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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News
09 Nov 2022
Zoom video, UCaaS offerings draw closer to Teams, Webex
Zoom introduced a slew of features for its UCaaS platform at Zoomtopia, including mail and calendar services and an informal virtual meeting place called Spots. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Nov 2022
cloud PBX (private branch exchange)
A cloud PBX (private branch exchange) is a business phone system for connecting employees to a telephone network using a managed service running in the cloud. Continue Reading
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News
26 Oct 2022
Cisco adds more Webex-Teams integration for hybrid work
Cisco Webex users now have more hybrid work features, including a new whiteboard and integration with Teams, iPhone and iPad cameras. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Oct 2022
How asynchronous video communication boosts remote work
When it's time to share information with colleagues, a full-blown video conference isn't always necessary. Maybe an app like TikTok could help. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Oct 2022
Balancing remote work privacy vs. productivity monitoring
Weighing employee productivity monitoring against remote workers' privacy is a serious issue that requires protecting personal and corporate data and setting the right policies. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Oct 2022
How to combat voice security issues in collaboration platforms
Enterprise collaboration is an integral part of doing business. But companies must learn to guard against voice security issues that could compromise their networks. Continue Reading
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News
12 Oct 2022
Microsoft introduces premium add-on for Teams meetings
Microsoft plans to release the Teams Premium add-on in February but won't launch advanced AI capabilities until later in the year. The company hasn't released pricing. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Oct 2022
Are Microsoft Teams calls encrypted?
Microsoft Teams calls are encrypted at rest and in transit. But organizations that want an additional layer of security can enable end-to-end encryption for one-on-one calls. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Sep 2022
Asynchronous work best practices require strong policies
Hybrid work is becoming the norm, but it challenges distributed teams collaborating to complete projects. A new generation of asynchronous collaboration apps may be the answer. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Sep 2022
How to approach enterprise social software for hybrid work
Enterprise social software can help organizations build communities to support employee engagement in the hybrid workplace. But IT leaders need to weigh how to manage communities. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Sep 2022
Microsoft Loop crosses information silos in 365
Microsoft plans to release Loop this year as the long-awaited information-sharing tool across 365 apps. The software reduces the time spent searching for vital data. Continue Reading
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News
20 Sep 2022
Slack Canvas helps tame information overload in chat
Slack chat can bury vital knowledge under a flood of new messages. The company said its Canvas tool will let workers pull out, save and collaborate on specific material. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Sep 2022
5 steps to manage desktop phone systems for hybrid work
Even as hybrid work gains traction and video communications grows, some employees still prefer using desktop phones. Supporting these devices means making sure they're up to date. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Sep 2022
3 UC user scenarios influence hybrid work budgets
As IT decision-makers evaluate their hybrid workplace budgets, three end-user scenarios lay the foundation for UC and collaboration technology investments. Continue Reading
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News
16 Sep 2022
Adobe buys Figma to fill remote collaboration product void
Adobe expects to bolster its collaboration tools for the hybrid workplace with its $20 billion acquisition of Figma, the maker of cloud-based software popular with developers. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Sep 2022
Integrated Microsoft Loop, Teams boost virtual collaboration
As most organizations now have hybrid workers, virtual collaboration is a priority. Here's how integrating Microsoft Teams with Loop components can enable effective collaboration. Continue Reading
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News
26 Aug 2022
Zoom updates Contact Center, but features lag rivals
Zoom has added new Contact Center tools for supervisors and agents, giving management better insight into metrics while offering agents more ways to help customers. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Aug 2022
UC hybrid models reap benefits but require good planning
Hybrid unified communications is getting more attention as remote working becomes standard at many organizations. But be sure to understand how applications are being delivered. Continue Reading
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News
24 Aug 2022
Apple's hybrid work plans draw worker pushback
Apple's executives say in-person collaboration is essential to the company's innovative culture. Employees have asked the company to rethink forced hybrid work. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Aug 2022
Why organizations need to revisit end-user device policies
Now that WFH collaboration is established at many organizations, companies need to review and revise their end-user device policies to manage security and IT support. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Aug 2022
How to approach learning technologies in the workplace
Author Ria O'Donnell discusses the importance of continuing professional development and how to approach digital learning technologies in the workplace, including VR and AI. Continue Reading
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Answer
08 Aug 2022
Virtual whiteboard vs. ideation system: Which is best for you?
