11th, 2007 at 9:57 am
I’m glad you like the improvements in Lotus Sametime 8.
We’re working on a public FAQ that compares the versions, but in the mean time I’d be glad to follow up with you on that directly (or via your IBM/Lotus rep), as well as with details on how to connect Sametime in with your Cisco network.
You can drop me a note directly at gartenbe -at- us.ibm.com, or have your IBM rep get in touch with me!
April 7th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Have you ever figured this out? I have ST 8 standard installed and we just upgraded our Callmanager to 6.1.1. I have tried setting this up, but I don’t see any presence and when trying to call someone, the phone doesn’t ring. I can do a call to their IM though.
April 18th, 2008 at 7:58 am
I haven’t yet, no. Our CM6 upgrade has been delayed for a few months. We do, however have the Cisco Voicemail piece working with Sametime. That is AWESOME!