Evaluate

Evaluate

Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.

• Samsung Galaxy Chromebook, Galaxy Book Flex Alpha hands-on

  The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook revealed at CES promises more power and performance than competitors, while the Galaxy Book Flex Alpha is an affordable option to its predecessor. Continue Reading

• What chatbot evaluation metrics do you use to measure performance?

  Chatbots are an important contact center component -- as is measuring their performance. Learn how to measure chatbot performance in your organization. Continue Reading

• How should IT select antivirus software for Windows 10?

  There are a lot of options for antivirus software for Windows 10, so it's important to know what to look for. Here are some top considerations to think about before deciding. Continue Reading

• Digital asset management benefits the future of work

  Digital asset management promises to transform digital work, making it easier to tag documents, analyze video and provide image recognition. Here's where it's headed. Continue Reading

• Enhancing business processes with intelligent virtual assistants

  In this roundup of UC blogs, analysts discuss the rise of intelligent virtual assistants, Zoom's foray into WebRTC technology and the pitfalls of using vendor-provided RFPs. Continue Reading

• Dangers of biometric authentication for mobile devices

  Biometric authentication for mobile devices is touted for simplicity and security, but IT should be wary of particular biometric vulnerabilities and user privacy concerns.Continue Reading

• Discover the core ERP system components

  Discover core ERP systems components, as well as the benefits and challenges of implementing ERP in your organization.Continue Reading

• Hybrid video conferencing architecture bridges on premises, cloud

  Organizations that keep their video conferencing architecture on premises for investment or security reasons can gain the benefits of the cloud with a hybrid approach.Continue Reading

• How does Microsoft Power Platform stack up against SharePoint?

  Power Platform capabilities compete with SharePoint and, in some cases, replaces it completely. Suite components include PowerApps, Power BI and Microsoft Flow.Continue Reading

• Slack collaboration helps Ford, Wayfair build employee trust

  Executives looking to build employee trust and support collaboration across the organization should embrace Slack team collaboration, according to business leaders.Continue Reading

• How to navigate a sea of UEM vendors

  The UEM market is relatively new and, therefore, confusing to navigate. But, with an analysis of what's out there, IT can begin to understand which product is the best fit.Continue Reading

• Benefits of mobile passwordless authentication

  With an authentication method for mobile devices that goes beyond password and username credentials, IT can prevent social engineering attacks, while maintaining device usability.Continue Reading

• What are some applications of AI in content management?

  Content management systems in the healthcare and legal industries use AI to automate tasks, saving businesses the time and money spent on employees to do the same work.Continue Reading

• Test your knowledge of the device-as-a-service model

  For some organizations, leasing devices and support, also known as device as a service, is the best option for device management. Quiz yourself on this business model.Continue Reading

• Pros, cons of cloud-based IAM from Google, IBM, Amazon

  Amazon, Google and IBM all provide IAM tools with a cloud subscription. But before IT commits, it's important to evaluate the pros and cons of these free services.Continue Reading

• Know when to allow mobile device backup

  Mobile devices enrolled in MDM platforms should only be backed up in certain situations. Here's a rundown of what IT should allow in COPE, BYOD and COBO scenarios.Continue Reading

• What are the E911 location tracking requirements for VoIP?

  The rules around E911 location tracking have evolved as more businesses move away from traditional wired connections to VoIP. Here's how to stay compliant with FCC regulations.Continue Reading

• 6 questions to ask before choosing a SaaS or hybrid cloud VoIP system

  Before choosing a SaaS or hybrid cloud VoIP vendor, it's important for organizations to create a list of must-have features that can be used to narrow down their selection criteria.Continue Reading

• How does Parallels Mac Management for Microsoft SCCM work?

