Communications & Collaboration
Top Stories
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Tip
09 Jul 2026
Top 7 UCaaS features to enhance productivity
Enterprises have historically used UCaaS to reduce operating costs. No longer. Today, due in part to AI, companies view UCaaS as the most efficient way to boost collaboration. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Jun 2026
Securing AI meeting assistants: What IT leaders need to know
More companies are deploying AI agents to make their meetings more efficient. But these tools can also expose companies to some significant security risks. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Jan 2018
Room-based video conference software aids workflows, management
Huddle rooms, or small meeting rooms, can benefit from room-specific video conferencing software that enhances collaboration workflows and IT management. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Jan 2018
Microsoft Teams integration with Cisco Spark presents challenges
Microsoft and Cisco interoperability does exist in unified communications. But, for team collaboration, Microsoft Teams integration with Cisco Spark adds another wrinkle. Continue Reading
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News
22 Jan 2018
Midmarket enterprises push UCaaS platform adoption
Cloud communications is growing in popularity among midmarket enterprises. UCaaS providers and enterprises must work together for successful adoption and deployment. Continue Reading
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News
22 Jan 2018
Avaya UC headed for SMB product bundles
Avaya plans to grow its customer base with SMB-friendly technology. The bundles will include Avaya UC and other features from the company's enterprise portfolio. Continue Reading
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Opinion
17 Jan 2018
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
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Tip
16 Jan 2018
How to navigate the enterprise collaboration market
When evaluating enterprise collaboration services, first look inward at your company needs. Some key collaboration criteria include scalability, security and uptime. Continue Reading
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News
11 Jan 2018
Businesses slow to embrace products like Samsung Flip board
Samsung hopes to heat up the tepid digital whiteboard market, but the new Samsung Flip board will face tough competition from small vendors, as well as Cisco, Google and Microsoft. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 Jan 2018
How do enterprise collaboration services affect mobile traffic?
The growing use of collaboration apps is putting pressure on the business mobile network. Learn how to support collaboration on both mobile and Wi-Fi networks. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Jan 2018
Video conference hardware simplified, affordable for huddle rooms
Video conferencing vendors have aimed to simplify deployments with cost-effective kits that include cameras and audio peripherals for small meeting rooms. Continue Reading
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News
05 Jan 2018
Unified communications vendors continue consolidation carousel
Several unified communications vendors rang in the new year with mergers and acquisitions, as Star2Star merges with Blueface and Polycom picks up Obihai Technology. Continue Reading
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News
22 Dec 2017
UC trends revealed in top news stories of 2017
Take a look at the top UC news stories that affected the industry in 2017 -- from the growth in the team collaboration market to vendor mergers and acquisitions. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Dec 2017
Five predictions for communication and collaboration trends in 2018
In the new year, watch for team collaboration tools to become the primary user interface. And one UC vendor might mark the end of life for its on-premises platform. Continue Reading
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News
14 Dec 2017
Free phone service could boost Dialpad's UCaaS status
UCaaS provider Dialpad is offering a free cloud telephony service that integrates with G Suite, while a new partner program offers Workplace by Facebook support. Continue Reading
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News
30 Nov 2017
Third-party E911 services expand call management tools
In UC news, organizations are deploying third-party E911 services for additional call management capabilities, while Genesys announces a chatbot integration with Amazon. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Nov 2017
UC management tackles multivendor, hybrid UC challenges
Multivendor and hybrid UC are creating complex management challenges for enterprises. Learn how UC performance management provides enterprises with the tools they need. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
21 Nov 2017
Workplace by Facebook, Amazon Chime and Walmart -- too big to ignore
A little more than a year ago, Facebook crashed the unified communications party. The largest social network in the world launched Workplace by Facebook, a collaborative platform for business ... Continue Reading
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Answer
16 Nov 2017
How are virtualization trends affecting enterprise SBCs?
Virtualizing enterprise session border controllers can help reduce business expenses. Networking expert Carrie Higbie Goetz explains how to deploy virtual SBCs successfully. Continue Reading
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Answer
08 Nov 2017
Does an API deployment only involve developers?
