VoIP: What with Microsoft unveiling Office Communications Server 2007 and its unified communications strategy, and “in light of the fact that the backbone of any UC platform is VoIP, I just thought I’d inject a brief note of realism into the discussion of the future of UC and the current reality,” Ephraim Schwartz explains in this Reality Check post. “VoIP is not half as good as my old AT&T service. I not only speak for myself here but friends and relatives who are using it as well.” Several readers posted comments agreeing with Schwartz’s assertions. “I’m fairly certain that some day it will be better. But I’m just saying it’s not there yet. I don’t care how many commercials they have on TV.” Unified communications: Moving right along, now that Microsoft has officially unwrapped OCS 2007 there are, not surprisingly, objections. And while OCS just might spur the rising tide that floats all unified communications boats, six concerns have manifested; some are FUD, others are legitimate. Related video: Bill Gates UC launch, in three parts. Careers: Sometimes, there are worse places to be than in a tight spot. Take the case of one reader who seeks Bob Lewis’ advice because he’s weighing a job offer from one company while waiting to interview with another where he’d much rather work. The question, of course, is how to handle it. “The best approach I can think of would be to tell the folks who made you an offer that the earliest you can start with them is two weeks from Monday due to previous obligations,” Lewis begins in An excellent pickle. Open source: Hassle-free Linux box might be an oxymoron, explains Zack Urlocker, “but it’s an interesting strategy by startup Zonbu.” Though he confesses to not liking the requisite online storage subscription the diskless machine brings, Zonbu claims it will save electricity costs. To anyone out there who has tried it, let Zack know your thoughts. “I think this is … a possibly disruptive idea.” Technology Industry