  With Mac Management from Parallels, IT professionals can manage Windows and Apple macOS desktops side by side with System Center Configuration Manager's native features.Continue Reading

• Enterprise VoIP platforms provide UC functionality in a single system

  The shift toward mobile workforces has dramatically changed how VoIP is deployed. Learn about three popular VoIP deployment models and use case scenarios and how VoIP is only a single component in a much larger unified communications strategy.Continue Reading

• Expert insights reflect top five trends in unified communications

  UC buyers need all the advice they can get in a rapidly changing market. Our top expert tips of 2018 helped organizations make sense of the trends driving the UC market.Continue Reading

• 5 UC trends that drove headlines in 2018

  From Cisco merging Spark and Webex to Microsoft's Teams migration, take a look back at the top UC news stories of 2018 and the UC trends that drove them.Continue Reading

• Acquia transforms from WCM to digital experience platform

  Acquia's product roadmap is a metaphor for many WCM vendors, which must focus on digital experience to remain competitive in a quickly evolving market.Continue Reading

• CRM for nonprofits rewires charitable giving

  Salesforce.org Nonprofit Cloud and marketing automation tools help charitable organizations gain and retain valuable donors, giving them a more positive experience.Continue Reading

• Customer support automation for B2B requires human touch

  Robert Johnson of TeamSupport and Sandy Crowley of ICANotes offer tips on how B2B companies can use automation to supplement human customer support services.Continue Reading

• Five ways ECM software can benefit your organization

  Think your business needs content management tools? Here are five use cases illustrating how ECM software addresses common compliance and management challenges that companies face.Continue Reading

• Understanding third-party Windows 10 security tools

  Third-party security tools provide value and new utilities for Windows 10 desktop administrators. IT should consider non-Microsoft options for patching, firewalls and more.Continue Reading

• How do microservices work with unified communications platforms?

  While a microservices architecture for UC platforms isn't obvious to enterprises, it can improve how service providers deliver and update their services for enterprise customers.Continue Reading

• Keep track of evolving IAM products, technologies

  IAM is at the heart of an organization's security strategy. To develop a strong IAM strategy, it's important to stay on top of the newest tools and trends.Continue Reading

• AI-assisted image and video search is next content frontier

  You can search text, but it's harder to catalog images and video. New tools are automating those processes at the enterprise level.Continue Reading

• It's time to embrace mobile VDI access

  Mobile devices have not taken the thin client market by storm, but they could become more popular as virtual app and desktop vendors gear their products toward smartphones and tablets.Continue Reading

• Understand Windows Insider Program for Business options

  With its business-friendly Insider Program, Microsoft allows IT and users to test Windows 10 preview builds for compatibility and performance issues.Continue Reading

• French transit develops chatbot with SAP Conversational AI

  The transit system in the Paris metropolitan area is tackling an AI-driven chatbot project to create an easy way for riders to access personalized information. Here's a look.Continue Reading

• How are contact center vendors using APIs?

  APIs are gaining relevance, as contact centers move to a more omnichannel experience. API expert Tsahi Levent-Levi explains how contact centers work with CPaaS providers.Continue Reading

• Ruggedized devices face a mobile-fueled transition

  The next generation of smartphones is more rugged than ever, and this trend will change the ruggedized device market. Learn how and know what to expect in the next few years.Continue Reading

• Voice assistants present new challenges for call clarity

  Virtual assistant devices and applications offer ease and convenience when placing phone calls, but they could pose problems in terms of audio quality.Continue Reading

• How to select the right VDI hypervisor

  IT has several decisions to make when selecting a hypervisor for VDI, including choosing between a free hypervisor or a more feature-rich, paid option.Continue Reading

• On-device machine learning offers security, reduced latency

  Where should IT process machine learning data? Mobile devices can now process machine learning, but it's important to evaluate all the options -- including the cloud.Continue Reading

• How can AI in mobile technology improve security?

  AI can help IT better detect mobile security threats, so determine how to take advantage of this nascent technology. Prep for AI-based systems to enter the mobile security market.Continue Reading

• New age collaboration tools empower the future of ECM

  Document management, file-sharing and ECM platforms might represent 'ancient' 1990s technology, but AI and collaboration tools are breathing new life into old systems.Continue Reading

• Manage Windows 10 desktops, mobile devices with EMM software

  Windows 10 supports crucial functions that enable enterprise mobility management. IT must follow a few important steps to prepare desktops for management through EMM.Continue Reading

• How do Twilio Flex API-based services affect contact center software?

  Twilio Flex, a programmable contact center platform, reflects an emerging trend toward software products built on APIs, according to API expert Tsahi Levent-Levi.Continue Reading

• VMware IoT services wield IT ties for device management

  VMware is positioning itself in the emerging IoT market with a combination of device management services and complementary features from other VMware products.Continue Reading

• Open-office plans prompt noise-mitigation technology

  From noise-cancellation headsets to officewide acoustic management systems, organizations are looking to quell noisy chatter associated with open-office environments.Continue Reading

• Three key VDI installation decisions IT must make

  Deploying VDI effectively comes down to several key decisions, including whether to run the back-end infrastructure on premises or with a DaaS provider.Continue Reading

• What are the benefits of SD-WAN services vs. MPLS?