API development requires not only programmers and developers, but the business insight of legacy IT. Learn why employees with legacy backgrounds are vital to an API strategy. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
02 Nov 2017
Evaluating SBC vendors for cloud communications infrastructure
As more organizations move their communications infrastructure to the cloud, session border controllers must follow suit. In 2016, nearly 40% of North American business users were using some form ... Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Oct 2017
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
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Answer
19 Oct 2017
How do APIs affect enterprise communications systems?
Communications APIs can change how organizations use their communications infrastructure. API expert Tsahi Levent-Levi explains the two ways APIs reshape enterprise telephony. Continue Reading
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News
13 Oct 2017
Arkadin unveils Cisco integrations for cloud telephony
In UC news, Arkadin announces integrations with Cisco Spark and WebEx that support cloud-based telephony, while Box unveils machine learning tools to digitize and automate workflows. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Oct 2017
Mobile unified communications market has growing pains
The mobile UC market needs to offer products that make access to voice, text and video platforms simple, which means enterprises will rely on native device apps in the meantime. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Sep 2017
Video conferencing usage gets new analytics to gauge ROI
Instead of assuming video ROI success, enterprises can now see a correlation between video conferencing usage and productivity with the help of new analytics tools. Continue Reading
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Answer
18 Sep 2017
How do you build a cloud adoption strategy for UC?
Several factors are involved when adopting cloud-based UC. Networking expert Carrie Higbie Goetz breaks down what organizations must include in their cloud adoption strategy. Continue Reading
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News
07 Sep 2017
Atlassian Stride UCaaS product marks the end of HipChat
Atlassian Stride, a new UCaaS product, is expected to eventually replace the Atlassian HipChat team messaging application. The new product is expected to compete with Cisco, Microsoft and Slack. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Sep 2017
Keeping cloud-based unified communications grounded
Cloud-based unified communications brings with it a chance for networking pros to transform and innovate their networks -- and their own IT skill sets. Continue Reading
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News
31 Aug 2017
Streaming video platforms see surge in healthcare market
Analysts discuss streaming video's important role in healthcare organizations, the positive effect of AI capabilities on customer service, and how to evaluate mobile devices. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Aug 2017
How do you prepare if your UC provider is acquired?
The UC market is abuzz with mergers and acquisitions, but this activity creates uncertainty for organizations. Analyst Jon Arnold offers advice on how to handle vendor consolidation. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Aug 2017
Is a communications API SLA strong enough for enterprises?
When downtime occurs, an API service-level agreement should pinpoint customer and vendor responsibilities. Enterprises will need to monitor their API SLA closely. Continue Reading
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Opinion
23 Aug 2017
Addressing three cloud-based collaboration security threats
Cloud-based collaboration software offers productivity benefits, but carries security risks. Learn about three collaboration security threats facing organizations and how to address them. Continue Reading
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News
22 Aug 2017
Cisco Spark app gets features for regulated organizations
The Cisco Spark app now includes better content protection and control. Enterprises also have the option of having an on-premises version of the Spark encryption key server. Continue Reading
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News
17 Aug 2017
Microsoft Exchange Online UM drops third-party PBX support
Some Microsoft customers must quickly re-evaluate their UC strategy after the vendor announced its intent to end third-party PBX support for Exchange Online Unified Messaging in 2018. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Aug 2017
Apple Business Chat looks to polish customer messaging
Harvesting the power of the iPhone, Safari web browser and other search assets, Apple is looking to cultivate integrated chat between businesses and customers. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 Aug 2017
How should companies evaluate team collaboration apps?
