Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• Will video fatigue drive users back to voice calls?

  The strain of being on camera all day is beginning to make its mark. Companies are reevaluating the role telephony may play as workers return to the office.  Continue Reading

• What is voicemail and how does it work?

  Voicemail capabilities have evolved since the early days of answering machines. Learn what voicemail is and how features have advanced as the technology became digital.  Continue Reading

• 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

• Can Microsoft Teams chat be monitored?

  The quick answer is yes -- IT administrators can monitor employees' messages in Microsoft Teams. But organizations need the proper license plans and policies in place.  Continue Reading

• What are the challenges of using multiple team collaboration apps?

  Companies are already using a variety of collaboration platforms, but managing them is hard. What should companies know when juggling multiple team collaboration apps?  Continue Reading

• 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

• How do you manage cloud telephony E911 location information?

  Tracking E911 location information can be tricky when moving telephony to the cloud. But organizations have a few options to ensure that emergency calls are properly routed.  Continue Reading

• How is remote work affecting enterprise telephony?

  Enterprise telephony is on the decline as remote and home-based workers lack access to enterprise phone systems or seek alternative modes of communication.  Continue Reading

• What does 'bring your own carrier' mean for UCaaS platforms?

  Migrating to UCaaS doesn't always mean an organization can keep its PSTN or SIP carrier. But some providers are taking a 'bring you own carrier' approach to offer more flexibility.  Continue Reading

• 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

• What are the benefits of centralized SIP trunking?

  More efficient management and lower costs are just some of the advantages of centralized SIP trunking. Find out why it's better to place trunking components in one place.  Continue Reading

• How has COVID-19 driven CPaaS API adoption?

  New CPaaS use cases are emerging as business requirements for digital communications services evolve in response to COVID-19.  Continue Reading

• How has Twilio SIP trunking disrupted the market?

  Making it easier for companies to deploy a SIP trunk was just part of Twilio's strategy. It was Twilio SIP trunking pricing that really changed the game.  Continue Reading

• How do NG911 standards make the technology superior to E911?

  NG911 standards mean more accurate location tracking for emergency calls on IP-based communications systems, and more efficient response by police, EMTs and firefighters.  Continue Reading

• 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

• SIP trunking vs. VoIP: What's the difference?

  SIP trunking and VoIP share some similarities, but they have key differences in origin and functions. How well do you understand these telephony cornerstones?  Continue Reading

• What will touchless collaboration in meeting rooms look like?

  Touchless collaboration will determine how employees use meeting room equipment in the future. Learn about three options -- one of which represents the worst alternative.  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between social media and social networking?

  Social media and social networking appear to be interchangeable terms, but they serve different use cases. Learn the difference between social media and social networking.  Continue Reading

• What are use cases for business live event streaming services?

  Business live event streaming services can transform webinars and virtual events to be more interactive and create engaging experiences for customers.  Continue Reading

• 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

• How should companies manage huddle room size amid COVID?

  Companies are being forced to rethink huddle room size guidelines as they begin to plan how employees will be able to work together. Find out how technology can help.  Continue Reading

• Speech recognition vs. voice recognition: What's the difference?

  It's easy to be confused about the differences between speech recognition vs. voice recognition. Each has a specific role to play in unified communications.  Continue Reading

• Will remote work spur unified communications interoperability?

  Unified communications interoperability is gaining more attention as more employees work from home. But, while some progress is being made, there is a long way to go.  Continue Reading

• How can mobile collaboration support workers in a pandemic?

  Mobile collaboration apps help remote workers keep in touch during stay-at-home orders. They are also key to communications flexibility as workers begin returning to the office.  Continue Reading

• 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

• Do you really need 4K video resolution in the enterprise?

  Organizations may not need 4K video resolution today, but it might be a good idea to prepare your infrastructure to support the higher-resolution format for tomorrow's demands.  Continue Reading

• What are the benefits of a virtual session border controller?

  A virtual session border controller can help companies meet increased demands without requiring the installation of costly and dedicated hardware.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Teams vs. Zoom: Can Teams replace Zoom?

