February 2014 Lync Optimizer Updates

Since moving the Optimizer back-end to a SQL database and enabling Microsoft authentication, its allowed me to explore adding new features not previously possible.

Ruleset History

The first feature I'm releasing is a ruleset history option. Every ruleset run by users is stored in SQL, so it was relatively easy to enable a history feature, so users can call up past rulesets (it was harder to make it secure). This can come in especially handy when working with extensions, as it is currently rather time consuming to enter extension details.

When you log in now, you'll see a View History button beside the Input heading.

Clicking it will bring up your entire ruleset history since the introduction of authentication and the SQL backend (late October 2013).  Clicking on any row will load that particular ruleset into the Optimizer.

Selective Caller-ID Block

Sometimes, users want the ability to block their outgoing caller ID, but not all the time.  Lync has a feature where you can do this at the voice route level, but it takes a bit of work to make this work "on-demand".  The Optimizer can now accomplish this for you, simply by checking the Allow Call ID Block checkbox and entering the desired caller ID block code (ie *67 in the US/Canada), and the replacement caller ID to use.

The Optimizer will change the default normalization rules to allow the entry of the caller ID block code.  Normalized numbers using this code will look something like: *67+12123334444.  The Optimizer then creates a route for that pattern that selects the Suppress caller ID option.  A trunk translation rule strips the block code before sending to the next hop.

Other Things

I've also included numerous tweaks to improve the overall experience and to ensure consistency. I've also nearly completed the data move from XML to SQL which gives me more options for the future.

I've been working behind the scenes trying to make these work as seamlessly and easy as possible. If you find the Optimizer helpful and a timesaver, think of the Hoff and send him a donation (this guy here, not the real Hoff....he doesn't need any more money).

Any new feature requests, please drop me a line.