Communications & Collaboration
Top Stories
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Feature
12 Aug 2026
Desktop video conferencing hardware now built for hybrid work
Desktop video hardware offers organizations hybrid work benefits, including high-quality video for home workers and simplified IT management. But getting buy-in can be a challenge. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Aug 2026
How can IT manage video conferencing interoperability?
Video interoperability is challenging but necessary for today's enterprise. Evaluating vendor partnerships and choosing hardware that supports multiple video services are key. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Feb 2019
Business desk phones see changing role in the enterprise
Desk phones seem to be going the way of the Dodo in favor of softphones and mobile clients. But research suggests organizations are finding new ways to use desk phones for business. Continue Reading
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News
12 Feb 2019
Avaya revenue report misses mark in first quarter of 2019
Avaya revenue fell short of projections for the first quarter of fiscal 2019, as the company continues to focus on selling more software and services. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 Feb 2019
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
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News
08 Feb 2019
Trustwave finds security flaw in old Lifesize video products
Trustwave publicly identified a flaw in several legacy Lifesize video products this week, after the vendor initially indicated it had no immediate plans for a patch. Continue Reading
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News
08 Feb 2019
8x8 X Series integrates with Slack, Microsoft Dynamics
8x8 X Series has new APIs for embedding communications into third-party apps. Meanwhile, the vendor said it could now deliver speech analytics to larger contact centers through the public cloud. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Feb 2019
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
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News
06 Feb 2019
Logitech Tap meant to simplify meeting room controls
Logitech has released its first advanced meeting room controller, Logitech Tap. The touchscreen device works with web conferring apps from Microsoft, Google and Zoom. Continue Reading
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Answer
04 Feb 2019
How can you measure WebRTC performance?
Organizations can take two approaches to measure WebRTC quality, both of which assess real-time communications performance on end-user devices and the network. Continue Reading
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Opinion
01 Feb 2019
7 key trends driving the CPaaS market and its vendors
Do you know where the CPaaS market is headed? Expert Tsahi Levent-Levi breaks down the seven trends that are influencing how vendors offer their services. Continue Reading
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News
01 Feb 2019
Plantronics releases USB video system for huddle rooms
The new Polycom Studio from Plantronics is a USB video system for huddle rooms. Research released this week shows USB cameras are the fastest-growing segment of the video conferencing market. Continue Reading
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News
31 Jan 2019
Google Voice for G Suite expected to launch this spring
Google Voice for G Suite, a business version of its cloud calling service, will be available in at least nine countries, and its launch could come as soon as the early spring. Continue Reading
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News
30 Jan 2019
Number of daily Slack users surpasses 10 million
The number of daily active Slack users surpassed 10 million this month. More than 85,000 organizations now pay to use the messaging app. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jan 2019
5 considerations for selecting an on-premises VoIP platform
Although cloud-based VoIP is popular, organizations are consistently choosing on-premises VoIP systems, as they offer sites more control over their communications environment. Continue Reading
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Answer
28 Jan 2019
What factors influence WebRTC performance?
Understanding the potential issues that could affect the performance of WebRTC apps starts with knowing which factors to look at and how they function. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jan 2019
Boostability gains agent insight with new contact center platform
What do you do when your contact center doesn't provide the data and features you need? One company decided to deploy a new platform that could support current and future needs. Continue Reading
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News
25 Jan 2019
Avaya delivers cloud workforce management for contact center
Users of Avaya's contact center platforms now have access to cloud workforce management software through the vendor's partnership with Verint. Continue Reading
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News
24 Jan 2019
Slack integration signals shift in Avaya collaboration strategy
In launching a Slack integration this week, Avaya signaled that it would open its ecosystem to the collaboration apps of other vendors. Continue Reading
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Answer
24 Jan 2019
What are potential use cases for meeting room software?
