Unified Communications Integration and Interoperability
Top Stories
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Tip
29 Jul 2025
How to integrate your phone system with Microsoft Teams
Before organizations migrate their existing phone systems into Microsoft Teams, they need to select the right telephony architecture that fits their business needs. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Oct 2021
Consolidate UCaaS platforms for the post-pandemic workplace
Enterprises preparing for the post-pandemic workplace are reevaluating their UCaaS platforms. Learn the benefits of a consolidated architecture and why it's not for everyone. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 May 2024
unified communications (UC)
Unified communications (UC) is an umbrella term for the integration of multiple enterprise communication tools -- such as voice calling, video conferencing, instant messaging (IM), presence and content sharing -- into a single, streamlined interface, with the goal of improving user experience (UX) and productivity. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Dec 2022
data transfer rate (DTR)
The data transfer rate (DTR) is the amount of digital data that's moved from one place to another in a given time. 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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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
15 Oct 2021
Consolidate UCaaS platforms for the post-pandemic workplace
Enterprises preparing for the post-pandemic workplace are reevaluating their UCaaS platforms. Learn the benefits of a consolidated architecture and why it's not for everyone. 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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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
21 Jan 2021
AWS contact center AI services expand to Salesforce, Avaya
Cloud contact center vendors that compete with Amazon Connect for customers will push AWS AI-powered intelligent search, speech recognition and language processing services. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Nov 2020
CPaaS market growth broadens amid new use cases
While the pandemic didn't have a significant effect on CPaaS market growth, organizations accelerating their digital transformation plans are driving demand for APIs. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Nov 2020
Integrated collaboration environments offer new ways to work
By integrating with several other business operations, team collaboration platforms can provide a central workspace for virtual teams to organize their productivity. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Nov 2020
How to use ChatOps to automate network tasks
Integrating team collaboration chat systems with network automation results in the ability to automate tedious workflows, enabling faster problem resolution and streamlined operations. Continue Reading
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News
08 Oct 2020
Twilio adds video developer tools, field service app, Flex apps
The developer-centric UCaaS vendor Twilio offers users new tools to support video chat, field service workers and aggregation of customer activity data. Continue Reading
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News
18 Sep 2020
Google utilizes AI for Series One Meet hardware
Google partners with Lenovo in developing video conferencing hardware for the Google Meet service. The Series One device uses Google silicon to boost its AI capabilities. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Jun 2020
Will remote work spur unified communications interoperability?
Unified communications interoperability is gaining more attention as more employees work from home. But, while some progress is being made, there is a long way to go. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Mar 2020
How supporting a remote workforce stresses the network
Make sure your network can support a remote workforce by analyzing 12 potential issues that can cause stress on your network, including VPN concentrator capacity and traffic routing. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Mar 2020
Video key to coronavirus business continuity planning
Coronavirus business continuity calls for video to support remote work mandates. Learn the benefits of video conferencing and best practices for video meetings among remote employees. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Feb 2020
Determining the business benefits of CPaaS use cases
Deploying CPaaS can improve business efficiency. But the success of CPaaS use cases depends on the benefits outweighing service implementation and development costs. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Feb 2020
Comparing UCaaS vs. CPaaS for cloud-based communications
CPaaS and UCaaS platforms are growing, as organizations move from on premises to cloud. Learn what capabilities these options offer and how they fit into your enterprise communications. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Feb 2020
How can IT manage video conferencing interoperability?
Video interoperability is challenging but necessary for today's enterprise. Evaluating vendor partnerships and choosing hardware that supports multiple video services are key. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Jan 2020
CPaaS market growth outpaces UCaaS as organizations demand APIs
Demand for API capabilities is driving the CPaaS market. Learn why organizations want APIs in addition to UCaaS platforms and why vendor overlap won't lead to market convergence. Continue Reading
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Answer
16 Jan 2020
How do collaboration integration and interoperability differ?
Interoperability between collaboration platforms is scarce, but integrations are abundant. Learn why multivendor collaboration integration has more support than interoperability. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Dec 2019
How should organizations approach API-based SIP services?
Organizations need SIP services to connect and disconnect call sessions. Now some SIP services are offered through APIs, which expand the use cases and capabilities. Continue Reading
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Answer
03 Dec 2019
How can organizations support UC for frontline employees?
Several challenges can make it difficult to connect frontline employees to communication and collaboration tools. Learn what approaches can improve support for frontline workers. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Nov 2019
CPaaS trends reflect expanded vendor offerings
CPaaS trends, like high-level APIs, are helping providers expand their portfolios and strengthen offerings for organizations that want enhanced capabilities. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Oct 2019
CPaaS vendors can't ignore email in an omnichannel strategy
CPaaS vendors are expanding their omnichannel communications strategy beyond voice and SMS. Email APIs can create tighter integrations with business workflows. Continue Reading
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News
25 Oct 2019
UCaaS vendor Intermedia adds Telax CCaaS to portfolio
Intermedia, cloud-based unified communications vendor, has added CCaaS to its portfolio through its acquisition of Telax. Continue Reading
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Answer
22 Oct 2019
What are the benefits of UC in a cloud-based office suite?
Adopting the UC tools within a cloud-based office suite may be the most beneficial option if users are already comfortable with the suite's features. Continue Reading
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Answer
27 Sep 2019
Comparing H.323 vs. SIP: What's the difference?
Discover the similarities and differences of H.323 vs. SIP standards, and learn why SIP has become the de facto standard for voice and video communications. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Aug 2019
Omnichannel messaging APIs still far off for CPaaS users
Omnichannel is not just a buzzword, but in some ways, it feels elusive. Omnichannel messaging APIs in CPaaS, in particular, are facing some adoption issues. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Aug 2019
Breaking down the parts of a CPaaS platform
Cloud-delivered communications are the backbone of many organizations. Review the key terms around CPaaS platform features and development tools with this glossary. Continue Reading
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Answer
08 Jul 2019
Why is video interoperability a challenge?
