Try Lync Server 2013

Lync for developers

Capabilities in Lync 2013


Customize and extend Lync

Customize Lync to operate with legacy systems in new ways, or add functionality through extensions on top of Lync's APIs.

Empower customer care

Empower unique customer care scenarios using multichannel communications, or extend Lync beyond the enterprise with ISV solutions such as web chat, IVR, or a contact center.

Embed communications in business processes

Deeply embed communications inside applications and business processes with ease using familiar paradigms like .NET and REST-ful APIs.

UCMA developer videos


UCMA Hello World - Send an Instant Message

See a demonstration of sending an IM message using Microsoft's middle-tier API for Microsoft Lync Server.

UCMA 4.0 Development Topics

See an overview and code walkthrough of async coding techniques using .NET 4.5 and techniques to move from the UCMA Workflow to the UCMA Core API for IVR applications.

Learn more, get more, do more


Browse the Lync developer library

Learn more about Lync development and Lync APIs.

Get Lync code samples

Download Lync code samples and applications.

Download Lync software, updates & dev tools

Visit the categorized downloads listing in the Lync TechCenter.

Participate in Lync forums

Read discussions, ask questions, or comment on Lync development issues.

Meet apps for Office and SharePoint


Apps for Office

Apps are web applications, combining the best of cloud services and web technologies within the familiar environment of Office. Apps can run in multiple environments and clients, including on-premises and in the cloud.
Learn more

Apps for SharePoint

Apps for SharePoint provide users with a consistent way to discover, acquire, and get new capabilities. They are versatile, reusable and scalable. Design your apps as widgets, extend the SharePoint interface, or provide a full immersive experience to users.
Learn more

Start building apps

Build apps with your existing skills, using familiar languages and your favorite web development tools. Use any hosting services to run and deploy your app. You can sign up for a free, 30-day trial of Microsoft Office 365 Developer and build an app using the Napa tools!
Sign up

Why create apps for Office and SharePoint?

Use your existing skills to build apps and take advantage of familiar tools, languages, and hosting services. You can use any language, such as HTML, JavaScript, PHP, or .NET, and you can use your favorite web development tools, including Visual Studio, and a new web-based tool, "Napa" Office 365 Development Tools.

Use any hosting services to run and deploy your app. You can connect your app with just about any internal or public web services. Take advantage of the new OAuth 2.0 support in SharePoint, and use the REST and JavaScript and .NET client APIs to integrate and connect your app with SharePoint.

Deploy, update, and maintain your apps faster in the cloud. Publish and distribute IT approved apps within your organization using an internal app catalog, or sell your apps in the Office Store.

Connect to the largest install base of users for any productivity services so your app will be exposed to the largest potential audience possible.