Unified Messaging

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

How to approach a Webex-Teams integration and make it work

Cisco and Microsoft are finally breaking down the interoperability barriers between Webex and Teams apps. Companies will be able to soon reap the benefits. Continue Reading

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

Zoom video, UCaaS offerings draw closer to Teams, Webex

Zoom introduced a slew of features for its UCaaS platform at Zoomtopia, including mail and calendar services and an informal virtual meeting place called Spots. Continue Reading

How to record Zoom breakout rooms

Zoom doesn't make it easy to record a breakout room, but with a few extra tweaks, it can be done. Here's why it's worth the effort. Continue Reading

Cisco adds more Webex-Teams integration for hybrid work

Cisco Webex users now have more hybrid work features, including a new whiteboard and integration with Teams, iPhone and iPad cameras. Continue Reading

How asynchronous video communication boosts remote work

When it's time to share information with colleagues, a full-blown video conference isn't always necessary. Maybe an app like TikTok could help. Continue Reading

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

How to combat voice security issues in collaboration platforms

Enterprise collaboration is an integral part of doing business. But companies must learn to guard against voice security issues that could compromise their networks. Continue Reading

Microsoft introduces premium add-on for Teams meetings

Microsoft plans to release the Teams Premium add-on in February but won't launch advanced AI capabilities until later in the year. The company hasn't released pricing. Continue Reading

Are Microsoft Teams calls encrypted?

Microsoft Teams calls are encrypted at rest and in transit. But organizations that want an additional layer of security can enable end-to-end encryption for one-on-one calls. Continue Reading

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

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

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

Microsoft Loop crosses information silos in 365

Microsoft plans to release Loop this year as the long-awaited information-sharing tool across 365 apps. The software reduces the time spent searching for vital data. Continue Reading

Slack Canvas helps tame information overload in chat

Slack chat can bury vital knowledge under a flood of new messages. The company said its Canvas tool will let workers pull out, save and collaborate on specific material. Continue Reading

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

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

Adobe buys Figma to fill remote collaboration product void

Adobe expects to bolster its collaboration tools for the hybrid workplace with its $20 billion acquisition of Figma, the maker of cloud-based software popular with developers. Continue Reading

Integrated Microsoft Loop, Teams boost virtual collaboration

As most organizations now have hybrid workers, virtual collaboration is a priority. Here's how integrating Microsoft Teams with Loop components can enable effective collaboration. Continue Reading

Zoom updates Contact Center, but features lag rivals

Zoom has added new Contact Center tools for supervisors and agents, giving management better insight into metrics while offering agents more ways to help customers. Continue Reading

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

Apple's hybrid work plans draw worker pushback

Apple's executives say in-person collaboration is essential to the company's innovative culture. Employees have asked the company to rethink forced hybrid work. Continue Reading

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

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

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

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

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

Microsoft to release Teams for Apple silicon

Microsoft's native version of Teams for Apple silicon should help performance-sensitive Mac users, like programmers, graphic designers and video editors. Continue Reading

Zoom IQ provides more intelligence for sales teams

Zoom's latest enhancements to IQ for Sales represent a product diversification strategy focused on delivering better intelligence to sales teams. Continue Reading

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

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

Zoom, RingCentral, BlueJeans improve virtual whiteboards

Zoom, RingCentral and BlueJeans have released updates to their virtual whiteboards to make them more useful for meetings between office and home workers. Continue Reading

Google to test AR glasses in public

Google will seek to iron out challenges for AR as it tests a lightweight, glasses-type device. The company already has a foothold in the enterprise with its Glass AR glasses. Continue Reading

Contact centers evaluate CPaaS vs. CCaaS benefits

The contact center-as-a-service market is ripe for growth as businesses move to the cloud. That's inviting a new crop of vendors -- among them CPaaS providers -- to pitch products. Continue Reading

Microsoft makes Viva more like Facebook

Remote and hybrid workers will use a Microsoft Viva app to share and react to posts and build relationships with other employees. Continue Reading

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

Meta plans to make VR headset business-friendly

Meta will eventually let companies create and manage accounts for its virtual reality headsets. The move is part of a push to make the hardware more appealing to business. Continue Reading

