Modern working methods for Microsoft developers: Lync Basic 2013

Nowadays, developer collaboration when working with distributed projects is a norm, and I for one need to communicate with people literally all around the world. Many consumer-oriented applications like Skype (and the old trusty Messenger that it soon replaces) and SkyDrive are both very good in helping you share files, ideas and communicate with one another.

However, when things start to get a bit more professional, I prefer to use Office 365 and Lync for communications and sharing. However, I've found that not all people are aware of Lync, although using it isn't any more difficult than, say, Skype.

Now the good news: Microsoft has made available a free version of the latest Lync version, called Lync Basic 2013. With this tool, you can easily connect with your team, and for instance work together on that .NET development project you have.

To get started, read the introduction and then download your copy.