  Organizations weighing Microsoft Teams vs. Zoom conferencing must consider the long-term licensing costs, collaboration features and UX of the services.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• How do you measure jitter and what tools can you use?

  What's the best way to accurately measure jitter? There are a variety of tools, but it's important to pick the one that's right for you.  Continue Reading

• What collaboration metrics determine an app's business value?

  Collaboration tools offer organizations benefits, including increased productivity. Learn which collaboration metrics can provide insight into the business value of these tools.  Continue Reading

• How do you address QoS in cloud communication networks?

  To ensure UCaaS traffic runs smoothly across your network, provision sufficient WAN bandwidth, provide low latency and implement QoS controls on WAN routers.  Continue Reading

• 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

• Should you buy communication APIs from a UC or CPaaS vendor?

  Organizations can deploy communication APIs from their UC provider or a stand-alone CPaaS provider. Learn why communication requirements will influence the vendor decision.  Continue Reading

• 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

• How can IT manage video conferencing interoperability?

  Video interoperability is challenging but necessary for today's enterprise. Evaluating vendor partnerships and choosing hardware that supports multiple video services are key.  Continue Reading

• What are the risks and benefits of AI-driven speech technology?

  The benefits of AI-driven speech technology are growing, but it also comes with risks. Learn the pros and cons of adopting AI-driven speech technology.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• How do collaboration integration and interoperability differ?

  Interoperability between collaboration platforms is scarce, but integrations are abundant. Learn why multivendor collaboration integration has more support than interoperability.  Continue Reading

• What are SBC configuration best practices?

  Proper SBC configuration requires partnering with providers and security teams to examine circuits and potential traffic. Learn the best practices for implementing an SBC on your network.  Continue Reading

• E1 and T1 vs. ISDN: What are the differences?

  T1, E1 and ISDN network technology have been used to transmit voice data for years. Compare the similarities and differences between E1 and T1 vs. ISDN links.  Continue Reading

• 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

• How should organizations approach API-based SIP services?

  Organizations need SIP services to connect and disconnect call sessions. Now some SIP services are offered through APIs, which expand the use cases and capabilities.  Continue Reading

• What are best practices for managing external collaboration?

  Partnerships between organizations rely on external collaboration. But, when a project ends, unresolved collaboration channels can be a weak spot for an organization's security.  Continue Reading

• How can organizations support UC for frontline employees?

  Several challenges can make it difficult to connect frontline employees to communication and collaboration tools. Learn what approaches can improve support for frontline workers.  Continue Reading

• How do you plan for replacing a business phone system?

  A few factors can indicate it's time to replace a business phone system. Learn when it may be time to switch and how to decide on a course of action.  Continue Reading

• What are the benefits of 5G VoIP?

  5G VoIP will have some noticeable benefits over its earlier 4G iteration. Learn how 5G rollouts could improve the VoIP experience with high capacity and low latency.  Continue Reading

• 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

• What are the benefits of UC in a cloud-based office suite?

  Adopting the UC tools within a cloud-based office suite may be the most beneficial option if users are already comfortable with the suite's features.  Continue Reading

• How are vendors innovating video conferencing features?

  Now that video has matured, vendors are looking for new ways to innovate video conferencing features. Learn what new capabilities are likely to come to video conferencing.  Continue Reading

• How can UC analytics detect a security breach?

  UC analytics can be the first warning that your UC system's security has been breached. Comparing statistics month to month can help identify potential security problems.  Continue Reading

• Comparing H.323 vs. SIP: What's the difference?

  Discover the similarities and differences of H.323 vs. SIP standards, and learn why SIP has become the de facto standard for voice and video communications.  Continue Reading

• What are the benefits of a UC and contact center integration?

  UC offerings that include contact center integration provide more seamless communications and engagement between office workers and contact center agents.  Continue Reading

• How do you craft an immersive video meeting experience?

  Increasing focus for remote meetings is achieved through crafting an immersive meeting experience. Proper placement of technology such as audio and monitors can enhance immersion.  Continue Reading

• Should you keep your SIP trunk carrier when migrating to UCaaS?