Team collaboration isn't one-size-fits-all. Distinct user needs must be considered when creating a collaboration assessment to find the best team collaboration apps for your users. Continue Reading
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News
04 Aug 2017
AVST, Collab9 partner on UC platform for governments
In UC news, AVST and Collab9 announce a partnership for FedRAMP-authorized cloud services, while two surveys find corporate email isn't going away anytime soon. Continue Reading
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News
02 Aug 2017
Level 3 offers Amazon Chime cloud collaboration tool as a service
Level 3 has launched Amazon's Chime cloud collaboration tool as a managed service. The move could help Amazon compete with Microsoft and Cisco in the team collaboration market. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Jul 2017
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
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Feature
25 Jul 2017
Disadvantages of interactive whiteboards: Cost, lack of interoperability
Large-screen collaboration devices offer some powerful communications tools. But buyers also need to heed some of the disadvantages of interactive whiteboards. Continue Reading
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News
21 Jul 2017
Infrastructure, endpoints to drive UC tech budget boom in 2018
UC budgets are expected to rise in 2018 as organizations look to update aging voice infrastructure, promote user adoption and extend UC into contact centers. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Jul 2017
UCaaS providers reap the benefits of changing attitudes toward cloud
Many organizations are viewing UCaaS as a more secure alternative to their on-premises technologies. Is it time for you to consider unified communications as a service? Continue Reading
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News
22 Jun 2017
Zoom Connector takes video conferencing service to Cisco hardware
Zoom is offering its cloud-based video conferencing service on Cisco hardware through its integration app, Zoom Connector. Zoom's service competes with Cisco WebEx. Continue Reading
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News
02 Jun 2017
Microsoft makes Skype messaging more competitive
The latest Microsoft Skype messaging features bring needed improvements to the consumer app. But analysts say Skype for Business is unlikely to get the same attention this year. Continue Reading
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News
26 May 2017
Genband-Sonus merger spotlights real-time communication tools
In UC news this week, Genband and Sonus are set to merge; Polycom and Zoom combine forces; and Genesys updates its contact-center platform with artificial intelligence tools. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 May 2017
How can near-real-time communication modes offer context?
While text-based communication is growing in popularity, it lacks the context of voice or video communication. UC expert Jon Arnold explains how contextual communications can fill the gap. Continue Reading
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News
12 May 2017
Cisco to build MindMeld artificial intelligence services in Spark
Cisco plans to build MindMeld artificial intelligence services into Spark. The AI maker also develops natural language interfaces for software and devices. Continue Reading
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News
08 May 2017
Jive acquired in enterprise collaboration software merger
In UC news, Jive is in the midst of being acquired by a private equity firm and is expected to merge with CRM provider Aurea. Plus, UC cloud service provider Fuze gets more money. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Apr 2017
Unified communications platforms lack security scrutiny
As UC platforms become more open to the outside world, IT leaders need to heed newer threats, including guest-access features, federation capabilities and cloud services. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Apr 2017
Messaging platforms flout traditional real-time telephony
Business messaging defies traditional telephony-centric, real-time communications. The persistence and efficiency of web-based messaging offers a new way to collaborate. Continue Reading
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News
18 Apr 2017
UCC market evolution driven by digital transformation
In UC news, a report finds digital transformation initiatives are driving the UCC market, while CoreDial and VeloCloud partner to bring SD-WAN features to cloud UC services. Continue Reading
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Video
17 Apr 2017
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
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Video
14 Apr 2017
Voice applications, analytics suites part of UC evolution
In this video, Vonage and Plantronics demonstrate their latest innovations. See how a voice API and analytics suite are helping advance enterprise communications. Continue Reading
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Video
13 Apr 2017
Unified communications platforms get contextual, customizable
UC clients often undergo evolutionary development, rather than revolutionary changes. See how two vendors in particular are looking to advance enterprise communications. Continue Reading
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Video
13 Apr 2017
Cisco Spark Board, Polycom camera refocus on video conference rooms
While big boardroom video conferencing deployments are perhaps a thing of the past, video meetings could find a new home in small and medium-sized meeting rooms. Continue Reading
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Video
11 Apr 2017
Do communication APIs complement or challenge UC products?
