News
News
- November 06, 2019
06 Nov'19
Microsoft Teams adds private channels, room appliances
After the vendor unexpectedly delayed their launch in September, Microsoft Teams private channels are now rolling out to all customers.
- November 05, 2019
05 Nov'19
Microsoft, Cisco partner on cloud UC interoperability
Microsoft and Cisco unveiled an alliance this week for better interoperability between their cloud UC products.
- November 01, 2019
01 Nov'19
Vonage Meetings rounds out vendor's cloud portfolio
A new video conferencing app, Vonage Meetings, will provide alternative to Amazon Chime for Vonage's cloud UC customers.
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- October 31, 2019
31 Oct'19
New telephony controls coming to Microsoft Teams admin center
More controls are coming to the Microsoft Teams admin center, but enterprises will have to wait a bit longer for the large-scale configuration tools they need.
- October 25, 2019
25 Oct'19
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.
- October 24, 2019
24 Oct'19
Google hires former Microsoft Office exec to run G Suite
Google has hired Javier Soltero, a former corporate vice president in charge of Outlook, Office and Cortana at Microsoft, to run G Suite.
- October 23, 2019
23 Oct'19
Developers get new tools to improve Slack integrations
Developers are getting new tools for building Slack integrations that are easy to access and use.
- October 17, 2019
17 Oct'19
Zoom helps launch video conferencing hardware startup Neat
Neat will design video conferencing hardware exclusively for Zoom, which has invested in the startup and was involved in early discussions regarding its formation.
- October 17, 2019
17 Oct'19
Zoom Phone takes center stage at Zoomtopia 2019
Zoom is increasingly positioning Zoom Phone as a core part of its portfolio and a service that every kind of business should consider.
- October 16, 2019
16 Oct'19
Poly Studio X Series natively runs Zoom video app
The Poly Studio X Series will natively run the Zoom video app at launch, with additional partnerships with online meetings vendors planned in the coming months.
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- October 14, 2019
14 Oct'19
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.
- October 11, 2019
11 Oct'19
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.
- October 09, 2019
09 Oct'19
Workplace by Facebook enhances video calling, hits 3M paid users
Facebook will soon integrate Workplace by FB with its Portal video calling devices.
- October 07, 2019
07 Oct'19
Apple contact center chat adds rich media, improved UX
The latest iOS update streamlines access for Apple Business Chat from any clickable phone number. Learn why business messaging is gaining popularity in the contact center space.
- October 04, 2019
04 Oct'19
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.
- October 04, 2019
04 Oct'19
Poly integrates UC headsets with Amazon Alexa, Tile
Poly has integrated its UC headsets with Amazon Alexa after adding the AI voice assistant to its Trio conference room phones earlier this year.
- October 03, 2019
03 Oct'19
BlueJeans Network to release add-on for meeting productivity
BlueJeans Network will release an add-on later this month to let users capture highlights during video meetings.
- October 01, 2019
01 Oct'19
LogMeIn slashes GoToMeeting prices amid UI overhaul
LogMeIn cut GoToMeeting prices roughly in half for premium tiers and overhauled the video conferencing app's user interface to focus on video, rather than content sharing.
- September 27, 2019
27 Sep'19
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.
- September 26, 2019
26 Sep'19
New bundle pairs Cisco security products with Webex Teams
Businesses now have the option of purchasing a bundle of Cisco security products to prevent data loss and block viruses while using the messaging app Webex Teams.
- September 20, 2019
20 Sep'19
Gartner video conferencing Magic Quadrant highlights remote work
Video meetings are increasingly important as the workforce grows more distributed and joins meetings from personal devices, according to the 'Magic Quadrant for Meeting Solutions.'
- September 20, 2019
20 Sep'19
Cisco brings Webex Teams messaging to UC-One SaaS
Cisco has integrated UC-One SaaS with the cloud messaging engine of Webex Teams. The vendor has also brought Webex Calling to its cloud contact center offering.
- September 19, 2019
19 Sep'19
8x8 Video Meetings replaces outdated offering in X Series
8x8 used its Jitsi acquisition to build a new video meetings platform based on WebRTC. The vendor also released in beta software to manage video endpoints in conference rooms.
