Windows 7: Microsoft's next-generation VOIP/conferencing client to debut as Lync?

What do you get when you combine Microsoft Live Meeting and Communicator? Microsoft Lync?

Lync looks to be the new name of Microsoft’s next version of the Communicator client for Office Communications Server 14, Microsoft’s all-in-one instant messaging/VOIP/conferencing product.

(I am hedging a bit here, as Microsoft officials won’t confirm anything about Lync. “We have nothing to announce today, but please stay tuned for news about Microsoft Communications Server ’14,’” said a Microsoft spokesperson.)

A reader pointed me to a blog mentioning something called Microsoft Lync (a site which I believe may have been created by Microsoft Gold reseller partner Glueck & Kanja Consulting AG). From the description there:

“Extend the capabilities and familiarity of Microsoft Office to connect with partners and colleagues around the world. Leverage your existing infrastructure to deliver audio, video, and Web conferencing, instant messaging and presence, and enterprise voice, all accessible directly from Office Outlook and the unified communications (UC) interface called Office Communicator/Lync.”

According to the text on the blog, “(D)evelopers can embed Lync elements in their applications and provide access to all UC-enabled services from any phone.”