  Migrating UC to the cloud doesn't mean leaving your SIP trunk carrier behind. Learn how bringing your own SIP to cloud services can benefit your business.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• What areas should hybrid cloud video security address?

  Hybrid cloud provides several benefits to a business. But hybrid cloud video security shouldn't be taken for granted. Learn what four areas should be considered.  Continue Reading

• Does organization size affect a remote collaboration deployment?

  A remote collaboration deployment takes planning. Organizations of all sizes should consider a few guidelines when introducing a new platform.  Continue Reading

• 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

• How can organizations address VoIP security threats?

  An unguarded VoIP system could be vulnerable to attack. Learn what security measures can help prevent VoIP security threats from affecting your organization.  Continue Reading

• Why is video interoperability a challenge?

  Learn why video calls don't have the same level of interoperability as voice calls, and what challenges the lack of video interoperability presents for organizations.  Continue Reading

• What are the challenges of unified communications security?

  Unified communications security can be disjointed, as different apps are open to different attacks. A strong UC security roadmap should address three areas.  Continue Reading

• How do you support UC network security?

  Many elements can put your UC network at risk, from unsecured information to DoS attacks. Learn five ways to thwart would-be attacks and protect your UC services.  Continue Reading

• Where does mobile video messaging fit in the enterprise?

  Mobile video messaging has come a long way from its introduction to the enterprise. With the rise of remote work, mobile video has become more necessary than ever.  Continue Reading

• What role does UC mobility play in digital transformation?

  Organizations that value employee engagement, innovation and customer experience are more likely to focus on mobile UC as part of their digital transformation road map.  Continue Reading

• How can IT evaluate team collaboration apps for security compliance?

  Choosing the right team collaboration apps for your business must include looking at your organization's security and compliance needs. IT should focus on tools that meet established security standards.  Continue Reading

• How do you evaluate embedded communications use cases?

  Most embedded communications use cases focus on customer-facing interactions. Learn how to evaluate the use cases that would benefit from embedding communications.  Continue Reading

• What should users expect from speech technology applications?

  Workers can start to expect more from speech technology applications than just voice-activated search. As capabilities evolve, new business use cases will emerge.  Continue Reading

• How does cloud SIP trunking differ from traditional SIP trunking?

  Traditional and cloud SIP trunking perform the same tasks of initiating and ending call sessions, but the method and costs of access create distinct differences in these services.  Continue Reading

• How are web conferencing and video conferencing different?

  The differences in web conferencing vs. video conferencing have diminished over time. Learn how technology advancements have led to the convergence of these two tools.  Continue Reading

• How is team collaboration changing enterprise social tools?

  Enterprises are favoring team collaboration platforms over stand-alone social tools, pushing vendors to keep up with more comprehensive collaboration platforms, like Slack.  Continue Reading

• How do you prepare for porting business phone numbers?

  Porting business phone numbers to your UCaaS provider may be more complicated than you realize. Learn three ways you can prepare your organization for porting.  Continue Reading

• How does the cloud offer new contact center capabilities?

  Moving from on premises to a cloud contact center comes with a litany of changes. Learn what contact center capabilities you should factor into your CCaaS migration planning.  Continue Reading

• What role do ideation tools play in collaboration spaces?

  Ideation is a popular buzzword to describe meeting room technology. Learn what collaborative ideation really means and how it can fit into an organization's collaboration strategy.  Continue Reading

• How does management of collaboration apps and UC platforms differ?

  As unified communications and collaboration move to the cloud, the management requirements for platforms and apps diverge. Learn where IT should re-evaluate its management priorities.  Continue Reading

• How are SIP trunking vendors differentiating their services?

  SIP trunking vendors are using security features to differentiate themselves in a crowded market. Our expert explains what types of SIP trunking security you can expect.  Continue Reading

• How does embedded communication work with an IP PBX infrastructure?