Learn why video calls don't have the same level of interoperability as voice calls, and what challenges the lack of video interoperability presents for organizations. Continue Reading
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Quiz
20 Jun 2019
Are you ready to adopt cloud video conferencing?
Video is an important tool for enterprises looking to support dispersed employees. Take this quiz to see how much you know about cloud video conferencing. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 May 2019
How do you evaluate embedded communications use cases?
Most embedded communications use cases focus on customer-facing interactions. Learn how to evaluate the use cases that would benefit from embedding communications. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Apr 2019
How Mio integrates Slack, Microsoft Teams and Cisco Webex users
Mio -- winner of TechTarget's Network Innovation Award -- enables a Slack, Microsoft Teams and Cisco Webex integration, enabling internal communication and collaboration across messaging apps. Continue Reading
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News
20 Mar 2019
Polycom Trio integrates with Alexa for Business
Poly, the new name for the merger of Plantronics and Polycom, has added Alexa for Business to voice-activate meetings on the Polycom Trio conference room phone. Continue Reading
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News
13 Mar 2019
New widget for RingCentral integrations targets enterprises
RingCentral released several new tools for enterprises ahead of Enterprise Connect 2019, including a widget for adding RingCentral integrations to CRM and help desk apps. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Feb 2019
Changing business priorities drive cloud UC adoption
The demand for flexible systems and collaboration tools is helping drive UCaaS adoption across all market segments. However, business size is playing a role. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 Jan 2019
How is CPaaS influencing UCaaS vendor portfolios?
The customizability of CPaaS is changing how UCaaS vendors approach their platforms. Vendors are adopting more APIs to integrate CPaaS capabilities within their UCaaS platforms. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jan 2019
5 UC and collaboration trends to watch in 2019
As we close the door on 2018, look to the future of communication and collaboration trends that will influence the UC market landscape in 2019. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Dec 2018
5 UC trends that drove headlines in 2018
From Cisco merging Spark and Webex to Microsoft's Teams migration, take a look back at the top UC news stories of 2018 and the UC trends that drove them. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Dec 2018
Team communication apps see surge in enterprise adoption
The adoption of team communication apps is on the rise, as enterprises focus on improving workflow and efficiency through contextualized communication. Continue Reading
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Answer
03 Dec 2018
Should team collaboration apps be stand-alone or integrated?
Team collaboration can be deployed as part of an integrated offering or as a separate app. Our expert explains why IT may not have much control over collaborative environment decisions. Continue Reading
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Guide
22 Oct 2018
Reaping the business benefits of collaboration tools
Does your strategy for collaboration tools encompass cost, meeting requirements and make the best use of available hardware and software? Continue Reading
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News
05 Oct 2018
Embedded communications have business embracing CPaaS
In the UC blog world, analysts discuss how businesses are embracing CPaaS for embedded communications, why SD-WAN and MPLS make a strong team, and why Cisco is losing focus on collaboration software. Continue Reading
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News
28 Sep 2018
Microsoft Teams migration supported by partner services
Unify Square and AudioCodes introduce call quality monitoring for Microsoft Teams, while Crestron and Yealink launch audio and video devices for Teams meetings. Continue Reading
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Guide
24 Jul 2018
Integrating unified communications products and other UC trends
Communications and collaboration in the enterprise has never been more business essential. Learn how to make sense, and best use, of the latest UC products and services. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 May 2018
Open UC platforms improve communication workflow, but carry risks
An API-based integration between UC and business apps can improve workflows and contextual communication. But the integrations may carry security risks. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 May 2018
How do you monitor performance of communication APIs?
Measuring API performance depends on whether the API is provided by a vendor or developed in-house. API expert Tsahi Levent-Levi offers steps to monitor APIs. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Apr 2018
How do Twilio Flex API-based services affect contact center software?
Twilio Flex, a programmable contact center platform, reflects an emerging trend toward software products built on APIs, according to API expert Tsahi Levent-Levi. Continue Reading
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News
06 Apr 2018
IBM Watson Assistant offers flexibility, data privacy
IBM has released a toolkit for building enterprise-grade virtual assistants. The IBM Watson Assistant is highly customizable and lets businesses keep their data private. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Apr 2018
Enterprise network management in the wake of vendor consolidation
Consolidation is a driving force among networking vendors, but network professionals have to actively consider how those changes affect enterprise network management. Continue Reading
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News
14 Mar 2018
New Masergy UCaaS feature helps avoid overpayments
Masergy UCaaS customers can use their human resource applications to automate adding and deleting UCaaS users. The new feature can avoid overpayments. Continue Reading
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News
12 Mar 2018
New Microsoft Teams features include Cortana integration
The latest Microsoft Teams features include foreign language translation of messages, recording of meetings and integration with the Cortana voice assistant. Continue Reading
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Opinion
12 Mar 2018
Vonage Business Cloud offers midmarket cloud-native UCaaS
Adding a Vonage cloud business option for the underserved midmarket, ZK Research says new UCaaS option was built with a cloud-native approach to accommodate market changes quickly. Continue Reading
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Answer
08 Mar 2018
What's driving the adoption of WebRTC services today?
WebRTC adoption is influenced by the ecosystem around the technology, including browser support and commercial products. Emerging technologies could also affect future deployments. 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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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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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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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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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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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
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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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
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 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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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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Answer
04 Nov 2013
What is a UC client?
What do vendors mean when they refer to a UC client? Learn what a UC client is and how it is used. Continue Reading