- September 18, 2019
18 Sep'19
Launch of private channels in Microsoft Teams delayed
Microsoft Teams users will have to wait a bit longer for access to private channels. The vendor now says the long-awaited feature won't launch for all customers until early November.
- September 12, 2019
12 Sep'19
Poly targets huddle rooms with Trio 8300
Poly has designed the Trio 8300 for huddle rooms that fit no more than five people. The vendor released a video system targeted at the same market earlier this year.
- September 11, 2019
11 Sep'19
New integration brings Fuze meetings to Slack app
Users will be able to join Fuze meetings by clicking on the phone icon in Slack. It is Slack's latest integration with a voice and video meetings provider.
- September 05, 2019
05 Sep'19
Slack waters down cloud SLA after $8.2 million payout
Slack issued $8.2 million in credits after failing to keep its team messaging app online as often as promised. The vendor changed its cloud SLA to avoid big payouts in the future.
- September 05, 2019
05 Sep'19
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.
- September 03, 2019
03 Sep'19
Slack-Zoom partnership could include joint pricing
Slack and Zoom may eventually bundle their products to provide discounts to customers considering or already using all-in-one suites such as Office 365, analysts predict.
- August 29, 2019
29 Aug'19
Google delays Hangouts Chat migration until mid-2020
Google won't force businesses to use Hangouts Chat until June 2020 at the earliest. The delay comes after many customers complained the previous timeline was too hasty.
- August 23, 2019
23 Aug'19
Cisco adds UC headset management to IT console
Cisco is accelerating its push into the UC headset market with the release of new analytics and management tools for IT administrators.
- August 22, 2019
22 Aug'19
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.
- August 16, 2019
16 Aug'19
Programmability in UC needs more than communication APIs
The programmable enterprise has found its way into UC through CPaaS platforms. But organizations need more than communication APIs to achieve integration success.
- August 15, 2019
15 Aug'19
Report: Slack, Zoom growing among Office 365 customers
A report by the security software vendor Okta found that many businesses subscribed to Office 365 also use Slack and Zoom, despite having access to Microsoft Teams.
- August 14, 2019
14 Aug'19
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.
- August 14, 2019
14 Aug'19
Fusion announces improvements to FusionWorks Pro UC
Fusion delivered enhancements to its UCaaS platform, FusionWorks Pro UC, developed on the company's Single Source cloud services platform.
- August 12, 2019
12 Aug'19
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.
- August 09, 2019
09 Aug'19
Latest Slack security updates widen gap between Grid, Plus plans
Slack released a roadmap for giving IT administrators more data security controls. Almost all of the new features will be available only to Enterprise Grid customers.
- August 09, 2019
09 Aug'19
Features of video conferencing evolve to meet demand
Enterprise video conferencing is an important collaboration tool for organizations. Increased demand for video has changed much about the features of video conferencing and its delivery.
- August 08, 2019
08 Aug'19
AWS, Microsoft listening to voice recordings raises privacy concerns
Amazon and Microsoft won't say how often contractors listen to voice recordings captured in the workplace through products like Alexa for Business and Cortana.
- August 08, 2019
08 Aug'19
Updates available for Lifesize video conferencing platform
New Lifesize updates include screen sharing in the mobile app, integration with G Suite and Office 365 calendars in the web and desktop apps, and new administrative controls.
- August 07, 2019
07 Aug'19
Cisco to acquire Voicea for AI voice transcription in Webex
Cisco plans to acquire Voicea in order to integrate its AI voice transcription engine with Webex. Many competing video conferencing vendors support integrations with the startup.
- August 02, 2019
02 Aug'19
Bluescape releases newest version of its mobile app
The newest Bluescape app enables users to give presentations by launching a session from the app onto a larger touchscreen. The app is available for both Android and iOS.
- August 02, 2019
02 Aug'19
Cisco security flaw leads to $8.6M payout in whistleblower case
The settlement resolves allegations that a Cisco security flaw left governments vulnerable to hackers for years without the company taking action.
- July 31, 2019
31 Jul'19
Microsoft sets end date for Skype for Business Online
Microsoft says it will stop offering Skype for Business Online starting July 31, 2021, making Teams the go-to Office 365 application for online calling and collaboration.