  When weighing SD-WAN vs. MPLS for unified communications architecture, SD-WAN prevails. Networking expert Carrie Higbie Goetz explains the benefits of SD-WAN services over MPLS.Continue Reading

• CPaaS vs. UCaaS platform: Which should you choose?

  While the CPaaS vs. UCaaS debate might focus on overlapping features, the two technologies can be complementary, according to industry analyst Michael Brandenburg.Continue Reading

• The definitive DaaS provider criteria checklist

  If IT wants to move its virtual desktops to a DaaS vendor, it's critical to know what to look for, including the disaster recovery options and monitoring capabilities.Continue Reading

• Communication API vendors offer serverless architecture benefits

  A serverless architecture benefits communication developers in several ways, including fewer maintenance tasks, automated scalability and quicker time to market.Continue Reading

• Which business messaging app will prevail in the contact center?

  Apple, Facebook and Google are rolling out messaging apps that connect businesses and consumers. As a result, contact centers should consider an omnichannel messaging strategy.Continue Reading

• Five rapid application development tools to consider for mobile

  Rapid mobile application development vendors offer a variety of options, from low-code and no-code platforms to micro apps, workflow apps and more.Continue Reading

• Is the virtual SBC market poised for rapid growth?

  Recent market developments and research indicate virtual SBC products could see a significant upswing, as companies find success with virtualized offerings.Continue Reading

• Evaluate team collaboration tools to increase productivity

  Organizations need to consider several factors when buying a team collaboration tool, including deployment options and security features.Continue Reading

• Five steps to effective usability testing for mobile apps

  To avoid costly mistakes down the road, conduct usability testing and get a grasp on users' reactions to an app before rolling it out. These tips can help perfect the process.Continue Reading

• How each remote display protocol handles codecs

  The codecs that remote display protocols use to transfer an image to a virtual desktop have a large effect on the quality of both videos and text.Continue Reading

• Three root cause analysis methods to help solve VDI issues

  From performing a manual assessment to working with VDI vendors' proprietary tools, IT professionals have options for figuring out why problems are happening in their deployments.Continue Reading

• How the top cloud collaboration tools stack up

  Team collaboration apps have saturated the UC market. See how the leading products compare on calling features, video conferencing support, pricing and other criteria.Continue Reading

• Ten Windows 10 Fall Creators Update features to know

  Microsoft introduced some significant changes to Windows 10 in the Fall Creators Update. The My People app, for example, lets users pin contacts to their task bars.Continue Reading

• Emerging technologies to fuel collaboration industry growth

  Business communications is getting more contextual and intelligent, thanks to emerging technologies, such as AI and APIs. UCC tools are adapting to these new trends.Continue Reading

• AI, security shape mobile app development trends in 2018

  As demand for smarter mobile apps continues to rise, developers will embrace artificial intelligence, augmented reality and more robust security models to fill that gap in 2018.Continue Reading

• What are the advantages of rapid application development?

  RMAD requires less know-how, but still reduces the costs and risks typically involved in a traditional app build. Delve into the advantages of adopting RMAD products.Continue Reading

• Pros and cons of a Windows 10 clean install vs. upgrade

  When migrating to Windows 10, IT must decide whether to perform an upgrade install or clean install. The benefits of one are the weaknesses of the other.Continue Reading

• Virtual assistant apps not quite geared for businesses, yet

  While popular among consumers, virtual assistant tools are not exactly deployed in enterprises. But IT leaders are showing interest in this emerging business technology.Continue Reading

• Seeking use cases for digital collaborative whiteboards

  As a fairly new business technology, touchscreen whiteboards are trying to find their way into the enterprise market. Some companies, however, are struggling to find use cases.Continue Reading

• How to use the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit for Windows 10

  It's important for IT admins to know everything is going to work before they deploy Windows 10 desktops. They can use the tools in the Windows ADK to do just that and more.Continue Reading

• Rounding up and diving into some of the top VDI monitoring tools

  Buyers have a wide range of VDI monitoring tools to select from to effectively manage, monitor and troubleshoot VDI deployments and desktop user experiences.Continue Reading

• How does Office 365 licensing work in VDI deployments?