Digital whiteboards are useful when tackling short-term needs, but a full-featured ideation system might be the best option for more sophisticated and mission-critical projects. Continue Reading
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News
04 Aug 2022
Microsoft to release Teams for Apple silicon
Microsoft's native version of Teams for Apple silicon should help performance-sensitive Mac users, like programmers, graphic designers and video editors. Continue Reading
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News
01 Aug 2022
Zoom IQ provides more intelligence for sales teams
Zoom's latest enhancements to IQ for Sales represent a product diversification strategy focused on delivering better intelligence to sales teams. Continue Reading
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Answer
29 Jul 2022
How do you measure ROI for virtual events?
Businesses and industries are using virtual events to reach customers. Determining ROI of these events isn't as easy as it was for physical conferences, but it can be done. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jul 2022
Zoom, RingCentral, BlueJeans improve virtual whiteboards
Zoom, RingCentral and BlueJeans have released updates to their virtual whiteboards to make them more useful for meetings between office and home workers. Continue Reading
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News
25 Jul 2022
Google to test AR glasses in public
Google will seek to iron out challenges for AR as it tests a lightweight, glasses-type device. The company already has a foothold in the enterprise with its Glass AR glasses. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jul 2022
Contact centers evaluate CPaaS vs. CCaaS benefits
The contact center-as-a-service market is ripe for growth as businesses move to the cloud. That's inviting a new crop of vendors -- among them CPaaS providers -- to pitch products. Continue Reading
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News
20 Jul 2022
Microsoft makes Viva more like Facebook
Remote and hybrid workers will use a Microsoft Viva app to share and react to posts and build relationships with other employees. Continue Reading
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News
13 Jul 2022
Meta plans to make VR headset business-friendly
Meta will eventually let companies create and manage accounts for its virtual reality headsets. The move is part of a push to make the hardware more appealing to business. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Jul 2022
How end-to-end encryption supports secure team collaboration
End-to-end encryption provides secure collaboration but limits certain productivity features. Learn how end-to-end encryption fits in a team collaboration security strategy. Continue Reading
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News
07 Jul 2022
Zoom One bundles services to draw single-vendor customers
Zoom ties its services together in Zoom One as it evolves from a video conferencing app to a communications platform. The company targets firms that want a single UC vendor. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Jul 2022
Room video conferencing interoperability critical for hybrid work
Vendors are beginning to take solid steps to make sure their video conferencing apps are interoperable with whatever meeting apps employees want to use. Continue Reading
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News
30 Jun 2022
Meta intends to win metaverse wallet race with Meta Pay
Meta plans to let metaverse users pay for digital items, retain the proof of item ownership and manage their identities with the newly rebranded Meta Pay. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jun 2022
Social collaboration tools create hybrid work water cooler
Traditional collaboration tools have struggled to replicate casual office conversations. New social collaboration tools could help reduce the isolation of remote and hybrid work. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jun 2022
Understanding WebRTC security architecture
WebRTC is a secure technology for real-time communications, but security also depends on the application using it. Find out how developers can maintain that security. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Jun 2022
How do you evaluate UC applications for frontline workers?
