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
06 Dec 2023
Using collaboration behavior data to inform buying decisions
Collaboration apps do more than just let employees work together. They also generate a valuable trove of user data that can help companies become more efficient. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Nov 2023
AI speech technology offers enterprises benefits, risks
AI offers intriguing prospects to companies looking for ways to get more value from their speech recognition systems. But be wary of expecting too much, too fast. 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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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
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Tip
15 Apr 2020
Legacy UC infrastructure issues hamstring remote work demand
Hybrid cloud UC could be the answer to UC infrastructure problems that are making it difficult for remote workers to connect to their corporate networks. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Apr 2020
4 benefits of deploying managed UC services
Managed UC services offer organizations several benefits, including reduced management and maintenance requirements for IT, and enable users to communicate beyond corporate network boundaries. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Mar 2020
A remote work policy needs infrastructure, collaboration support
In this roundup of UC blogs, analysts discuss reevaluating remote work policies, best practices for team collaboration and lessons learned from China's remote work mandates. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Mar 2020
What role do legacy UC devices play in a cloud migration?
Migrating to UCaaS doesn't mean organizations need to leave legacy hardware behind. But organizations must ensure UC devices are compatible with cloud provider platforms. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Mar 2020
Remote work best practices emphasize UC collaboration tools
Maintaining business continuity in times of crisis requires following remote work best practices that provide a consistent experience and keep employees productive. Continue Reading
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News
10 Mar 2020
Chang takes leave from Cisco collaboration unit amid reorganization
Amy Chang, head of the Cisco collaboration division, is on temporary leave from the company. Cisco is in the midst of a broad reorganization. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Feb 2020
5 cloud SLA best practices for a strong UC strategy
Organizations need a strong cloud SLA to meet their UCaaS performance needs. These five cloud SLA best practices provide guidance on how to get the most out of a UCaaS provider's SLA. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Feb 2020
Emerging UCaaS trends include workflow integrations and AI
Analysts say UCaaS trends show growing adoption rates and increasingly sophisticated functionality. From application and workflow integrations to AI, here's what's ahead. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Feb 2020
UCaaS market verticals require custom platform features
UCaaS market verticals have unique communications requirements. Most platforms now offer businesses more customizability to tailor features and integrations to meet specific needs. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 Feb 2020
Private cloud shifts benefits of cloud-based unified communications
Private cloud UCaaS is giving companies some compelling reasons to reassess their cloud-based unified communications strategies. Better performance is just one factor. Continue Reading
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News
14 Feb 2020
Cisco collaboration revenue takes hit to start 2020
Cisco collaboration and communications products generated less revenue this past quarter than they did one year ago, contributing to an 8% decline for the applications group. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Feb 2020
Cloud migration needs contact center integration strategy
Contact center integrations can complicate a cloud migration. Learn what platforms can ease the transition to the cloud by reintegrating back-end business apps. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Feb 2020
On-premises vs. cloud vs. hybrid UC deployment models
UC deployment has evolved, and enterprises can now choose from on-premises or cloud-based UC options or a mix of both. Find out how to decide which UC model is right for you. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Feb 2020
Evaluating top UCaaS providers and features
The unified communications-as-a-service market is diverse and growing. Learn how to analyze UCaaS offerings and select a provider that aligns with your present and future needs. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Jan 2020
Unified communications market trends drive increased spending
On-premises UC is in decline as organizations buy into the latest unified communications market trends, such as cloud collaboration tools and embedded communications. Continue Reading
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Answer
28 Jan 2020
Why is live enterprise video streaming use expanding?
Live enterprise video use is growing. Learn how changes in culture and technology are encouraging organizations to embrace more livestreaming use cases. Continue Reading
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Answer
27 Jan 2020
How does AI for meetings improve collaboration?
