UC strategy
Unified communications success relies on more than technology. End-user adoption is paramount for a successful rollout. Learn how to build a successful UC strategy that encompasses technology, training, staffing and culture.
Top Stories
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Tip
20 Jan 2023
Evernote and Notion take aim at enterprise collaboration market
Notion and Evernote -- best known as personal note-taking apps -- are pivoting to serve as enterprise collaboration tools. Are they viable options yet? Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Jan 2023
Top UC and collaboration news of 2022 highlights 4 key trends
Review the 2022 UC and collaboration news highlights to learn about the trends that drove the market, and discover how these trends will influence the market in 2023. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Jan 2023
Weighing the pros and cons of asynchronous collaboration
UCaaS vendors are developing tools that let remote workers collaborate on their own time. That flexibility can reap benefits, but what does it do to the value of teamwork? Continue Reading
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News
03 Jan 2023
Companies focus on UCaaS consolidation
Replacing redundant collaboration tools with a UCaaS platform is the focus of many companies looking to cut unified communications costs as the possibility of a recession looms. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Dec 2022
Understanding hot desking pros and cons for the hybrid office
Hot desking is one way to manage workspaces in a hybrid office. Learn some hot desking pros and cons to decide if it's the right approach for your company. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Dec 2022
5 video conferencing trends to eye in 2023
We live in a video world now, and businesses are focused on improving the experience for their employees. Check out the video trends driving the market in 2023. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Dec 2022
Cisco collaboration study guide for 350-801 CLCOR exam
Learn the basics of Cisco collaboration products and how to deploy collaboration tools in this excerpt from 'CCNP and CCIE Collaboration Core CLCOR 350-801 Official Cert Guide.' Continue Reading
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Quiz
19 Dec 2022
Cisco collaboration 350-801 CLCOR practice test questions
This 350-801 CLCOR practice test for the CCNP and CCIE certifications quizzes readers on Cisco collaboration technologies, from endpoints to applications. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Dec 2022
Comparing Microsoft Teams free vs. paid plans
While Teams is bundled with some Microsoft 365 licenses, it does offer a free plan. Learn the difference between Teams free vs. paid plans and which is right for your organization. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Nov 2022
Hot desking vs. hoteling: What's the difference?
More and more companies are adopting hybrid workforce models, but as physical office spaces shrink, what are some options to support employees who do come into the office? Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Nov 2022
Carrier UCaaS services extend cloud communication benefits
UCaaS is becoming more popular as carriers roll out more sophisticated and integrated packages to users. Learn why it might make sense to consolidate your vendors. 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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Feature
05 Oct 2022
Desktop video conferencing hardware now built for hybrid work
Desktop video hardware offers organizations hybrid work benefits, including high-quality video for home workers and simplified IT management. But getting buy-in can be a challenge. Continue Reading
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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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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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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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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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Tip
15 Aug 2022
5 steps to address hybrid meeting equity
Meeting equity is more than how you appear on camera. Follow these five steps to ensure hybrid meetings are engaging, productive and equitable for all employees. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Aug 2022
6 workplace benefits of immersive learning with AR and VR
AR and VR have the potential to enhance workplace learning programs. Learn how both employees and organizations can benefit from immersive learning with AR and VR. 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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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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Tip
29 Jul 2022
How to plan a hybrid conference room setup
Conference rooms need to evolve as employees demand the same rich virtual meeting experience they have on desktop. Learn how to approach a hybrid conference room setup. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Jul 2022
The difference between a traditional and hybrid meeting room
Hybrid meeting rooms differ from traditional rooms that focused on in-person attendees. Learn the challenges facing large and small rooms in supporting hybrid meetings. 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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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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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
25 May 2022
Hybrid meeting technology helps AV teams address equity
AV teams are challenged in providing remote and in-room meeting attendees the same experience. Hybrid meeting technology for speaker framing is the first step to meeting equity. 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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Tip
25 Apr 2022
Turning pandemic cloud investments into a full UCaaS migration
As companies face the prospect of a hybrid work model, making a full UCaaS migration might make sense. But it's important to think about what you'll need, rather than what you have. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Apr 2022
3 ways to retool UC platform security architecture models
The security gap created when remote workers use unified communications to collaborate can be erased through tools designed to augment traditional security mechanisms. 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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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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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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Conference Coverage
14 Mar 2022
Everything Enterprise Connect 2022: News, trends and insights
This guide gathers the latest news, trends and analysis from one of the largest conferences focused on the enterprise communications and collaboration market. 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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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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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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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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Tip
31 Jan 2022
How to mesh video conferencing, video calling devices for home
Giving remote employees the chance to use their Amazon Echo Shows or Facebook Portals when logging in to meetings has advantages, but security and performance concerns remain. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Jan 2022
Top 16 unified communications market blogs to follow
Follow these top unified communications blogs for the latest trends in the UC and collaboration markets. These blogs provide insight into analyst research, product news and market trends. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jan 2022
5 UC and collaboration trends reshaping the market in 2023
An uncertain economy is forcing companies to plan carefully as they prepare their 2023 unified communications strategies. Here are five key trends to watch for. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jan 2022
The evolving role of email in business communication
Email has been around for decades, but its role in business communications will change as collaboration apps become more predominant and open. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 Jan 2022
What are best practices for working with external partners?