UC offerings differ depending on business goals and intended users. When evaluating tools for frontline workers, consider factors based on communication, endpoints and workflows. Continue Reading
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News
22 Jun 2022
Slack will add video to impromptu meeting app Huddles
Slack brings video meetings to Huddles this fall to encourage people to hold quick conversations without switching to Microsoft Teams or Zoom. Continue Reading
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News
21 Jun 2022
Zoom provides app tools to more developers
Educators, doctors and finance professionals use Zoom differently, so the company wants developers to help it meet each group's specific video conferencing needs. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Jun 2022
3 use cases highlight AI and speech recognition evolution
The combination of AI and speech recognition has driven innovation for more advanced capabilities. Explore three applications that highlight the future of speech technology. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jun 2022
Microsoft updates Teams to filter out echoes
Microsoft will make Teams calls more like telephone conversations, using AI to filter out background noise and echoes that disrupt conversations. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jun 2022
Cisco links Webex to ThousandEyes internet intelligence
Integration between the Cisco Webex Control Hub and ThousandEyes lets IT administrators spot internet problems before they can affect video conferences. Continue Reading
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News
13 Jun 2022
Cisco adds calling during internet outages to Webex
Cisco will make Webex Calling less reliant on internet connectivity to increase its appeal to healthcare and other industries requiring a highly reliable phone service. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Jun 2022
Effective hybrid meetings require training, equity, best practices
Authors Karin M. Reed and Joseph A. Allen discuss the need for proper training and best practices to support inclusive and effective hybrid meetings. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Jun 2022
Hybrid meeting best practices emphasize engagement
In this book excerpt from 'Suddenly Hybrid,' learn about some hybrid meeting best practices that support engagement, regardless of where attendees are located. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Jun 2022
UC, employee experience management offer complex insight
New research shows that many organizations are rethinking the employee experience amid remote work. Here are the methods, platforms and tools to consider in your evaluation. Continue Reading
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News
01 Jun 2022
Microsoft updates Teams for manufacturing
Microsoft aims to make Teams more appealing to manufacturers with a new app, expanded walkie-talkie features and integration with scheduling software. Continue Reading
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News
26 May 2022
Microsoft to open Loop to third-party developers
Microsoft's latest collaboration tool will consolidate content across Outlook, Teams and third-party products, such as the Zoho project management application. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 May 2022
VoIP gateway vs. PBX: What is the difference?
When calls are transmitted over a VoIP gateway, voice data packets are assembled at the edge of the network. An IP private branch exchange uses a much different model. Continue Reading
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News
13 May 2022
Google adds AI summary feature to Workspace
AI-generated meeting and document summaries can help workers find important information, according to Google. The company will add the feature to its Workspace apps. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 May 2022
Why a distributed cloud architecture could be a boon for UC
Some organizations are more comfortable in keeping their unified communications on premises. Distributed clouds might be a more attractive alternative. Continue Reading
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News
12 May 2022
Privacy groups urge Zoom to abandon emotion AI research
Privacy organizations want Zoom to ditch emotion-tracking AI. The tech is invasive, discriminatory and doesn't work, the groups said. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 May 2022
real-time application (RTA)
A real-time application is an application program that functions within a time frame that the user senses as immediate or current. Continue Reading
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News
05 May 2022
Video conferencing found to harm worker creativity
Research shows video conferencing curbs the creation of new ideas, so managers should also schedule in-person brainstorming sessions. Continue Reading
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Answer
04 May 2022
How will VR collaboration transform meetings?
It may be too soon for virtual reality to play a role in how companies conduct business meetings, but it's not too early to understand its benefits. Continue Reading
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News
28 Apr 2022
Meta pumps the brakes on metaverse, long-term spending
Meta's slow earnings growth means less money to spend on its long-term metaverse project. CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the company is laying the groundwork for 2030. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Apr 2022
Rethinking asynchronous communication in remote work
Remote work carries different expectations for communication. Learn how to shift to asynchronous communication to create more equitable collaboration among remote employees. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Apr 2022
Remote work effectiveness requires adjusting expectations
Author James Stanier discusses the lessons from 'Effective Remote Work' in adapting to asynchronous communication and preparing for the hybrid workplace. Continue Reading
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News
27 Apr 2022
Salesforce pushes automation for Slack
Salesforce's low-code automation tool Flow and programming language Apex will soon work on Slack. The company said the move will help workers avoid rote tasks. Continue Reading
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News
22 Apr 2022
Microsoft bolsters Teams Operator Connect options
Microsoft plans to bring more telephone companies into its Teams Operator Connect program. The initiative pairs telcos with integrators experienced with Teams telephony. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Apr 2022
UCaaS vendors take on cloud contact center market share
As the UC market matures, vendors are looking for new ways to attract customers. Some vendors have set their sights on CCaaS, but getting executive buy-in could be a challenge. Continue Reading
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News
13 Apr 2022
Zoom launches AI tool for sales departments
Zoom's AI insights help sales teams by analyzing video call transcripts for information to determine the next step in negotiations with prospective customers. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Apr 2022
Assessing intelligent speakers for Microsoft Teams
Companies are exploring Cortana to beef up their Microsoft Teams meetings as more workers are brought into the office. The virtual assistant has some unique features. Continue Reading
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News
01 Apr 2022
Google updates Meet to match, surpass competitors
Google's upcoming Meet updates will include letting multiple workers communicate over video while collaborating on a document, spreadsheet or slide presentation. Continue Reading
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News
31 Mar 2022
HP goes deeper into hybrid work with Poly acquisition
HP plans to acquire Poly to appeal to companies looking for conference gear, headsets and other devices for hybrid work. HP expects to close the $3.3 billion deal this year. Continue Reading
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Answer
29 Mar 2022
What's the difference between speech and voice recognition?
