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
06 Jul 2021
Compare Teams guest access vs. external access vs. Teams Connect
Microsoft has a few options to connect Teams to outside users. Compare Teams guest access vs. external access vs. Teams Connect to decide which suits your external collaboration needs. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Jul 2021
Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)
Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is a signaling protocol used for initiating, maintaining, modifying and terminating real-time sessions that involve video, voice, messaging and other communications applications and services between two or more endpoints on IP networks. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Jul 2021
Understanding virtual meetings pros and cons
This chapter excerpt from 'Suddenly Virtual' explores the importance of using video for virtual meetings and the challenges of always being on camera. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Jul 2021
Training is key for effective remote meetings
Authors Karin M. Reed and Joseph A. Allen discuss how to support effective remote meetings. The most important factor for virtual meeting success? Training. Continue Reading
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News
01 Jul 2021
Slack launches Huddles for impromptu online meetings
Slack Huddles is a form of lightweight communication for informal meetings within the collaboration platforms. Companies using the feature include Dell, Tibco and Cookpad. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Jun 2021
How to combat virtual meeting fatigue in 5 steps
By taking a new look at video conferencing, organizations can make their meetings more effective and keep employees from burning out. Continue Reading
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News
23 Jun 2021
Zoom delays hybrid workplace video feature
Zoom had planned to release Smart Gallery in beta this week. The Zoom Rooms feature gives all meeting participants equal placement within a video meeting. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Jun 2021
Top hybrid collaboration security threats and strategies
Hybrid work can add new security wrinkles for collaboration tools. Learn about the key threats and the importance of a proactive hybrid collaboration security strategy. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Jun 2021
What technologies are essential for effective telework?
Some form of remote work is likely here to stay, even as the worst of the pandemic seems to be over. But employees need the right technologies if they are to remain productive. Continue Reading
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News
17 Jun 2021
Microsoft updates Teams for the hybrid workplace
Microsoft has redesigned Teams for the hybrid workplace. Other 365 productivity apps receiving updates throughout the year include Outlook, Whiteboard and OneNote. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Jun 2021
5 best practices to support Microsoft Teams hybrid meetings
To support an effective Microsoft Teams hybrid meetings experience, organizations should follow five best practices, including user training and app integrations. Continue Reading
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News
16 Jun 2021
Google introduces Spaces collaboration in Workspace
The Spaces feature set will let users reply to messages directly, set custom availability statuses and converse in chatrooms while working on documents. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jun 2021
As workers return, virtual assistant tools get a new look
People are familiar with using Siri and Alexa to control TVs and listen to playlists. Now, businesses are examining how these tools can help protect employees coming back into the office. Continue Reading
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Infographic
11 Jun 2021
Explore 12 virtual whiteboard software options for group work
With enterprise workers now based in many locations, these 12 leading online whiteboards help recreate the in-person brainstorming experience with newly enhanced features. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jun 2021
Zoom Phone system offers flexibility, simplified infrastructure
The Zoom Phone system offers simplicity and flexibility to support remote and hybrid work. IT leaders at Enterprise Connect Virtual discuss their Zoom Phone migration strategies. Continue Reading
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News
10 Jun 2021
Cisco offers bundle pricing with Webex Suite
Cisco's Webex Suite packs many capabilities beneficial to companies preparing for a hybrid workplace, with employees spending time in the office and at home. Continue Reading
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News
08 Jun 2021
Apple lets Windows, Android users join Facetime calls
Apple's upcoming improvements to FaceTime would open it up to non-Apple users for the first time and allow for collaborative screen sharing. The feature debuts this fall. Continue Reading
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News
04 Jun 2021
Unisys buys Unify Square to improve UC management
Unisys plans to use the Unify Square acquisition to help customers secure and manage their collaboration platforms for hybrid workers. Unify offers the cloud-based PowerSuite. Continue Reading
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News
04 Jun 2021
Facebook focuses on business-to-consumer messaging
Facebook announced tools to make it easier for enterprises to reach customers on Instagram and WhatsApp, saying customers prefer messaging businesses. Continue Reading
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Answer
03 Jun 2021
What is the difference between audio and video conferencing?