More organizations now use collaboration tools to work with external partners. Learn how to manage external collaboration to support distributed teams and keep company data secure. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Dec 2021
Understanding the 4 hidden costs of working from home
While remote work offers cost savings, there are hidden costs of working from home that affect both employees and businesses. Learn four hidden costs and how to address them. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Dec 2021
Integration strategy key to fuel cross-company collaboration
The need to communicate with external partners has put a new emphasis on cross-company collaboration tools. Explore the best ways to provide everyone with the same capabilities. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Nov 2021
How do you apply a zero-trust security policy to UC?
An important piece of remote and hybrid work is keeping UC environments secure. Learn how a zero-trust policy keeps user and app communications secure. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Oct 2021
Teams vs. Webex vs. Zoom: Comparing collaboration features
When organizations compare Teams vs. Webex vs. Zoom as their primary UCaaS platform, the deciding factor may be how each vendor approaches collaboration. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Oct 2021
UC user adoption training must evolve for hybrid work
Learn why industry leaders at Enterprise Connect said user adoption training is key to UC success in the hybrid workplace -- and how employee experience platforms can help. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Sep 2021
How UC flexibility can overcome hybrid workplace challenges
Hybrid workplaces present unique challenges for every organization. But adapting UC technology and company culture can help organizations address certain obstacles. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Sep 2021
Hybrid work strategies fuel Enterprise Connect 2021 topics
Navigating the post-pandemic workplace is challenging. Enterprise Connect 2021 will explore UC's role in supporting ongoing remote work and the hybrid workplace. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Jul 2021
Understanding CPaaS market growth, trends and providers
The CPaaS market is maturing as increased demand for digital communications drives new use cases. Learn about the trends and providers fueling CPaaS market growth. 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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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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Feature
03 Jun 2021
Guide to building an enterprise unified communications strategy
IT needs a unified communications strategy for voice and video conferencing, chat and other tools. This step-by-step guide helps you implement, evaluate and manage UC in the enterprise. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 May 2021
Top 10 must-have unified communications features in business
UC priorities changed dramatically due to the pandemic. Read our list of the features made for this new era of remote collaboration. 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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Feature
12 May 2021
10 essential business benefits of unified communications
How can unified communications tools benefit your business? Explore these 10 unified communications benefits to make the best deployment decision for your needs. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Apr 2021
What is the difference between RCS and SMS?
SMS is being supplanted by RCS to let carriers compete against WhatsApp and Messenger and open new avenues to business messaging. Learn the difference between RCS and SMS. 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
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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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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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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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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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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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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Feature
08 Jan 2021
Ensure phone system compliance with 911 regulations
In this roundup of UC blogs, analysts discuss phone system compliance with 911 regulations, Pexip's private cloud video platform and the growth of intelligent assistants. Continue Reading
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Answer
29 Dec 2020
Will the pandemic drive further UCC industry consolidation?
COVID-19 may drive further UCC industry consolidation as vendors look to develop new capabilities to support the communications needs created by remote and hybrid work. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Dec 2020
UCaaS adoption rises as firms consolidate UC setups
Cloud-based UC provides the agility, mobility and cost savings organizations need. The current trend to consolidating UC in the cloud, and as a service, will likely expand. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Dec 2020
2021 trends in video conferencing focus on flexibility
Video conferencing took center stage as companies found ways to connect their dispersed workforce. For 2021, trends in video conferencing include how to make the technology more versatile, and more fun. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Dec 2020
2021 trends driving the future of unified communications
While 2021 is full of uncertainty for many organizations, four unified communications trends will drive buying decisions as IT leaders prepare for the future of work. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Nov 2020
How UC technology supports long-term remote work
Successful long-term remote work needs unified communications. Learn about the communications tools that organizations need to ensure effective employee communication. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Nov 2020
Unified communications analytics mature to verify business value
There is more than one way to showcase the value of unified communications in the boardroom. UC analytics can help companies obtain the metrics they need to prove a business case. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Oct 2020
UC presence evolves amid remote work revolution
UC presence technology must evolve to be effective in today's world of remote work and multi-device communication. Learn how presence can adapt to new ways of working. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Oct 2020
Remote teams centralize collaboration on Slack platform
Deploying collaboration technology has played a key role in supporting remote teams during the pandemic. Tech leaders at Slack Frontiers share their success stories. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 Oct 2020
What's the difference between UC-certified and MS-certified?
