Lync will also require companies to take a closer look at how their networks are designed and how their IT organizations are structured.

Traditionally, the part of the IT organization that implements Lync for instant messaging, SharePoint and Exchange is different from the part of IT that implements voice and video tools.

"Companies have to figure out how to get these people to work together," says Blood, "which is especially difficult at giant companies with a lot of internal politics."

Blood notes that Lync makes communication easier and more flexible, yet could also lead to a workforce that is even more distracted.