How end-to-end encryption supports secure team collaboration

End-to-end encryption provides secure collaboration but limits certain productivity features. Learn how end-to-end encryption fits in a team collaboration security strategy. Continue Reading

Zoom One bundles services to draw single-vendor customers

Zoom ties its services together in Zoom One as it evolves from a video conferencing app to a communications platform. The company targets firms that want a single UC vendor. Continue Reading

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

Meta intends to win metaverse wallet race with Meta Pay

Meta plans to let metaverse users pay for digital items, retain the proof of item ownership and manage their identities with the newly rebranded Meta Pay. Continue Reading

Social collaboration tools create hybrid work water cooler

Traditional collaboration tools have struggled to replicate casual office conversations. New social collaboration tools could help reduce the isolation of remote and hybrid work. Continue Reading

Understanding WebRTC security architecture

WebRTC is a secure technology for real-time communications, but security also depends on the application using it. Find out how developers can maintain that security. Continue Reading

How do you evaluate UC applications for frontline workers?

UC offerings differ depending on business goals and intended users. When evaluating tools for frontline workers, consider factors based on communication, endpoints and workflows. Continue Reading

Slack will add video to impromptu meeting app Huddles

Slack brings video meetings to Huddles this fall to encourage people to hold quick conversations without switching to Microsoft Teams or Zoom. Continue Reading

Zoom provides app tools to more developers

Educators, doctors and finance professionals use Zoom differently, so the company wants developers to help it meet each group's specific video conferencing needs. Continue Reading

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

Microsoft updates Teams to filter out echoes

Microsoft will make Teams calls more like telephone conversations, using AI to filter out background noise and echoes that disrupt conversations. Continue Reading

Cisco links Webex to ThousandEyes internet intelligence

Integration between the Cisco Webex Control Hub and ThousandEyes lets IT administrators spot internet problems before they can affect video conferences. Continue Reading

Cisco adds calling during internet outages to Webex

Cisco will make Webex Calling less reliant on internet connectivity to increase its appeal to healthcare and other industries requiring a highly reliable phone service. Continue Reading

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

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

UC, employee experience management offer complex insight

New research shows that many organizations are rethinking the employee experience amid remote work. Here are the methods, platforms and tools to consider in your evaluation. Continue Reading

Microsoft updates Teams for manufacturing

Microsoft aims to make Teams more appealing to manufacturers with a new app, expanded walkie-talkie features and integration with scheduling software. Continue Reading

What is a hybrid meeting?

Employees are now signing into meetings from a variety of locations. What's the best way to support hybrid meetings and to ensure that workers remain productive and engaged? Continue Reading

Microsoft to open Loop to third-party developers

Microsoft's latest collaboration tool will consolidate content across Outlook, Teams and third-party products, such as the Zoho project management application. Continue Reading

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

VoIP gateway vs. PBX: What is the difference?

When calls are transmitted over a VoIP gateway, voice data packets are assembled at the edge of the network. An IP private branch exchange uses a much different model. Continue Reading

How do you enable a Teams-contact center integration?

Explore the three ways Microsoft supports integrating a contact center with Teams to enable more advanced calling and collaboration features for agents. Continue Reading

Google adds AI summary feature to Workspace

AI-generated meeting and document summaries can help workers find important information, according to Google. The company will add the feature to its Workspace apps. Continue Reading

Why a distributed cloud architecture could be a boon for UC

Some organizations are more comfortable in keeping their unified communications on premises. Distributed clouds might be a more attractive alternative. Continue Reading

Privacy groups urge Zoom to abandon emotion AI research

Privacy organizations want Zoom to ditch emotion-tracking AI. The tech is invasive, discriminatory and doesn't work, the groups said. Continue Reading

Where do Zoom recordings go? How to find saved recordings

Zoom meeting recordings are saved and stored on your desktop or the Zoom cloud. But your organization may have security rules that restrict meeting recordings. Continue Reading

Video conferencing found to harm worker creativity

Research shows video conferencing curbs the creation of new ideas, so managers should also schedule in-person brainstorming sessions. Continue Reading

How will VR collaboration transform meetings?