It's likely that even your hardware-based meeting room is making use of software. Our expert explains where software fits into meeting rooms and its use cases. Continue Reading
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News
23 Jan 2019
Businesses to get quicker access to Avaya cloud UC
A new delivery model for single-tenant Avaya cloud UC promises to make it quicker and easier for businesses to migrate users from on-premises products to the cloud. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Jan 2019
Nestle connects globally with enterprise collaboration platform
Nestle is rolling out Workplace by Facebook as its new enterprise team collaboration platform, as it looks to more efficiently connect its global employees. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Jan 2019
How AI, machine learning improve real-time communications traffic
Ready to move on from legacy quality-of-service policies for your real-time communications? AI and machine learning offer new ways to simplify and improve real-time traffic management. Continue Reading
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News
17 Jan 2019
RingCentral contact center expands with Connect First acquisition
RingCentral's intention to acquire contact center provider Connect First follows a growing trend toward offering cloud contact centers as part of UCaaS environments. Continue Reading
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News
17 Jan 2019
Yealink, Crestron release first Microsoft Teams phones
Yealink and Crestron have received certification for their Microsoft Teams phones. Microsoft is expected to greenlight devices from Polycom and AudioCodes in the near future. Continue Reading
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News
16 Jan 2019
Avaya follows Cisco into market for UC headsets
Avaya has begun manufacturing UC headsets, following the lead of rival Cisco in a trend that is shaking up the market for such devices. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Jan 2019
Improve the contact center experience with 3 key integrations
Organizations that want to offer a modern contact center experience can turn to AI, messaging apps and UC to improve agent productivity and customer service. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jan 2019
Where the UCaaS market is and where it's headed
Fresh survey results from Nemertes show a dynamic market for UC as a service with some unpredictable impact on organizations and networking staff. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 Jan 2019
How do you build a business case for speech technology applications?
Building a business case for speech technology requires an understanding of the current use cases. Our expert explains what to look for when building a business case for speech technology. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jan 2019
Top ways unified communications in the cloud affects you
Rapid developments in cloud-based unified communications means there is no time to lose when it comes to planning the strategic and tactical reorganization of your IT team. Continue Reading
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News
11 Jan 2019
G Suite for business faces uphill battle against Office 365
Google continues to invest heavily in G Suite for business, adding new features, but the collaboration platform struggles to keep pace with Microsoft Office 365. Continue Reading
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News
08 Jan 2019
Cisco adds Webex Teams integrations for OneDrive, SharePoint
New Webex Teams integrations with Microsoft's OneDrive and SharePoint are the latest in a series that link the Cisco collaboration suite with Office 365 productivity tools. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 Jan 2019
How is CPaaS influencing UCaaS vendor portfolios?
The customizability of CPaaS is changing how UCaaS vendors approach their platforms. Vendors are adopting more APIs to integrate CPaaS capabilities within their UCaaS platforms. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Jan 2019
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
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News
04 Jan 2019
Amazon contact center now supports real-time voice streaming
The Amazon contact center, Amazon Connect, now supports real-time voice streaming, a feature that opens the door to several emerging applications of AI. Continue Reading
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News
03 Jan 2019
Ex-Cisco exec Jonathan Rosenberg named CTO of Five9
Jonathan Rosenberg is now CTO and head of AI for the cloud contact center vendor Five9. Rosenberg was previously a top executive in Cisco's collaboration division. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jan 2019
5 UC and collaboration trends to watch in 2019
As we close the door on 2018, look to the future of communication and collaboration trends that will influence the UC market landscape in 2019. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Dec 2018
8x8 X Series platform wins Network Innovation Award
The 8x8 X Series combines unified communications and contact center technologies into a single cloud-based platform. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Dec 2018
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
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Feature
27 Dec 2018
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
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Tip
26 Dec 2018
2 key use cases of blockchain in communications
Blockchain in communications can provide additional layers of UC security by reinforcing voice identity and privacy, while also protecting companywide collaboration. Continue Reading
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News
21 Dec 2018
Nixing of Skype Meetings App for Mac irks Microsoft customers
Microsoft is delaying plans to eliminate the Mac version of the Skype Meetings App after customers complained the move would make it harder for external guests to join meetings. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Dec 2018
Understanding MOS for voice quality
Looking to improve the quality of voice calls? Learn which mean-opinion-score models measure and rate the user experience and the factors that influence voice quality. Continue Reading
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News
20 Dec 2018
Cisco collaboration group loses another top executive
Tom Puorro left the Cisco collaboration group this week to become an executive vice president at Plantronics. He is the latest in a series of top executives to leave the unit in recent months. Continue Reading
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News
19 Dec 2018
Microsoft Teams room system ecosystem expands
Polycom and HP have partnered to release a Microsoft Teams room system. Meanwhile, Microsoft has announced it will bundle the licensing for conference room products into a single bill. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Dec 2018
What are speech technology applications beyond contact centers?