- July 25, 2019
25 Jul'19
8x8 launches small-business phone system 8x8 Express
Designed for businesses without an IT team, 8x8 Express offers unlimited calling and gives access to 8x8 Meetings, a platform for collaborative video conferencing.
- July 24, 2019
24 Jul'19
EtherLabs launches AI Slack integration for video calls, meetings
EtherMeet by EtherLabs combines AI, video conferencing and messaging platform Slack to enhance team collaboration, particularly for remote and long-distance employees.
- July 23, 2019
23 Jul'19
Workplace by Facebook increases monthly prices
Facebook will boost monthly fees for Workplace by Facebook but offer a discount to so-called front-line workers, such as baristas, warehouse workers and hospital staff.
- July 19, 2019
19 Jul'19
8x8 Inc. acquires Wavecell, expanding reach, CPaaS services
8x8 Inc. acquired Wavecell, which enables it to expand its presence globally and offer new services such as Wavecell's omnichannel CPaaS capabilities.
- July 18, 2019
18 Jul'19
Slack resets passwords possibly compromised in 2015 hack
Slack has reset passwords for 1% of users after uncovering new information regarding a 2015 hack of its systems.
- July 18, 2019
18 Jul'19
Private channels slated to launch in Microsoft Teams this fall
Private channels are scheduled to launch in Microsoft Teams this fall. The feature is the most demanded by far on the Teams user feedback website.
- July 17, 2019
17 Jul'19
LogMeIn launches unified communications for small businesses
LogMeIn, Inc. has launched Grasshopper Connect to provide small businesses with a platform that enables them to create and manage businesses communications.
- July 16, 2019
16 Jul'19
Microsoft Teams gains 13M users with help from Office 365 base
Around 10% of Microsoft's base of Office 365 commercial subscribers have begun regularly using Microsoft Teams, leaving the app with more users than Slack.
- July 12, 2019
12 Jul'19
Zoom security issues leave vendor scrambling
A researcher's report on a Zoom security vulnerability caused an uproar this week, ultimately forcing the video conferencing provider to apologize for its poor response to the issue.
- July 10, 2019
10 Jul'19
Interop planned between Microsoft Teams, consumer Skype
The move to integrate Microsoft Teams and consumer Skype follows three years of sustained user demand for the feature.
- July 03, 2019
03 Jul'19
Microsoft to push Teams desktop app to existing Office 365 accounts
Microsoft plans to auto-install the Teams desktop app on Windows devices linked to existing Office ProPlus accounts, an escalation of its push for Teams adoption among Office 365 users.
- July 02, 2019
02 Jul'19
Details on Slack outage scarce
The Slack outage on Friday was the app's fifth significant connectivity incident of 2019. The company is so far declining to go into detail on its cause.
- July 01, 2019
01 Jul'19
New Serendipity Labs streaming platform LINC launches
Serendipity Labs launched LINC to provide its users a virtual way to reach a global audience on any device through video streaming and content distribution.
- June 28, 2019
28 Jun'19
Verizon to resell Zoom video conferencing to businesses
Verizon has struck a deal to resell Zoom video conferencing to small and midsize businesses. The telecommunications firm will target the enterprise market with Cisco Webex.
- June 26, 2019
26 Jun'19
Talkdesk Boost turns legacy ACDs into cloud contact centers
Large businesses that aren't yet ready to abandon legacy call routing can now link that equipment to the Talkdesk cloud contact center through a SIP trunk.
- June 21, 2019
21 Jun'19
Challenges lie ahead following Slack public offering
Following Slack's public debut, analysts say the company needs to boost enterprise sales and retool third-party integrations to attract users who aren't as tech-savvy.
- June 17, 2019
17 Jun'19
UC benefits flexible working models in mortgage industry
Choosing a UC platform with the tools to support remote workers helped American Pacific Mortgage move to a more flexible working model and cut down on brick and mortar costs.
- June 14, 2019
14 Jun'19
Cisco's People Insights raises questions about accuracy, privacy
Cisco's People Insights is coming to Webex Teams and Jabber this summer. The vendor's embrace of the product comes as the tech industry is under fire over data privacy.