Audio and video conferencing each have benefits and drawbacks. Learn the difference between audio and video conferencing to decide which best suits your meeting needs. Continue Reading
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News
26 May 2021
Microsoft announces developer tools for Teams
Microsoft has introduced tools that let developers manage apps, charge for subscriptions and use audio and video feeds on Teams. Some tools are available today, others in the summer. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 May 2021
Companies must rethink video conferencing usage in 2021
In the coming months, the issue facing organizations is not cutting back video conferencing; it's determining how best to manage its use and minimize video fatigue. Continue Reading
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News
21 May 2021
Google unveils smart canvas for Workspace apps
Workspace users will be able to tag files and meetings within Docs and preview files without switching windows. Google also made Docs files look more like web pages. Continue Reading
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News
20 May 2021
Otter.ai launches assistant that joins Zoom meetings
Otter.ai released an assistant that attends and transcribes the Zoom meetings on an employee's calendar. The feature keeps everyone up to speed, even when they miss a session. Continue Reading
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News
19 May 2021
Zoom to launch virtual events platform
Zoom will launch an events platform in the coming months. Zoom Events will let businesses create hubs, sell tickets and track attendance at conferences and summits. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 May 2021
How could BYOD support touchless meeting rooms?
Organizations have a few options to approach low-touch and touchless meeting rooms. BYOD and employee smartphones are one method to support social distancing and meeting room access. Continue Reading
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News
18 May 2021
Logitech launches video conferencing whiteboard camera
Logitech's Scribe camera levels the playing field for video conferencing meetings, letting both remote and in-person attendees see the writing on a whiteboard. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 May 2021
5 hybrid meeting best practices for a high-quality experience
To get the most out of hybrid meetings, follow these best practices to manage audio and video performance, and ensure a high-quality meeting experience. Continue Reading
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News
11 May 2021
Microsoft launches Teams webinar feature
Microsoft has released a Teams feature that allows event hosts to register, present and keep in touch with thousands of webinar attendees, which is important in the hybrid world. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 May 2021
Internet Protocol (IP)
The Internet Protocol (IP) is the method or protocol by which data is sent from one computer to another on the internet. Continue Reading
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News
07 May 2021
Microsoft, Zoom gain UCaaS market share
Business use of video conferencing during the pandemic caused a spike in UCaaS market growth in 2020. Analysts predict growth to continue at 20% as people return to work. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 May 2021
Do you need to manage QoS when deploying VoIP over LAN?
QoS is an essential component of VoIP over LAN; modern network devices make it easy to implement. Continue Reading
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News
05 May 2021
Microsoft focuses on reading skills in Teams for Education
The latest Microsoft Teams for Education features will hone student reading skills, let teachers set up assignment groups and centralize student calendars Continue Reading
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Answer
04 May 2021
Will video fatigue drive users back to voice calls?
The strain of being on camera all day is beginning to make its mark. Companies are reevaluating the role telephony may play as workers return to the office. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 May 2021
VoIP phone
A VoIP phone is a hardware- or software-based telephone designed to use voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to send and receive phone calls over an IP network. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Apr 2021
Enterprise AR a vital component of Microsoft's UC strategy
Enterprise AR is ready for prime time as organizations look for ways to make their remote meetings more productive by combining physical and virtual spaces. Continue Reading
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News
28 Apr 2021
8x8 pushes work collaboration through a browser
8x8 said offering its Work apps through browsers helps companies prepare for the hybrid workplace by allowing workers to use the devices at hand to collaborate. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Apr 2021
5 best practices for a Microsoft Teams telephony migration
When planning a migration to Microsoft Teams telephony, organizations should follow five key best practices that address technical requirements and end-user adoption. Continue Reading
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News
27 Apr 2021
Zoom Immersive View fosters worker togetherness
Zoom's Immersive Mode places as many as 25 meeting participants in the same virtual location. The feature reflects the direction of video conferencing platforms. Continue Reading
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News
22 Apr 2021
Business practices that could ease meeting fatigue
Researchers say breaks between meetings and team-building activities that give employees a sense of belonging help combat fatigue in the hybrid workplace. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Apr 2021
Microsoft Teams partners extend phone system capabilities
While the Microsoft Teams phone system can meet most needs for organizations, connecting Teams to third-party partners can provide additional features, resiliency and support. Continue Reading
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News
20 Apr 2021
RingCentral plays catch-up with latest video features
RingCentral has introduced overlay and video background features to its video-conferencing product. Soon, the company will add breakout rooms, a highly requested feature. Continue Reading
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News
20 Apr 2021
Zoom bolsters platform play with App Fund
Zoom will invest $100 million in third-party developers to augment its app store. The company hopes new apps can differentiate it in the market, experts said. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Apr 2021
Ultimate guide to team collaboration platforms
This in-depth team collaboration platform guide examines how to create a virtual environment that promotes secure user engagement, productivity and innovation. Continue Reading
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News
13 Apr 2021
Microsoft's Nuance buy enriches call center, security products
Analysts expect Microsoft to integrate Nuance voice technology with a wide range of Microsoft products, including Teams and Dynamics 365. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 Apr 2021
What is voicemail and how does it work?
