MS Exchange question: Office Communicator 2007 - do we need OCS 2007 too?

[Roman]

Hi all - trying to get a project charter completed and I am confused.

I have listed in scope: Office Communicator
I have listed out of scope: Office Communicator Server

Do we need OCS to run OC?

[hepcat]

When we were looking at it as a potential solutions to our internal collaboration needs, it did require us to have the server installed...at least for the level of use we needed.

we eventually just went with microsoftonline for email, sharepoint and live meeting and they throw in a fully functioning communicator license for users as well. 

now...if i could only convince folks that being able to see where people are at all times is a GOOD thing.   

[Roman]

we are only looking for inter-office communications - think MSN messenger.
We are not looking for PBX integration and all the other bells and whistles that OCS offers.

Only simple messaging and status notification.

[hepcat]

From what I remember, you would actually need the server for that as well.  The server integrates with your AD as the client isn't really a peer to peer client. 

[Roman]

you guys are right. I called pre-sales and they confirmed that we require OCS to run OC.