Reaping the collaboration benefits of AI may take some time. Learn how AI for meetings can improve the collaboration experience through automation and predictive insight. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Jan 2020
How to monitor user-generated content in a video world
User-generated enterprise video is gaining popularity but can cause headaches for IT if left unchecked. Learn how to manage and monitor user-generated content. 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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Feature
21 Jan 2020
5 business benefits of unified communications in the cloud
Organizations evaluating alternatives to on-premises systems should consider five business benefits of unified communications in the cloud, including improved scalability and security. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Jan 2020
3 benefits of unified communications for small business
Small businesses that adopt unified communications can expect to improve employee engagement, reduce costs and consolidate overlapping tools. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Dec 2019
Top expert advice addresses unified communications strategy
The ways to approach unified communications strategies are always evolving. Check out the advice our industry experts gave to answer the top UC strategy questions of 2019. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Dec 2019
Is hybrid cloud a long-term UC deployment option?
Where on-premises UC offers control, cloud-based UC offers agility. Learn why a hybrid UC deployment is a temporary move on the way to a full cloud option. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Dec 2019
Top expert tips highlight 2019 unified communications trends
The UC industry is changing rapidly, and buyers need advice to make educated buying decisions. Our top expert tips of 2019 helped organizations navigate market trends. Continue Reading
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News
23 Dec 2019
4 cloud UC partnerships to watch in 2020
In 2020, partnerships between cloud UC vendors will help shape the market. Here are four key relationships to watch next year. Continue Reading
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Guide
17 Dec 2019
Maximize huddle room design for enhanced collaboration
In this huddle room guide, learn the key trends driving adoption and how the right huddle room design can enhance the effectiveness of collaboration. Continue Reading
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News
21 Nov 2019
Avaya revenue slump expected to continue in 2020
Avaya revenue fell short of projections in the fourth fiscal quarter, capping a year of disappointing returns. The company told investors that revenue would likely decline in 2020. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Nov 2019
How IT can help prevent UC tool communication overload
The use of too many communication tools can create communication overload for employees. To help, IT may be able to take preventative measures. 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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Feature
04 Nov 2019
UCaaS provider success relies on 2 key strategies
In this roundup of UC blogs, analysts discuss what UCaaS providers need to do to compete in the market, why Google should look at a Slack acquisition and Poly's new Studio X Series. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Oct 2019
A remote working strategy needs a business continuity plan
The Pacific Gas and Electric outages in California highlight the need for organizations to include business continuity plans in their remote working strategy. Continue Reading
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Answer
28 Oct 2019
How do no-code applications benefit from CPaaS APIs?
Low-code and no-code applications are gaining traction in the CPaaS market as vendors offer capabilities that reduce coding requirements for developers. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Oct 2019
Modern workspaces balance business and employee needs
In this roundup of UC blogs, analysts discuss the trends driving modern workspaces, how 5G could support augmented reality in the enterprise and the future of CPaaS. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Oct 2019
Unified communications for small business goes beyond telephony
Is your small business ready for UC? Learn how to build a UC strategy that addresses business goals, employee collaboration needs and IT requirements. Continue Reading
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News
14 Oct 2019
Voss upgrades migration to unified communications software
In an effort to ease the switch from legacy telephone systems to a more modern unified communications platform, Voss has launched its latest UC software, M2UC. Continue Reading
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News
11 Oct 2019
New Mitel CEO Mary McDowell says sale is possible, but not soon
In a move that took analysts by surprise, Mary McDowell replaced longtime chief Richard McBee as Mitel CEO -- a possible sign the company's owner is looking to sell. Continue Reading
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Quiz
11 Oct 2019
Are you ready for a hybrid UC migration?
Hybrid UC is an option for organizations that aren't ready or able to move all of their UC to the cloud. Take this quiz to test your knowledge of a hybrid UC migration. Continue Reading
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News
04 Oct 2019
Avaya-RingCentral partnership to bring UCaaS to legacy customers
Avaya, RingCentral will partner to sell UCaaS to Avaya's legacy customers, a blockbuster deal that unites rival UC vendors. Continue Reading
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News
27 Sep 2019
Avaya cloud offering ReadyNow expands internationally
A partnership with IBM will help expand the reach of Avaya cloud offerings internationally. Avaya is bringing its ReadyNow product to Europe, Africa and Asia. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 Sep 2019
Which vendors still support on-premises UC infrastructure?