Embedded communications, like click-to-call or click-to-video, can enhance business workflows. But are these new API tools ready for enterprise use? Continue Reading
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Video
07 Apr 2017
Unified communications vendors and users continue consolidation
In this video with analyst Irwin Lazar, explore some key market trends, including industry consolidation, UC analytics and the emergence of artificial intelligence tools. Continue Reading
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Video
06 Apr 2017
Cloud unified communications carrying more clout
Current cloud trends in unified communications include hybrid deployments and an increase in video conferencing adoption. But is hybrid just one step toward a pure-cloud model? Continue Reading
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News
04 Apr 2017
IT pros share API deployment challenges, offer insights
Communications APIs promise quick and easy deployments, but this new technology has its challenges. Three IT professionals share their API deployment experiences. Continue Reading
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News
29 Mar 2017
ShoreTel launches team collaboration tool for remote workers
A new ShoreTel team collaboration tool supports persistent, virtual chat workspaces for remote and mobile employees, jumping into that market offering flexible ad hoc workspaces. Continue Reading
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News
29 Mar 2017
Unified communications users weigh vendor consolidation
Unified communications users shared their successes and setbacks, with vendor consolidation as a key theme in a panel discussion at Enterprise Connect 2017. Continue Reading
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News
28 Mar 2017
Cisco using Spark hybrid hardware to nudge customers to the cloud
Cisco unveiled at Enterprise Connect Spark hybrid video conferencing to help companies move to the cloud. The new Room Kits run off Spark or on-premises gear. Continue Reading
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News
28 Mar 2017
Avaya bankruptcy leaves customers in backup planning mode
Avaya UC customers are in limbo with the vendor in bankruptcy. Consultants at Enterprise Connect offer Avaya bankruptcy contingency plan steps to prepare for the worst. Continue Reading
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News
28 Mar 2017
Unified communications vendors outlooks on cloud differ
While hybrid deployments are the reality now, some unified communications vendors might disagree on the future of cloud communications and on-premises systems. Continue Reading
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News
28 Mar 2017
Microsoft adds enterprise features to Skype for Business telephony
Microsoft has added call management features to Skype for Business telephony. The company introduced the improved version of the cloud-based software at Enterprise Connect. Continue Reading
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News
27 Mar 2017
8x8 launches contact center service for teams, small businesses
8x8 has launched ContactNow, a contact center service for small businesses and teams that offers contact center capabilities with a pay-as-you-go cost model. Continue Reading
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News
27 Mar 2017
RingCentral updates focus on team messaging, integrations, AI
Ahead of Enterprise Connect 2017, RingCentral unveils a slew of updates targeting collaborative communications, including a new user interface and chatbot technology. Continue Reading
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News
24 Mar 2017
Latest collaboration products on display at Enterprise Connect 2017
Vendors will exhibit their latest UC products at Enterprise Connect 2017, from collaboration tools for huddle rooms to apps that support enterprise mobility. Continue Reading
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News
21 Mar 2017
Team collaboration apps headline Enterprise Connect 2017
Slack, Cisco Spark, Microsoft Teams and other team collaboration apps are tweaking traditional UC systems. Plus, Amazon and Google enter the fray as potential players. Continue Reading
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Conference Coverage
21 Mar 2017
Enterprise Connect 2017 conference coverage
The unified communications industry is undergoing changes. Track these latest trends in our comprehensive coverage of Enterprise Connect 2017. Continue Reading
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News
15 Mar 2017
Google Hangouts apps for business carry uncertainties
The latest Google Hangouts apps are a competitive team collaboration offering from a vendor with a spotty track record in enterprise technology. Continue Reading
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News
10 Mar 2017
Cloud UC and video conferencing adoption see uptick
Cloud-based unified communications and video conferencing adoption are seeing gradual increases, according to a new survey. Plus, Cisco and Microsoft still reign supreme. Continue Reading
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News
24 Feb 2017
ShoreTel offers Google Chrome integration with G Suite
In UC news, ShoreTel integrates its Connect platform with Google G Suite, while RingCentral Glip achieves HIPAA compliance for secure team chat in healthcare. Continue Reading
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Answer
09 Feb 2017
How should organizations evaluate UC cloud app security providers?