Voicemail capabilities have evolved since the early days of answering machines. Learn what voicemail is and how features have advanced as the technology became digital. Continue Reading
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News
09 Apr 2021
Microsoft update of Teams Rooms for Android falls short
Microsoft has yet to add to Teams Rooms on Android critical features available on the Windows version. Missing features include the ability to join Zoom or Webex meetings. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Apr 2021
5 steps to managing team collaboration apps
Team collaboration apps offer measurable productivity and cost benefits. Follow these five steps to address technical, security and operational needs and achieve deployment success. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Apr 2021
How to improve virtual collaboration in the enterprise
In the ideal team collaboration environment, technology enables a nuanced work experience while fading into the background. Realizing that ideal requires a strategic approach. Continue Reading
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News
07 Apr 2021
Consumer, business harmonize with Zoom on Amazon Echo Show
Zoom's integration with Amazon's Echo Show 10 means more people will turn to the consumer device for business video conferencing while working from home. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Apr 2021
4 Microsoft Teams security issues and how to prevent them
As collaboration platforms become essential to everyday operations, understanding Microsoft Teams security issues is more important than ever. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Apr 2021
External collaboration tools extend platforms to partners
Extending collaboration tools to outside users is a challenge. Learn the features productivity vendors have that make this possible. Continue Reading
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News
02 Apr 2021
Cisco tackles 'seismic shift' to the hybrid workplace
Cisco said the switch to the hybrid workplace could create a divide between in-office and remote workers. New Webex features could help counter the problem. Continue Reading
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News
01 Apr 2021
Federal judge orders RingCentral to stop selling Zoom
Zoom said it will continue supporting companies that bought RingCentral's Zoom-equipped Meetings app before Feb. 1. The companies are embroiled in a contract dispute. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Apr 2021
5 best practices for Slack implementation success
Organizations looking to make the most of their Slack implementation should follow these best practices, including addressing security needs and using channel management tools. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Mar 2021
Salesforce-Slack deal heralds the future of collaboration
Deeper platform integrations, widespread communications tools and a dash of workflow automation are some of the elements that shape the future of team collaboration. Continue Reading
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News
31 Mar 2021
Cisco revamps Webex's People Insights feature
Cisco says the 'always-on' nature of remote work exhausts workers. It believes information from the revamped People Insights feature in Webex will help. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Mar 2021
4 cloud collaboration security best practices for CISOs
In the new era of remote work, cloud-based team collaboration is a virtual necessity, but it can also be risky. Analysts and CISOs explain how to keep your organization secure. Continue Reading
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Answer
31 Mar 2021
What are the challenges of using multiple team collaboration apps?
Companies are already using a variety of collaboration platforms, but managing them is hard. What should companies know when juggling multiple team collaboration apps? Continue Reading
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News
26 Mar 2021
News briefs: Slack has a rocky start with direct messages
Customer backlash over a new messaging feature forced Slack to take it down only hours after launch. The capability opened up the possibility of harassment on the platform. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Mar 2021
Microsoft Teams vs. Slack: Which is better for your business?
