WebEx Communications, Inc. today announced that users will be able to access its applications from the new Microsoft Office Communicator 2005, the instant messenger client previously known by the codename, Istanbul. Through this integration, WebEx will enable LCC users to hold productivity enhancing internal meetings and revenue generating external meetings with customers and partners.

WebEx currently enables integrated access to WebEx meetings from a variety of applications and instant messaging clients including Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook, Lotus Notes, Windows Messenger and the popular AOL Instant Messenger (AIM). The standards-based APIs of the WebEx MediaTone platform also enable easy integration of the WebEx suite of customer interaction applications into any enterprise solution. WebEx plans to make the Microsoft Office Communicator 2005 integration available to all its customers, including those using the new EMX option.

“Our open architecture makes WebEx services perfect for integration with software clients, enterprise solutions and web-based applications,” said Stanford Au, vice president, Engineering at WebEx. “This addition will enable our customers to expand their use of our suite of applications for sales, support, training and events.”

WebEx manages a global network over which it delivers a suite of specialized web meeting applications including applications for web conferencing, online sales, web-based support, training and online events. These applications help businesses accelerate the sales cycle, increase revenue, improve employee productivity, speed products to market, enhance customer satisfaction and decrease training and travel costs. WebEx provides a worldwide network of certified WebEx specialists to help companies maximize return form these applications.