- June 13, 2019
13 Jun'19
Intel Unite Cloud brings flexibility to meeting collaboration
Boasting the same capabilities and features as its preceding on-premises software, Intel Unite Cloud Service enables users to deploy Intel Unite software from the cloud.
- June 12, 2019
12 Jun'19
BlueJeans Events, meetings mobile app receive upgrades
BlueJeans Network has launched user experience updates, among others, to its BlueJeans Events software, as well as the BlueJeans meetings mobile application.
- June 12, 2019
12 Jun'19
Cisco unifies Webex calling, messaging and meetings
Cisco is embedding BroadSoft-powered Webex calling into Webex Teams and will let businesses connect on-premises PBXs to the app.
- June 12, 2019
12 Jun'19
GoToRoom video conferencing software adds Dolby Voice
LogMeIn Inc. and Dolby Laboratories have teamed up to bring Dolby Voice hardware to LogMeIn's GoToRoom video conferencing service software for businesses.
- June 11, 2019
11 Jun'19
Cisco Jabber client gets tighter integration with Webex Teams
Cisco has redesigned the Cisco Jabber client to "look and feel like" Webex Teams, the latest step in the company's push to bring together its on-premises and cloud-based UC apps.
- June 07, 2019
07 Jun'19
Google adds advanced analytics to G Suite Enterprise
Google has released a tool for tracking adoption of G Suite Enterprise. The program also gives businesses insight into use of Microsoft apps.
- June 06, 2019
06 Jun'19
Users can now connect to Microsoft Teams rooms based on proximity
Users of Microsoft Teams can now connect to nearby meeting room systems through proximity-based pairing, a feature already supported in Cisco Webex.
- May 31, 2019
31 May'19
AWS could disrupt cloud UC with aggressive voice pricing
Amazon Web Services is offering usage-based pricing for its new business calling plan, a pricing model that could shake up the cloud UC industry if successful.
- May 30, 2019
30 May'19
Avaya-Google integration targets SMBs with cloud UC
Avaya is giving partners the ability to deliver cloud UC through containers running on the Google Cloud, a cheaper and simpler deployment model.
- May 24, 2019
24 May'19
Expanded deal with Collab9 brings Avaya cloud to governments
Avaya has expanded its partnership with Collab9 to bring Avaya cloud UC and contact center products to federal, state and local governments.
- May 23, 2019
23 May'19
Microsoft Outlook mobile app supports native Teams scheduling
Users can now schedule Microsoft Teams meetings through the Outlook mobile app. The feature is advancement toward parity between Teams and Skype for Business.
- May 17, 2019
17 May'19
PDP Gaming seeks immediate ban on Poly's use of logo
PDP Gaming is seeking an immediate injunction against Poly's use of a disputed logo. The escalation comes despite the two companies initially pursuing a settlement.
- May 16, 2019
16 May'19
Zoom Phone adds support for third-party calling services
Zoom Phone is now compatible with third-party calling services, and the product will launch in beta in the United Kingdom and Australia later this month.
- May 15, 2019
15 May'19
Call queue, auto attendant enhanced in Microsoft Teams calling
The latest enhancements to Microsoft Teams calling improve auto attendants and call queues, but both features still lack some key capabilities.
- May 09, 2019
09 May'19
Avaya revenue dips as company entertains potential buyout
Avaya revenue missed the mark in the second quarter amid operational missteps and rumors of a private buyout. The company said it was considering financial maneuvers as significant as selling itself.
- May 09, 2019
09 May'19
New compliance controls added to Microsoft Teams PowerShell
Microsoft Teams PowerShell now gives IT administrators the ability to restrict communications between employees, a significant expansion of the app's tools for regulatory compliance.
- May 08, 2019
08 May'19
Workplace by Facebook gets user interface overhaul
A planned overhaul of the Workplace by Facebook user interface will streamline notifications and prioritize groups and chats.
- May 03, 2019
03 May'19
Cloud Skype phones require firmware update by July 1
Businesses face a July 1 deadline for updating the firmware and permissions of cloud Skype phones.
