Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

Collaboration Applications for Unified Communications

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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 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 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 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 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

• 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

• 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

• 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 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

• 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 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 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

• 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 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

• Should you use CPaaS vendors or develop communications in-house?

  While some organizations prefer to develop communications capabilities in-house, deploying vendors' communications APIs offers benefits. Two factors can influence the best approach.  Continue Reading

• How are contact center vendors using APIs?

  APIs are gaining relevance, as contact centers move to a more omnichannel experience. API expert Tsahi Levent-Levi explains how contact centers work with CPaaS providers.  Continue Reading

• How do you keep employees from deploying UC end-user applications?

  A successful business collaboration strategy needs employee buy-in. UC expert Jon Arnold explains how to keep employees from deploying their own business collaboration tools.  Continue Reading

• How do you train an AI service for collaboration?

  Organizations looking to improve communication efficiency can train AI to automate collaboration workflows, launch meetings and transcribe conversations.  Continue Reading

• What are the security threats when working with CPaaS vendors?

  Four security vulnerabilities should be top of mind as you move into real-time communication with APIs. Expert Tsahi Levent-Levi explains how to approach real-time communication security.  Continue Reading

• How do you monitor performance of communication APIs?

  Measuring API performance depends on whether the API is provided by a vendor or developed in-house. API expert Tsahi Levent-Levi offers steps to monitor APIs.  Continue Reading

• How will speech technologies integrate with UC apps?

  Analyst Jon Arnold examines use cases for speech technologies in the enterprise and explains how UC vendors expect to add speech tools to their platforms.  Continue Reading

• CPaaS vs. UCaaS platform: Which should you choose?

  While the CPaaS vs. UCaaS debate might focus on overlapping features, the two technologies can be complementary, according to industry analyst Michael Brandenburg.  Continue Reading

• How should enterprises deploy group collaboration software?

  Multiple communication platforms will make collaboration management difficult for IT. Overall efficiency will be reduced with too many different apps in one enterprise.  Continue Reading

• How do you manage enterprise video communications performance?

  Enterprise video performance is vulnerable to latency and packet loss. Organizations must address three key areas in video communications to prevent issues that could impede performance.  Continue Reading

• How do enterprise collaboration services affect mobile traffic?

  The growing use of collaboration apps is putting pressure on the business mobile network. Learn how to support collaboration on both mobile and Wi-Fi networks.  Continue Reading

• How do you get started with contact-center AI?

  Creating an AI project for the contact center means defining the business problem AI should solve and finding the right developer to make the project a reality.  Continue Reading

• Is UC or CPaaS better for mobile communication and collaboration?

  Organizations can choose between CPaaS and UC for mobile communications apps. The internal and external communications needs of employees will determine which approach to take.  Continue Reading

• How do you measure collaboration ROI?

  Measuring collaboration return on investment in a unified communications setting involves benchmarking employee application usage before and after deployment.  Continue Reading

• Does an API deployment only involve developers?

  API development requires not only programmers and developers, but the business insight of legacy IT. Learn why employees with legacy backgrounds are vital to an API strategy.  Continue Reading

• How do huddle rooms fit in video conferencing strategies?

  Huddle room video conferencing is more than setting up a webcam and speakerphone in a small room. Learn why huddle rooms should be part of your collaboration strategy.  Continue Reading

• How do APIs affect enterprise communications systems?

  Communications APIs can change how organizations use their communications infrastructure. API expert Tsahi Levent-Levi explains the two ways APIs reshape enterprise telephony.  Continue Reading

• How do you choose between on-premises or cloud-based video?

  Organizations need to consider several factors when debating using on-premises or cloud video conferencing. Learn how to evaluate the deployment options for enterprise video.  Continue Reading

• How do you evaluate CPaaS vendors?

  Four attributes are necessary to examine providers in the CPaaS market. Find the right offering for your organization's communications and workflow needs.  Continue Reading

• What are some trending and emerging API use cases?