Speech technology applications aren't confined to contact centers. Our expert explains the use cases for the technology, including personal digital assistants and knowledge management. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Dec 2018
Team communication apps see surge in enterprise adoption
The adoption of team communication apps is on the rise, as enterprises focus on improving workflow and efficiency through contextualized communication. Continue Reading
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News
14 Dec 2018
Lifesize Icon 700 series delivers 4K video conferencing
Lifesize has overhauled its cloud infrastructure to support 4K video conferencing with use of the new Icon 700 series room system. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 Dec 2018
What UC monitoring tools are most important?
Our expert explains the UC monitoring tools you need and the potential network problems you may discover in your UC and collaboration environments. Continue Reading
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News
13 Dec 2018
Businesses can now rent Avaya phones
Businesses looking to reduce large one-time capital expenditures can now rent Avaya phones for a monthly fee. Continue Reading
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Quiz
12 Dec 2018
Test your knowledge of VoIP fundamentals
Do you want to test your knowledge of VoIP fundamentals and how VoIP works? Take this VoIP quiz and see what areas of voice technology elude you. Continue Reading
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News
12 Dec 2018
Online store launched for Avaya cloud products
Organizations can now buy multi-tenant Avaya cloud products through a self-service website targeted at small and midsize businesses. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Dec 2018
How to prepare for and manage VoIP call quality issues
Do you know how to maintain call quality when deploying VoIP? Get the answers to your VoIP quality concerns, from predeployment assessments to troubleshooting tools. Continue Reading
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News
07 Dec 2018
Oculeus unveils cloud service for toll fraud prevention
Oculeus-Protect, a toll fraud prevention service, automatically ends phone calls determined to be the result of PBX hacking -- a threat that costs businesses billions of dollars annually. Continue Reading
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News
06 Dec 2018
New Microsoft Teams calling features narrow gap with Skype
Microsoft will complete its Microsoft Teams calling roadmap in the coming weeks, with the release of four advanced call controls targeted at enterprise users. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Dec 2018
New UC vendor trends shaping enterprise communications market
With more enterprises looking for a single vendor to meet all of their communications needs, vendors are adding to their portfolios to create more complete communications offerings. Continue Reading
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News
05 Dec 2018
Avaya earnings show growth in contact center, decline in UC
Avaya earnings began to level off in fiscal 2018, as the vendor began to grow its contact center business again. However, Avaya's UC products continued to struggle. Continue Reading
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News
04 Dec 2018
Cisco brings Webex Teams messaging to Jabber client
Cisco is bringing Webex Teams messaging, file sharing, presence and search features to the Jabber client as part of a broader effort to streamline its UC apps. Continue Reading
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Answer
03 Dec 2018
Should team collaboration apps be stand-alone or integrated?
Team collaboration can be deployed as part of an integrated offering or as a separate app. Our expert explains why IT may not have much control over collaborative environment decisions. Continue Reading
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News
30 Nov 2018
WeWork reportedly halts rollout of Amazon Alexa for Business
WeWork, one of the premier early adopters of Amazon Alexa for Business, has reportedly shelved plans to deploy the AI voice assistant after a two-month pilot. Continue Reading
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News
30 Nov 2018
Tango Networks acquisition expands enterprise mobility services
In UC news, Tango Networks acquires Simetric Telecom to expand mobile telephony, Speechmatics and Clique partner for transcription service and Jabra intros wireless enterprise earbuds. Continue Reading
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News
29 Nov 2018
Videxio MeetingConnect uses QR codes to join meetings
Weeks before its planned merger with Pexip, Videxio has unveiled a new cloud service, Videxio MeetingConnect, which seeks to simplify the process of joining online meetings from a conference room. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Nov 2018
7 steps to select the right product for deploying SD-WAN for VoIP
Ready to deploy SD-WAN for VoIP? Networking expert Terry Slattery offers seven tips for selecting the right product to support real-time voice needs. Continue Reading
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News
28 Nov 2018
Microsoft Teams app adds controls for IT admins
Microsoft has released a set of APIs for automating the creation and archiving of teams within the Microsoft Teams app. Continue Reading
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Answer
28 Nov 2018
How do APIs work, and how can you ensure they are secure?