  Licensing Office 365 for VDI deployments is not simple. The requirements change depending on the deployment type. Microsoft RDS, for example, completely alters how it works.Continue Reading

• How does VMware Horizon View licensing work?

  Licensing is a critical component of VDI. VMware offers two main licensing options with Horizon View; a per user model and a per concurrent connection model.Continue Reading

• API vendors show how to build web-calling features

  In this video, see how API vendors are providing the building blocks to support web-based communications. Browser-based calling, in particular, is a fundamental feature.Continue Reading

• How to decide to deliver apps through VDI vs. installing them locally

  Admins have a tough choice in how they deliver new apps to their users. In some situations it's better to do it through VDI while in others its best to install them locally.Continue Reading

• WebRTC market expected to see more gradual changes

  In the new year, track these WebRTC market trends -- the proliferation of API platforms, the adoption of live broadcast streaming, and whatever Microsoft and Apple decide to do.Continue Reading

• Are both an engineering bill of materials and a manufacturing BOM needed?

  Manufacturing a product can be very different than what engineers have envisioned. Here's a look at what that means for different bills of materials.Continue Reading

• How does Windows AppLocker work?

  Windows AppLocker lets you use rules to whitelist or block applications based on attributes such as publisher or path, but it's not a comprehensive application control tool.Continue Reading

• Windows POSReady 2009 registry hack brings back Windows XP updates

  Admins who still have Windows XP systems on their networks can turn to a Windows POSReady 2009 registry hack to reopen the update floodgates.Continue Reading

• Eight factors when choosing mobile application development tools

  When it comes to picking out a mobile app development tool it is important to keep lifecycle management, integration, internal expertise and more in mind.Continue Reading

• Unify OpenScape Voice: Product overview

  With support for mobility, video and scalability for up to 500,000 users, OpenScape Voice -- and the rest of the Unify UC portfolio -- is well-suited for large enterprises.Continue Reading

• Avaya UC product overview: Aura Communication Manager

  The Avaya Aura Platform, perhaps best suited for larger enterprises, supports messaging, voice, video, presence and mobility features, as well as virtualization.Continue Reading

• Mitel VoIP 3300 series controllers: Product overview

  The Mitel VoIP platform consists of the 3300 series controllers. With support for up to 2,000 SIP trunks, the 3300 series can replace legacy telephony in small or large businesses.Continue Reading

• ShoreTel phone system: Product overview

  The ShoreTel VoIP system boasts several voice switches, simplified administration and automated backup. The premises platform is ShoreTel's replacement for PBX telephony.Continue Reading

• Cisco UCM voice over IP system: Product overview

  Designed for small and medium businesses, as well as large enterprises, Cisco UCM provides voice over IP technology that can replace a legacy telephone system.Continue Reading

• What is the best way to transition from Windows XP to Windows 10?

  If you're still on Windows XP, there's really only one Microsoft-supported way you can move from XP to Windows 10.Continue Reading

• Wearable technologies still need to hit their enterprise stride

  Wearable technologies represent a $7 billion industry, but they haven’t yet made their stake in the ground for knowledge workers.Continue Reading

• What a desktop assessment can do for you

  Is every physical desktop a candidate for virtualization? A desktop assessment can help make this determination before a major VDI investment is made.Continue Reading

• How does VMware App Volumes differ from ThinApp?

  VMware App Volumes, formerly CloudVolumes, is the virtualization company's attempt to speed application deployments and reduce IT headaches.Continue Reading

• Customer data integration needs strategy to derive meaning

  Your approach to customer data integration needs to be guided by another strategy to determine which information is relevant.Continue Reading

• Windows 9 features may address unified apps and the cloud

  Based on the Windows 8.1 update, it's reasonable to expect Windows 9 features for universal apps and cloud integration. Will they entice enterprises?Continue Reading

• RDSH vs. VDI comparison proves use case is everything

  In a RDSH vs. VDI comparison, it's not a matter of which is better. The most important thing is which one best fits your use case. VDI is good if users need multiple applications, but RDSH is a more lightweight model.Continue Reading

• Use balanced scorecards to follow through on business strategy

  Balanced scorecards are deceptively powerful tools for defining and tracking key metrics and objectives.Continue Reading