It's easy to be confused about the difference between speech and voice recognition. Each has a specific role to play in business collaboration and contact centers. Continue Reading
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News
25 Mar 2022
Businesses have plenty of time to adopt VR technology
Experts agree that VR could one day play an important role in business collaboration -- but it will take 10 years or more for the technology to mature Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Mar 2022
Video meeting equity comes into focus amid hybrid work
Meeting equity is the latest hybrid work challenge. Industry leaders at Enterprise Connect explain how organizations can ensure an equal experience for remote and in-person attendees. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Mar 2022
Build a strategy for compliance with federal 911 laws
Federal 911 laws are now fully in effect. Learn what your organization's obligations are to ensure PBX and phone system compliance with Kari's Law and RAY BAUM's Act. Continue Reading
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News
24 Mar 2022
BlueJeans provides meeting controls via smartphones
BlueJeans is rolling out features that add more meeting controls to smartphones. The capabilities make mobile devices a more viable option for remote workers. Continue Reading
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News
23 Mar 2022
Cisco bolsters Webex flexibility as hybrid work looms
Cisco said companies must have the flexibility to let employees work how and where they want. Hybrid work features for Webex will provide employees with more choices. Continue Reading
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News
22 Mar 2022
Microsoft, Cisco, Zoom pledge conference room compatibility
Workers used to the flexibility of PC-based video conferencing during the pandemic won't have the same experience in the office's conference-room gear. Continue Reading
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News
18 Mar 2022
Enterprise Connect 2022: Solving hybrid work challenges
The latest advancements in collaboration software, UC as a service, contact centers and virtual reality await attendees of this year's Enterprise Connect. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Mar 2022
Virtual event platforms for conferences race to bolster features
Even as the pandemic ebbs, virtual events will remain a primary way to reach employees and customers -- but make sure you're getting what you need before you deploy a platform. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Mar 2022
Indefeasible Right of Use (IRU)
In telecommunications, the Indefeasible Right of Use (IRU) is a contractual agreement (temporary ownership) of a portion of the capacity of an international cable. Continue Reading
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News
17 Mar 2022
Microsoft updates Teams, Outlook for hybrid work challenges
Microsoft's upcoming hybrid work features will help remote and in-office employees schedule meetings, share presentations and collaborate more effectively. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 Mar 2022
How do you create a Microsoft Teams template?