Organizations deploy collaboration apps as they wrestle with keeping remote employees engaged and informed. Learn how to weigh Microsoft Teams vs. Slack to determine which app is best for you. Continue Reading
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News
25 Mar 2021
Microsoft to release threaded message replies in Teams
Desktop Teams users will be able to quote previous messages in their responses instead of responding chronologically. Rivals like Slack have had a similar feature for years. Continue Reading
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News
25 Mar 2021
Zoom lets developers use its video within their apps
Developers will pay by the minute to use a nonbranded version of Zoom. The new licensing could help Zoom boost the slowdown in customer subscription growth as the pandemic wanes. Continue Reading
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News
25 Mar 2021
Microsoft adds live transcription to Teams
The Teams live transcription feature bolsters collaboration and lets workers quickly catch up on meetings they've missed. Microsoft includes the capability with a 365 subscription. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Mar 2021
Collaboration tool security: How to avoid common risks
As the use of collaborations tools and platforms surges, new research from Metrigy emphasizes organizations need to focus on collaboration tool security to reduce risk. Continue Reading
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News
19 Mar 2021
Court says RingCentral can keep selling Zoom for now
A federal court has ruled that RingCentral can continue selling its Zoom-powered video conferencing product RingCentral Meetings. Zoom sued RingCentral for breach of contract. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Mar 2021
Enhance frontline worker communications with UCC tools
COVID-19 has changed business processes for frontline workers. Learn how UC and collaboration technology can enhance frontline worker communications. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Mar 2021
Explore 4 team collaboration apps and emerging competitors
Team collaboration apps have redefined the UC market. Discover how the leading products compare on calling features, video conferencing support and pricing. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Mar 2021
Hybrid workplace model starts with meeting rooms, video
The hybrid workplace is the future as not everyone will return to the office full time. Learn how IT leaders at Enterprise Connect Virtual are using UC to support a hybrid workplace model. Continue Reading
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News
17 Mar 2021
Fuze opens platform to other video conferencing apps
Over the coming months, Fuze will roll out a one-click feature that lets customers connect to Cisco Webex, Microsoft Teams, Zoom and other video conferencing services. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Mar 2021
Companies eye CPaaS, RCS business messaging to expand reach
RCS business messaging, paired with CPaaS, is becoming an important tool for businesses looking for new ways to reach their customers and employees. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Mar 2021
New features in demand for collaboration technology
Remote work culture has pushed team collaboration vendors to enhance their products. Learn more about video, workflow integration, security, AI and other up-and-coming features. Continue Reading
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News
12 Mar 2021
Businesses turning to whiteboard apps for remote workers
Businesses have deployed digital whiteboard applications during the pandemic to let remote employees brainstorm ideas and share diagrams and notes online. Continue Reading
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News
11 Mar 2021
Microsoft: Better transcription AI will mean fewer meetings
As the accuracy of AI in transcription tools improves, experts expect people will skip some meetings and rely on collaboration apps to transcribe and summarize the sessions. Continue Reading
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Answer
09 Mar 2021
What are the benefits of vendor-agnostic UC hardware?