Both UC-certified and MS-certified products are available to enterprises. But one designation carries more weight than the other, our expert writes. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Sep 2020
Unified communications strategy shifts in wake of COVID
Unified communications strategy has to accommodate both remote workers and those employees who may come back to the office. Where are companies allocating their UC budget dollars? Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Sep 2020
Webex vs. Zoom vs. Teams: Consider future needs, innovation
As organizations evaluate unified communications products from Cisco, Zoom and Microsoft, they should consider how the vendors are investing in their respective products. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Sep 2020
Building a strategy for intercompany collaboration
Collaboration with external users is a challenge, especially when multiple platforms are involved. Learn the three factors IT should consider to support intercompany collaboration. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Aug 2020
On-premises and cloud UC debate amplified by pandemic
Three unified communications analysts offer insights on the current state of the on-premises vs. cloud debate as organizations grapple with industry changes. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Aug 2020
Compare the 8 leading unified communications providers
Discover the unified communications products that are best for your organization with an in-depth look at specific vendor offerings and features. Continue Reading
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Answer
18 Aug 2020
What does it mean if a device is UC-certified?
IT leaders determining which UC devices and endpoints to support organizationwide should look for a UC-certified label, which is an indicator of platform compatibility. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Aug 2020
UC management key to platform performance, cost savings
Organizations that want to maximize their UC deployments should invest in specialty UC management tools that provide greater insight into performance and security. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
07 Aug 2020
The move to UC 3.0 and what it means for businesses
Tony McQueen makes the case for why companies should consider implementing UC 3.0, such as improved integration, easier for remote employees to use and more. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Aug 2020
Cloud empowers remote work during pandemic and beyond
A cloud-based remote work strategy enabled organizations like Priceline, TD Ameritrade and Walden University to support employee communications and maintain business continuity. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Aug 2020
Cloud-based UC adoption skyrockets amid pandemic response
Many organizations are considering cloud-based UC after their on-premises communications infrastructure failed to adequately support remote workers during the pandemic. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jul 2020
Future-proof your UC strategy with these 3 best practices
Future-proofing UC can be difficult, as technology evolves and employee needs change. Learn three best practices to consider before investing in a UC deployment. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jul 2020
Enterprise Connect 2020 focuses on new UC priorities
Organizations need advice on changing collaboration needs and pandemic-related remote work. A virtual Enterprise Connect 2020 will address a new world of enterprise communications. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Jul 2020
How to make a business case for unified communications
Making a business case for unified communications isn't the same as deciding on a PBX. ROI, for example, isn't as important. But training is. Here is what you should focus on. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jun 2020
Reevaluating budgets to provide UC devices to home workers
Providing a consistent UC experience means taking a second look at budgets to determine how to outfit home workers with UC devices like headsets and webcams. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 Jun 2020
How can speech recognition technology support remote work?
Today's speech recognition technology is much more sophisticated than legacy versions. Find out how speech recognition can make remote workers more productive. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Jun 2020
Organizations revamp UCC strategy for remote workforce
As organizations adjust to new ways of working, their UCC strategy must also evolve to address the short- and long-term communications needs of remote employees. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 May 2020
How can CPaaS technology support remote work?
CPaaS technology offers a lot of benefits, but it's not a quick fix for enterprises considering how they might use it to support increasing amounts of remote workers. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 May 2020
Reassessing unified communications tools in work-from-home era
COVID-19 is ushering in a new normal for companies and their workspaces. UC managers must consider three factors when evaluating unified communications tools to support operations. Continue Reading
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Answer
24 Apr 2020
How do you compare the TCO of on-premises UC vs. UCaaS?
While TCO can be a helpful metric when weighing on-premises UC options, it's less relevant for evaluating cloud services. Comparing on-premises UC vs. UCaaS has two considerations. Continue Reading