Microsoft Teams templates provide predefined collaboration spaces for specific business processes and team structures. Learn how to create a Microsoft Teams template in five steps. Continue Reading
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News
11 Mar 2022
Magic Leap 2 takes on HoloLens in enterprise AR market
Magic Leap will launch the AR headset Magic Leap 2 by the end of September. The company must work quickly to compete in an increasingly crowded enterprise AR market. Continue Reading
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News
09 Mar 2022
Amazon launches audio communication app Amp
Businesses could use Amazon's Amp to promote their brand on shows created with the app. The iPhone-only software resembles products from Clubhouse, Spotify and Twitter. Continue Reading
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News
04 Mar 2022
Tech companies rein in harassment in VR meeting places
Companies are unlikely to buy into virtual reality for meetings and events if tech companies can't protect customers' employees from groping, stalking and threats in cyberspace. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Mar 2022
Erlang C
Erlang C is a traffic modeling formula, primarily used in call center scheduling to calculate delays and to predict waiting times for callers. Continue Reading
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News
02 Mar 2022
RingCentral unveils UCaaS offerings for education
RingCentral plans to launch two UC-as-a-service education products this month. Future UCaaS releases will target other markets, including healthcare and finance. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Mar 2022
greenfield deployment
A greenfield deployment is the design, installation and configuration of computer infrastructure where none existed before, for example, in a new office. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Mar 2022
As large-room video conferencing ebbs, firms gird for future
As companies evaluate return-to-office strategies, they are also taking a look at the role video conferencing will play when they reassess how meeting rooms should be designed. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Feb 2022
Enhancing the efficiency of remote team communication
Successful remote team communication requires thoughtfully examining how teams use collaboration tools and designing interactions that improve the efficiency of remote teams. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Feb 2022
Remote communication best practices need mindful approach
Authors Matthew Skelton and Manuel Pais discuss how to apply the lessons from their 'Remote Teams Interactions Workbook' to develop remote communication best practices for teams. Continue Reading
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News
24 Feb 2022
Zoom takes its video service to the contact center
Zoom has entered the contact center-as-a-service market. The company's product offers video calling as companies seek a more visual interaction with customers. Continue Reading
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News
23 Feb 2022
Zoom and RingCentral settle lawsuit
Zoom has agreed to let RingCentral customers continue using the Zoom-powered product Meetings. Zoom will also give companies time to move to RingCentral's homegrown product. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Feb 2022
What are types of virtual events and can they be improved?
Video conferencing software has helped companies connect with their employees and customers, but it hasn't quite filled the bill when it comes to supporting virtual events. Continue Reading
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News
17 Feb 2022
Microsoft, Meta tackle harassment in virtual worlds
Microsoft and Meta have introduced personal space in their virtual worlds to combat the downside of virtual reality, sexual harassment and other bad behavior. Continue Reading
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News
16 Feb 2022
Microsoft integration tightens bonds between Teams, Outlook
Microsoft's upcoming integration will add Teams' collaboration capabilities to the Outlook email client. The update should save time for corporate workers. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Feb 2022
codec
A codec is a hardware- or software-based process that compresses and decompresses large amounts of data. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Feb 2022
Reassess enterprise UCaaS deployments in a hybrid workplace
A savvy UCaaS deployment can help companies solve some of the tough challenges associated with keeping employees engaged in a world where they can work from anywhere. Continue Reading
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News
11 Feb 2022
Companies face legal uncertainties defending against NFTs
Companies enter a legal gray area when protecting their intellectual property, copyrights and trademarks against NFT makers. Continue Reading
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News
11 Feb 2022
Amazon takes its telehealth offering nationwide
Amazon has made its Care telehealth service available nationwide with in-person healthcare services to follow later in the year. The company is tapping a growing healthcare market. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Feb 2022
UCaaS and CCaaS unite as organizations embrace the cloud
The UCaaS and CCaaS markets are converging as vendors and end-user organizations alike integrate cloud-based contact centers with communications platforms. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Feb 2022
How to achieve the ideal classroom video conferencing setup
Remote learning is here to stay. Having the right classroom video conferencing setup can help students and teachers feel more engaged whether they're at home or in the classroom. Continue Reading
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News
04 Feb 2022
Zoom attacking hybrid meeting shortfalls
Zoom will look to stand out in a competitive market by improving hybrid meetings. The company hopes upcoming features will bridge the divide between remote and in-person attendees. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Feb 2022
telegraph
A telegraph is a communication system that sends information by making and breaking an electrical connection. Continue Reading
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News
02 Feb 2022
LogMeIn rebrands to GoTo, simplifies offerings
LogMeIn becomes GoTo as it aims to appeal to small and medium-sized businesses with UCaaS and IT management that's available through a single application. Continue Reading