Organizations that want to switch UC platforms without sacrificing hardware investments can find benefits in vendor-agnostic UC hardware. But the benefits can come with tradeoffs. Continue Reading
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News
05 Mar 2021
Microsoft revamps Teams webinars
The latest Teams version lets webinar hosts register people and send notifications. Microsoft has also increased the number of view-only webinar participants to 20,000. Continue Reading
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News
04 Mar 2021
Microsoft debuts AR/VR collaboration platform Mesh
Microsoft Mesh lets people meet with colleagues as avatars in a virtual meeting place. Participants can work together on 3D models and interact through gestures. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Mar 2021
How to assess video endpoint security for remote workers
For remote workers, video endpoint security is a big consideration for corporate IT staffs. But the dangers might not be as big as feared. Continue Reading
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News
02 Mar 2021
Microsoft adds intercompany collaboration to Teams
Microsoft's Teams Connect lets companies message and share files with partners and customers through the collaboration app. Teams users have wanted the feature for a while. Continue Reading
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News
26 Feb 2021
News briefs: RingCentral provides calling in Salesforce
RingCentral makes it possible for customers to make calls from Salesforce, Lifesize appoints a new CEO and Fuze receives a patent for a connectivity problem detector. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Feb 2021
Video, security key to support remote work collaboration
Organizations must deploy more than a meeting platform to support remote work collaboration. Learn what to prioritize to ensure work is productive no matter the location. Continue Reading
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News
25 Feb 2021
Mitel to release all-in-one collaboration app MitelOne
Unified communications vendor Mitel will release an app called MitelOne that consolidates its voice, messaging and video offerings into a single interface. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Feb 2021
UCaaS key to hybrid workplace technology when offices reopen
As companies begin to ask their employees to return to the office for at least part of the time, a suitable hybrid workplace technology foundation is critical. Continue Reading
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News
22 Feb 2021
News briefs: Cisco adds features to Webex Rooms
Cisco has added features from its cloud-based Webex Meetings platform to the video conferencing hardware Webex Rooms. The capabilities include access to digital whiteboards. Continue Reading
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News
19 Feb 2021
Cisco completes the IMImobile acquisition
Cisco plans to use IMImobile's messaging and voice APIs to bolster its cloud contact center offering. The executive team of the U.K.-based company has joined Cisco. Continue Reading
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News
19 Feb 2021
Google overhauls education suite, adding 50-plus features
Google has changed G Suite for Education into Workspace for Education, adding features to its Classroom and Meet apps to help educators with classroom management. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Feb 2021
How do you manage cloud telephony E911 location information?
Tracking E911 location information can be tricky when moving telephony to the cloud. But organizations have a few options to ensure that emergency calls are properly routed. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Feb 2021
Addressing remote video conferencing security issues
Many organizations have implemented video conferencing security policies that mandate passwords and waiting rooms. But keeping meetings secure focuses on more than just access. Continue Reading
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News
12 Feb 2021
News briefs: Reddit doubles valuation to $6 billion
Reddit will expand into international markets after raising $250 million. It also announced plans to double its staff size and invest in video and advertising. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Feb 2021
The pros and cons of custom home collaboration devices
Home collaboration devices can help employees remain more productive. But make sure to carefully consider the drawbacks before buying dedicated hardware. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Feb 2021
WebRTC standard designation highlights technology's evolution
The WebRTC standard is official. Learn how the technology evolved beyond facilitating embedded video communications and the future of the standard. Continue Reading
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News
05 Feb 2021
Microsoft unveils employee experience platform Viva
Viva will offer Microsoft customers an employee experience platform that uses analytics and an intranet service to boost employee engagement and productivity. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Feb 2021
4 ways to optimize Microsoft Teams performance
Microsoft Teams has become a fundamental app for many companies. It's important to optimize Microsoft Teams performance to ensure users are getting the access they need. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jan 2021
Evaluating Direct Routing for Microsoft Teams telephony
Direct Routing for Microsoft Teams may be the best path to the PSTN for most companies. But organizations should weigh their specific needs when choosing a Direct Routing partner. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jan 2021
Verizon resolves major Fios outage, seeks root cause
Verizon has resolved an issue in its fiber optic network that led to a major outage Tuesday. The outage affected tens of thousands of customers on the East Coast. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jan 2021
SAP, Microsoft partner against Salesforce
Starting in mid-2021, Microsoft and SAP plan to integrate Teams into the latter's business application portfolio. The move is seen as a response to rival Salesforce. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Jan 2021
Monitoring productivity of employees crosses privacy boundaries
As remote work continues, organizations are looking for new ways to monitor productivity of employees. But they walk a fine line between employee monitoring and surveillance. Continue Reading
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News
22 Jan 2021
Massive Slack outage caused by AWS gateway failure
An AWS Transit Gateway failure led to Slack being down for nearly five hours earlier this month. The companies said they made changes to prevent such outages in the future. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Jan 2021
Harnessing diversity and inclusion in technology key in 2021
Prioritizing diversity and inclusion in collaboration technology can help companies maintain their cultural touchpoints -- even during a pandemic. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Jan 2021
AR and VR in video conferencing offer post-pandemic benefits
In a post-COVID-19 world, understanding the differences between AR and VR video conferencing will help companies determine which technology might be best for them. Continue Reading