It may be too soon for virtual reality to play a role in how companies conduct business meetings, but it's not too early to understand its benefits. Continue Reading

Meta pumps the brakes on metaverse, long-term spending

Meta's slow earnings growth means less money to spend on its long-term metaverse project. CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the company is laying the groundwork for 2030. Continue Reading

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

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

Salesforce pushes automation for Slack

Salesforce's low-code automation tool Flow and programming language Apex will soon work on Slack. The company said the move will help workers avoid rote tasks. Continue Reading

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

Microsoft bolsters Teams Operator Connect options

Microsoft plans to bring more telephone companies into its Teams Operator Connect program. The initiative pairs telcos with integrators experienced with Teams telephony. Continue Reading

UCaaS vendors take on cloud contact center market share

As the UC market matures, vendors are looking for new ways to attract customers. Some vendors have set their sights on CCaaS, but getting executive buy-in could be a challenge. Continue Reading

As user ranks grow, governance of collaboration tools is a must

Even as companies evaluate more unified communications tools, they aren't keeping pace with ways to effectively govern how these applications are managed and deployed. Continue Reading

Zoom launches AI tool for sales departments

Zoom's AI insights help sales teams by analyzing video call transcripts for information to determine the next step in negotiations with prospective customers. Continue Reading

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

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

Google updates Meet to match, surpass competitors

Google's upcoming Meet updates will include letting multiple workers communicate over video while collaborating on a document, spreadsheet or slide presentation. Continue Reading

HP goes deeper into hybrid work with Poly acquisition

HP plans to acquire Poly to appeal to companies looking for conference gear, headsets and other devices for hybrid work. HP expects to close the $3.3 billion deal this year. Continue Reading

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

UCaaS explained: Guide to unified communications as a service

Check out this one-stop UCaaS guide to find out how this cloud-based service works, how to buy and implement it, as well as best practices and insight into its evolution Continue Reading

Businesses have plenty of time to adopt VR technology

Experts agree that VR could one day play an important role in business collaboration -- but it will take 10 years or more for the technology to mature Continue Reading

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

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

BlueJeans provides meeting controls via smartphones

BlueJeans is rolling out features that add more meeting controls to smartphones. The capabilities make mobile devices a more viable option for remote workers. Continue Reading

Cisco bolsters Webex flexibility as hybrid work looms

Cisco said companies must have the flexibility to let employees work how and where they want. Hybrid work features for Webex will provide employees with more choices. Continue Reading

Microsoft, Cisco, Zoom pledge conference room compatibility

Workers used to the flexibility of PC-based video conferencing during the pandemic won't have the same experience in the office's conference-room gear. Continue Reading

Enterprise Connect 2022: Solving hybrid work challenges

The latest advancements in collaboration software, UC as a service, contact centers and virtual reality await attendees of this year's Enterprise Connect. Continue Reading

Virtual event platforms for conferences race to bolster features

Even as the pandemic ebbs, virtual events will remain a primary way to reach employees and customers -- but make sure you're getting what you need before you deploy a platform. Continue Reading

UCaaS vs. CCaaS vs. CPaaS: What's the difference?

It can be difficult to make sense of popular cloud communications service models. Compare UCaaS vs. CCaaS vs. CPaaS to understand their differences and how they can be used together. Continue Reading

Microsoft updates Teams, Outlook for hybrid work challenges

Microsoft's upcoming hybrid work features will help remote and in-office employees schedule meetings, share presentations and collaborate more effectively. Continue Reading

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

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

Magic Leap 2 takes on HoloLens in enterprise AR market

Magic Leap will launch the AR headset Magic Leap 2 by the end of September. The company must work quickly to compete in an increasingly crowded enterprise AR market. Continue Reading

Amazon launches audio communication app Amp

Businesses could use Amazon's Amp to promote their brand on shows created with the app. The iPhone-only software resembles products from Clubhouse, Spotify and Twitter. Continue Reading

Tech companies rein in harassment in VR meeting places

Companies are unlikely to buy into virtual reality for meetings and events if tech companies can't protect customers' employees from groping, stalking and threats in cyberspace. Continue Reading

RingCentral unveils UCaaS offerings for education

RingCentral plans to launch two UC-as-a-service education products this month. Future UCaaS releases will target other markets, including healthcare and finance. Continue Reading

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

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

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