Understanding how APIs work and how they are used is essential when formulating security policies. Our expert outlines four steps to set up a first line of defense. Continue Reading
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News
21 Nov 2018
BroadSoft cloud calling begins to eclipse Cisco HCS
Cisco is pushing BroadSoft service providers to sell into the midmarket and above, raising questions about the future of Cisco HCS. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
19 Nov 2018
4 UCaaS market trends driving vendor offerings
The features users are looking for in UCaaS platforms are ever-evolving. Vendors are focusing on adding and improving features based on market demand and trying to keep up with alternative UC ... Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Nov 2018
What role does SBC security play in VoIP protection?
Knowing which SBC security features are essential is important to stave off potential attacks. Our expert gives insight into what features are necessary for robust protection. Continue Reading
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News
16 Nov 2018
Cisco pushes BroadSoft partners to sell Cisco phones, displays
At BroadSoft Connections, the sponsors of which included Polycom and Yealink, Cisco wasn't shy about encouraging BroadSoft partners to begin selling Cisco phones and displays. Continue Reading
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News
16 Nov 2018
New RingCentral platform, UC mobile app and AI partnerships
RingCentral introduced a new customer engagement platform, mobile app and AI voice analytics. Learn how the new offerings improve the user experience. Continue Reading
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News
15 Nov 2018
Cisco folds BroadSoft UC-One into Webex cloud
Cisco is looking to streamline its portfolio of UC apps, starting with the merger of BroadSoft UC-One and Webex Teams in the Cisco Webex cloud. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Nov 2018
How does embedded video fit into unified communications strategies?
Video communications have gained popularity in UC. Our expert explains how embedded video can enhance the communications experience beyond customer-facing applications. Continue Reading
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News
14 Nov 2018
Cisco targets huddle rooms with Webex Room Kit Mini
Cisco has launched the Webex Room Kit Mini. The video conferencing kit is for rooms that seat as few as two people and competes with products from Logitech and Lifesize. Continue Reading
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News
13 Nov 2018
Cisco brings BroadSoft cloud PBX to Webex Teams
The integration of the BroadSoft cloud PBX with the messaging and meetings app Webex Teams gives midsize Cisco customers a clearer migration path to a cloud-only UC environment. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Nov 2018
Maximize collaboration with the right huddle room design
Huddle room design is an essential part of creating a good collaborative environment. Learn what equipment options are available for your collaboration spaces. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Nov 2018
3 reasons Google Assistant Duplex raises security, privacy concerns
Google Assistant Duplex introduces a new level in machine-driven conversation technology, but not without raising security and privacy concerns. Continue Reading
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News
09 Nov 2018
In strategic shift, Avaya expands portfolio of open SIP phones
Avaya is doubling down on a decision to open its hardware to the software of competing UC vendors with the release of more than a dozen new open SIP phones. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
08 Nov 2018
The time for the omnichannel contact center is now
Editor's note: In this opinion piece, industry analyst Zeus Kerravala shares his thoughts on the omnichannel contact center and Talkdesk's latest approach. After years of discussion but low ... Continue Reading
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News
08 Nov 2018
Talkdesk iQ provides AI analytics, monitoring in contact center
Talkdesk iQ, the cloud contact center startup's new AI platform, includes an analytics dashboard and bot development tools. The vendor also announced a new 100% uptime SLA for enterprise calling. Continue Reading
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News
07 Nov 2018
Microsoft fixes flaws in Skype Meetings App
Microsoft announced upgrades to the Skype Meetings App to ease installation and setup. The vendor plans to eliminate the Mac version of the product in favor of the desktop app. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Nov 2018
Migrating from PBX to VoIP: A hybrid VoIP approach
A hybrid VoIP system can be the bridge from PBX to VoIP telephony strategies. Our expert helps to highlight the advantages of a hybrid approach. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Nov 2018
How do machine learning and AI fit into UC monitoring and analytics?