Security is a priority when moving communications to the cloud. Organizations must do their due diligence when evaluating cloud providers' UC security expertise. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
03 Feb 2017
New software and cloud trends support enterprise collaboration evolution
Digital transformation plans are becoming popular; and for some organizations, enterprise collaboration is at the heart of it all. The days of collaborating only in the office with a set number of ... Continue Reading
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News
02 Feb 2017
Slack Enterprise Grid needs more than tech to beat Microsoft Teams
The new Slack Enterprise Grid has the technology basics for business. But winning large enterprise deals will require a better strategy against Microsoft. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jan 2017
How UC channel partners can capitalize on communication APIs
IT teams often lack developer resources to integrate communication APIs. But UC channel partners can step in to help customers embed communications into their workflows. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jan 2017
Cloud migration challenges continue to vex enterprises
Analysts discuss how providers can support cloud migrations, how workflow automation aids digital transformation, and Zoom's position in the cloud video market. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Jan 2017
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
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News
19 Jan 2017
A hybrid deployment gives organizations UC flexibility
Two factors are driving the hybrid deployment of unified communications: infrastructure needs and business value. But enterprises need to navigate certain deployment turbulence. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Jan 2017
Is team chat the evolution of business social software?
As a younger generation of workers favors messaging-based communication, team chat apps have emerged to fit the changing needs for business social software. Continue Reading
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Opinion
10 Jan 2017
Team chat apps: Please talk amongst yourselves
Small talk can yield a big return on investment. In an age when most workplace communication happens digitally, team messaging apps -- and their GIFs -- boost morale. Continue Reading
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News
06 Jan 2017
AI, messaging top unified communications industry trends
Unified communications industry analysts explore the trends that will affect organizations in 2017. Artificial intelligence, messaging and infrastructure are key areas to watch. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Dec 2016
Polycom video conferencing system offers widespread capabilities
Polycom's video conferencing system provides companies of all sizes with flexible deployments for mobile devices, desktop computers and meeting rooms. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Nov 2016
Integrate contact center and unified communications platforms
The lines are blurring between contact center and unified communications platforms, as team messaging capabilities help agents collaborate and resolve customer issues. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Sep 2016
Cisco Spark, Slack ignite fledgling team messaging market
Emerging team messaging platforms have great potential. Cisco Spark, in particular, is poised to affect the UC market, but widespread enterprise adoption remains unclear. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Jul 2016
The business case for video conference technology just got easier
Use cases for video conference technology have transformed recently, as the software-as-a-service model provides greater flexibility, lower cost of ownership and easier deployments. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 May 2016
Voice gateways provide powerful connectivity options
Voice gateways connect VoIP networks to telecom providers and analog phones, while also providing backup call support. But these sensitive devices need proper security. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jan 2016
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
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Feature
17 Dec 2015
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
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Feature
16 Oct 2015
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
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Feature
14 Oct 2015
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
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Feature
02 Oct 2015
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
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Feature
27 Aug 2015
Comparing the leading VoIP vendors and their products
Before purchasing a VoIP system, enterprises need to carry out careful research as VoIP vendors offer intricate products with varying capabilities. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Aug 2015
Toshiba IPedge VoIP System Product Overview
The Toshiba IPedge is a secure software-based VoIP system intended to replace legacy telephony. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 May 2015
How challenging is implementing BYOD in a UC environment?
What are some challenges of implementing BYOD in a UC environment? UC expert Jon Arnold explains the three high-level challenges organizations face with BYOD. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Apr 2015
Design redundancy into VoIP communication systems
Implementing redundancy at the VoIP and network infrastructure levels is an integral part of VoIP communication, ensuring call and business continuity. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Apr 2015
Five techniques for getting a robust VoIP infrastructure
A VoIP expert stresses the importance of a separate voice VLAN setup, quality-of-service enablement and edge routers for a robust VoIP infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Oct 2014
Calculating VoIP bandwidth needs for SIP trunk services
Part three of our series, SIP Trunking Explained, looks at the amount of VoIP bandwidth you'll need to avoid latency for SIP trunk services via a dedicated line or an Internet connection. Continue Reading
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Quiz
22 Aug 2014
Network Evolution University Quiz: Deploying video in your enterprise
Test your knowledge of video collaboration with this Network Evolution University quiz. Continue Reading
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News
21 Mar 2014
Plantronics pins hopes on next-gen wearable technology to ‘unify UC’
Imagine using your headset not just for calls, but to adjust the temperature of your conference room or pull up documents you need for your meeting. With the advancement of next-generation wearable technology, those capabilities may not be so far off. Continue Reading