  Adding communications capabilities to your web browsers or mobile apps? Be sure to use the right protocols for successful interoperability with your IP PBX or telephony infrastructure.  Continue Reading

• What are the E911 location tracking requirements for VoIP?

  The rules around E911 location tracking have evolved as more businesses move away from traditional wired connections to VoIP. Here's how to stay compliant with FCC regulations.  Continue Reading

• How can you measure WebRTC performance?

  Organizations can take two approaches to measure WebRTC quality, both of which assess real-time communications performance on end-user devices and the network.  Continue Reading

• What factors influence WebRTC performance?

  Understanding the potential issues that could affect the performance of WebRTC apps starts with knowing which factors to look at and how they function.  Continue Reading

• What are potential use cases for meeting room software?

  It's likely that even your hardware-based meeting room is making use of software. Our expert explains where software fits into meeting rooms and its use cases.  Continue Reading

• How do you build a business case for speech technology applications?

  Building a business case for speech technology requires an understanding of the current use cases. Our expert explains what to look for when building a business case for speech technology.  Continue Reading

• How is CPaaS influencing UCaaS vendor portfolios?

  The customizability of CPaaS is changing how UCaaS vendors approach their platforms. Vendors are adopting more APIs to integrate CPaaS capabilities within their UCaaS platforms.  Continue Reading

• What are speech technology applications beyond contact centers?

  Speech technology applications aren't confined to contact centers. Our expert explains the use cases for the technology, including personal digital assistants and knowledge management.  Continue Reading

• What UC monitoring tools are most important?

  Our expert explains the UC monitoring tools you need and the potential network problems you may discover in your UC and collaboration environments.  Continue Reading

• Should team collaboration apps be stand-alone or integrated?

  Team collaboration can be deployed as part of an integrated offering or as a separate app. Our expert explains why IT may not have much control over collaborative environment decisions.  Continue Reading

• How do APIs work, and how can you ensure they are secure?

  Understanding how APIs work and how they are used is essential when formulating security policies. Our expert outlines four steps to set up a first line of defense.  Continue Reading

• What role does SBC security play in VoIP protection?

  Knowing which SBC security features are essential is important to stave off potential attacks. Our expert gives insight into what features are necessary for robust protection.  Continue Reading

• How does embedded video fit into unified communications strategies?

  Video communications have gained popularity in UC. Our expert explains how embedded video can enhance the communications experience beyond customer-facing applications.  Continue Reading

• How do machine learning and AI fit into UC monitoring and analytics?

  With the use of machine learning and AI in the very early stages in the UC market, our expert looks at their value in UC monitoring and analytics.  Continue Reading

• How do I troubleshoot SIP configurations to solve service issues?

  When your SIP service isn't connecting properly, process of elimination will help you determine if the issue lies in your configuration or elsewhere on the network.  Continue Reading

• What potential chatbot security threats could AI introduce?

  New chatbot AI technology comes with potential security risks. UC expert Jon Arnold explains what to be aware of when deploying new AI-based voice technology.  Continue Reading

• What cloud-based unified communications certifications are available?

  The requirements for cloud-based unified communications certifications vary by industry and network environment. UC expert Carrie Higbie Goetz explains how to choose the right certifications for a UCaaS system.  Continue Reading

• What are the main types of industry acquisitions in the UCC market?

  A UC company can be acquired by an existing vendor or by a venture capital firm. Learn how these two types of acquisitions differ and UCC market factors that influence them.  Continue Reading

• When do I need to use QoS for VoIP bandwidth support?

  Is your call quality suffering? Network bandwidth may be growing, but demands on it are, too. Here's what you need to know to use QoS to help solve VoIP call issues.  Continue Reading

• How to troubleshoot VoIP call quality issues

  Issues with VoIP calls can bring business to a halt, or at least cause headaches and undermine productivity. Learn how to troubleshoot VoIP issues effectively.  Continue Reading

• How do microservices work with unified communications platforms?

  While a microservices architecture for UC platforms isn't obvious to enterprises, it can improve how service providers deliver and update their services for enterprise customers.  Continue Reading