- May 02, 2019
02 May'19
Users press for more Slack security, compliance features
Users want more Slack security and compliance controls in the Standard and Plus subscription tiers.
- May 01, 2019
01 May'19
Unify Square adds Slack, Zoom, FB to IT management software
Unify Square will add support for Slack, Zoom and Workplace by Facebook to its IT management software. The vendor previously worked exclusively with Microsoft apps.
- April 26, 2019
26 Apr'19
Slack revenues show enterprise growth ahead of public listing
Slack revenue reached $400 million in fiscal 2019, with 575 large businesses contributing 40% of the total. The startup will begin selling stock publicly later this year.
- April 25, 2019
25 Apr'19
Slack Workflow Builder enables no-code customization
Slack Workflow Builder gives users templates for creating automated messages and forms in Slack. The product launched in beta this week.
- April 25, 2019
25 Apr'19
Slack-Zoom partnership takes on Cisco, Microsoft
The new Slack-Zoom partnership will focus on advancing Zoom calling and meetings in Slack, potentially making the collaboration app a stronger rival to Cisco and Microsoft.
- April 24, 2019
24 Apr'19
Slack integration links chats and email
A new Slack integration will give users the ability to receive and reply to Slack chats through email, which remains a cornerstone of enterprise communications.
- April 18, 2019
18 Apr'19
Zoom IPO demonstrates power of freemium pricing
The Zoom IPO on Thursday demonstrated the strength of the video collaboration market and validated the strategy of freemium pricing.
- April 17, 2019
17 Apr'19
Cisco brings Webex controls to G Suite for business
A Webex add-on will give users the ability to manage the settings of Webex meetings within G Suite for business. It's the latest in a series of integrations between Cisco and Google.
- April 11, 2019
11 Apr'19
G Suite for business adds enterprise voice, IT controls
Google released an enterprise phone system and plans to add new IT controls to G Suite for business in an effort to attract larger companies.
- April 11, 2019
11 Apr'19
Mitel partners with Talkdesk for cloud contact center
Mitel this month will begin selling the Talkdesk cloud contact center under the brand MiCloud Connect CX. The companies are working to integrate their UC and contact center products.
- April 09, 2019
09 Apr'19
Slack-Office 365 integrations link email, calendar, documents
The latest Slack-Office 365 integrations include calendar syncing and an add-on for exporting email messages from Outlook to Slack.
- April 05, 2019
05 Apr'19
Microsoft Teams media bypass comes with limitations
Microsoft Teams media bypass for direct routing customers is now available, but the configuration may be less beneficial to enterprises than an equivalent feature in Skype for Business.
- April 04, 2019
04 Apr'19
Symphony app brings online meetings to mobile phones
The Symphony app for iOS now supports audio and video meetings. The team collaboration vendor's Android client will get the feature this summer.
- April 03, 2019
03 Apr'19
Amazon Alexa for Business adds skill blueprints
Amazon Alexa for Business now provides companies with templates for programming custom voice commands.
- March 29, 2019
29 Mar'19
PDP Gaming alleges Poly copied its logo
The gaming accessories company PDP Gaming has sued Poly in federal court, alleging the Plantronics-Polycom merger copied PDP's logo.
- March 27, 2019
27 Mar'19
Cisco's collaboration unit mum on Webex Teams adoption
Cisco's collaboration unit has declined to provide statistics on the use of Webex Teams, even as rivals Slack and Microsoft Teams have attempted to demonstrate momentum for their apps.
- March 22, 2019
22 Mar'19
Achieve UC success with strong user adoption strategies
Unified communications is not just about the technology; it's about the people, too. IT leaders at Enterprise Connect share their tips on how to support end-user adoption.
- March 22, 2019
22 Mar'19
New Lifesize conferencing systems bring 4K video to huddle rooms
Lifesize's latest Icon video conferencing systems are designed to meet the challenges presented by smaller, ad hoc meeting spaces, like the huddle room.
- March 21, 2019
21 Mar'19
Contact center AI trends take center stage at Enterprise Connect 2019
Several vendors at Enterprise Connect 2019 focused on contact center AI innovation and virtual agents. But are businesses actually ready for the technology?