With the use of machine learning and AI in the very early stages in the UC market, our expert looks at their value in UC monitoring and analytics. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Nov 2018
How to plan and manage huddle room design to increase productivity
Get the answers to your questions on deploying video conferencing in huddle rooms -- from why the option is so attractive to what you'll need for a successful deployment. Continue Reading
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News
02 Nov 2018
Amazon opens Alexa for Business to third-party devices
Amazon's AI voice assistant platform for enterprises, Alexa for Business, is now compatible with third-party devices from vendors including Polycom. Continue Reading
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News
01 Nov 2018
Genesys improves workforce management software with AI
Genesys has developed new workforce management software to help contact centers with forecasting and scheduling. Continue Reading
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News
30 Oct 2018
8x8 buys Jitsi open source video conferencing from Atlassian
8x8 has acquired the open source video conferencing company Jitsi from Atlassian in a bid to improve its online meetings platform, 8x8 Meetings. Continue Reading
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News
26 Oct 2018
Microsoft releases Skype for Business 2019 server
The Skype for Business 2019 server includes several new hybrid cloud features and simplifies the migration path from the on-premises product to cloud-based Microsoft Teams. Continue Reading
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News
25 Oct 2018
Cisco Meeting Server 2.4 increases capacity, adds controls
The Cisco Meeting Server 2.4 release increases HD video call capacities and gives customers more in-meeting controls and branding tools. Continue Reading
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News
24 Oct 2018
Twilio Autopilot looks to simplify contact center AI
Twilio Autopilot gives developers the building blocks for creating contact center AI that businesses can use to improve customer service and save money. Continue Reading
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News
24 Oct 2018
UCaaS Magic Quadrant shows IT leaders ready for transition to cloud
The latest Gartner UCaaS Magic Quadrant found that large enterprises are making the jump to cloud as fewer dollars are spent on on-premises infrastructure and development. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Oct 2018
Huddle rooms create new meeting room management requirements
New video conferencing tools don't require high-level support from IT and AV teams, which allows them to take a more strategic approach to management. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Oct 2018
How do I troubleshoot SIP configurations to solve service issues?
When your SIP service isn't connecting properly, process of elimination will help you determine if the issue lies in your configuration or elsewhere on the network. Continue Reading
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News
22 Oct 2018
NEC launches InfinityBoard collaboration hardware for meeting rooms
In UC news, NEC Display introduces new meeting room hardware, MTD uses NewVoiceMedia to improve its contact center, and Fuze announces new mobile upgrades and analytics tools. Continue Reading
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Guide
22 Oct 2018
Reaping the business benefits of collaboration tools
Does your strategy for collaboration tools encompass cost, meeting requirements and make the best use of available hardware and software? Continue Reading
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News
19 Oct 2018
Interoperability could help 8x8 Team Messaging stand out
8x8 has added a team messaging app to its cloud-based unified communications and contact center suites, joining a growing list of vendors in a market kick-started by Slack. Continue Reading
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News
18 Oct 2018
Twilio buys SendGrid for email APIs
Twilio will acquire SendGrid, a maker of cloud-based email APIs. The deal follows email-focused acquisitions by Slack and Workplace by Facebook. Continue Reading
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News
17 Oct 2018
RingCentral the latest UCaaS vendor to acquire a cloud contact center
RingCentral is the latest UCaaS startup to push more heavily into the cloud contact center market with its acquisition of customer engagement vendor Dimelo. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Oct 2018
What potential chatbot security threats could AI introduce?
New chatbot AI technology comes with potential security risks. UC expert Jon Arnold explains what to be aware of when deploying new AI-based voice technology. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Oct 2018
AI in contact centers offers agents behavioral analytics
Contact center AI offers tools to help agents provide better customer service through behavioral analytics. But AI may also present some privacy concerns. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Oct 2018
How to check for packet loss to manage call quality
Network managers learn more straightforward techniques to get a more accurate reading when testing for network packet loss in order to manage call quality. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
15 Oct 2018
Would businesses embrace Google+ as a corporate social network?
Google plans to shut down its consumer-oriented Google+ social networking service and focus on a corporate social network for enterprise customers. The tech giant made the announcement last week ... Continue Reading
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Blog Post
12 Oct 2018
Opinion: New APIs work to connect apps to multiple messaging platforms
Note: Vonage is a client of ZK Research. The digital transformation era has arrived, and market leadership will be largely based on excellence in customer service. In 2017, ZK Research data showed ... Continue Reading