Not all organizations can migrate UC to the cloud. For those unable to migrate, a few vendors continue to support UC infrastructure on premises. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Sep 2019
How AI in the workplace will affect collaboration and job performance
AI in the workplace can enhance unified communications and collaboration services. But IT decision-makers must consider three effects on employee collaboration and job roles. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Sep 2019
UC cloud services support Regum's global expansion
Regum's recent global expansion prompted the financial planning and education company to adopt UC cloud services to better serve its customers and maintain central control. Continue Reading
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News
05 Sep 2019
Cisco brings CUCM into the Webex cloud
Cisco has brought its flagship IP-based telephony platform, CUCM, into the Webex cloud, offering large businesses private instances of the software similar to what is already available from Cisco HCS partners. Continue Reading
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Answer
27 Aug 2019
What are the top CPaaS use cases in healthcare?
CPaaS use cases change from industry to industry. In healthcare, better patient care and streamlined processes are the main focus for CPaaS technology. Continue Reading
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News
22 Aug 2019
Businesses must replace cloud Skype phones by 2023
Skype phones won't connect to Microsoft Teams after July 2023. The vendor has advised customers to begin planning an upgrade to new devices certified for Teams. Continue Reading
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Quiz
20 Aug 2019
Is your organization ready for cloud unified communications?
Before adopting cloud unified communications, make sure you understand the ins and outs of a migration. Take this quiz to see if your organization is ready to migrate. Continue Reading
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News
14 Aug 2019
Avaya earnings: Company in advanced talks with multiple bidders
Avaya will decide within 30 days whether to pursue a sale or other 'strategic transaction' to compensate shareholders. The company is in advanced talks with multiple parties. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Aug 2019
Office 365 and G Suite gain market share for cloud telephony services
Cloud office suites are growing in popularity among organizations buying enterprise telephony services, according to the latest UCaaS Magic Quadrant report. Continue Reading
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News
12 Aug 2019
Atos, Nice inContact partner to offer cloud contact center
Atos will integrate CXone with Circuit and sell it as Cloud Contact Center-powered by CXone. Customers will still have the option of Atos' on-premises contact center platform. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Aug 2019
How UC technology works and why you need it
Explore the emergence of unified communications and the evolution of UC technology as a response to changing business needs. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Aug 2019
Cloud unified communications adoption still faces barriers
Upgrade costs and security concerns were once the main barriers to cloud unified communications. But while vendors addressed those concerns, new barriers to adoption have emerged. 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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Tip
31 Jul 2019
Craft collaboration metrics to enhance business benefits
Collaboration metrics should focus on more than just how well platforms and tools function. Metrics should shift focus to how much collaboration tools improve a business. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
29 Jul 2019
5 best practices for cloud calling success
Organizations looking to augment their communications features while also cutting costs and improving scalability are turning to the cloud for their calling services. But migrating to cloud calling ... Continue Reading
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Quiz
26 Jul 2019
How well do you understand UC cloud SLAs?
Getting the right unified communications cloud SLA can be difficult for organizations. This quiz covers the essentials of SLAs, from the basic components to IT's role. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Jul 2019
How can IT approach a cloud-based unified communications migration?
Migrating to cloud-based unified communications can offer organizations greater agility, but benefits need to be weighed against the loss of IT control. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jul 2019
Stand-alone vs. integrated collaboration: 3 factors to consider
Moving from legacy communications is no small task. Three factors must be considered to ensure successful adoption of new integrated collaboration tools. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Jul 2019
UC network management embraces automation, AI, SD-WAN
Organizations looking to simplify UC network management can implement automation tools and technology like SD-WAN and AI to streamline management workflows. Continue Reading