  Communication APIs offer a wide range of uses for enterprises. Discover some of the leading and emerging use cases for organizations today.  Continue Reading

• UCaaS vs. CPaaS: Which supports external communications better?

  While UCaaS has its benefits for internal communications, CPaaS takes the lead for external communications. CPaaS expert Tsahi Levent-Levi breaks down the UCaaS vs. CPaaS debate.  Continue Reading

• How should companies evaluate team collaboration apps?

  Team collaboration isn't one-size-fits-all. Distinct user needs must be considered when creating a collaboration assessment to find the best team collaboration apps for your users.  Continue Reading

• How can organizations add mobile communications components with CPaaS?

  Embedding mobile communications into an app isn't as straightforward as deploying CPaaS. When enterprises integrate communications, two scenarios can affect their strategies.  Continue Reading

• Do organizations need to manage communication APIs?

  While organizations are not heavily involved in managing APIs, they should note three important roles that emerge when deploying communication APIs across the enterprise.  Continue Reading

• How can near-real-time communication modes offer context?

  While text-based communication is growing in popularity, it lacks the context of voice or video communication. UC expert Jon Arnold explains how contextual communications can fill the gap.  Continue Reading

• What's the advantage of video in a team collaboration app?

  While messaging has its benefits, employees sometimes need to elevate their conversations to a video collaboration session. Determine how video fits in your UC strategy.  Continue Reading

• How does WebRTC deliver contextual communication?

  WebRTC can offer businesses contextual information when communicating inside and outside their organizations. Learn how WebRTC communication provides context for users.  Continue Reading

• What effect does an API ecosystem have on the network?

  While an API deployment may seem like a small task, it can have a major effect on the network. IT groups should work with business units to monitor network traffic.  Continue Reading

• Do embedded communications require CPaaS or WebRTC?

  When deploying embedded communications, some enterprises might consider CPaaS or WebRTC support. But one expert explains why CPaaS and WebRTC should not be compared.  Continue Reading

• How do Google business collaboration tools compare with Office 365?

  Google's enterprise collaboration suite offers organizations an array of cloud collaboration tools. But it faces tough competition from the market leader, Microsoft Office 365.  Continue Reading

• What lesser-known WebRTC use cases can organizations leverage?

  While many organizations use WebRTC for voice and video calls, enterprises can take advantage of the technology in other ways. Learn about some lesser-known WebRTC use cases.  Continue Reading

• How do you ensure adoption of an enterprise communications platform?

  UC adoption is not always easy. IT departments must involve users and understand their collaboration needs to ensure adoption of an enterprise communications platform.  Continue Reading

• How should enterprises conduct an API assessment?

  Before deploying a communications API, organizations must carefully assess their options. Learn about two red flags that could indicate poor API design.  Continue Reading

• How does SD-WAN support video conferencing requirements?

  Video quality can suffer if the network can't meet its high bandwidth needs. Networking expert Carrie Higbie Goetz explains how SD-WAN supports video conferencing requirements.  Continue Reading

• Is team chat the evolution of business social software?

  As a younger generation of workers favors messaging-based communication, team chat apps have emerged to fit the changing needs for business social software.  Continue Reading

• How do you choose between public and private cloud video conferencing?

  Organizations looking to move video conferencing to the cloud should evaluate deployment options carefully. Learn the pros and cons of public and private cloud video.  Continue Reading

• How do you evaluate vendor API offerings?

  Evaluating the offerings of API vendors goes beyond the technology. Tsahi Levent-Levi offers some tips on taking a holistic approach toward vendor APIs.  Continue Reading

• Why aren't more enterprises using WebRTC?

  WebRTC support -- and a lack thereof -- has a major effect on the understanding of the technology. Learn why some aren't using WebRTC and its alternative options.  Continue Reading

• What's the best way to approach WebRTC development?

  Once an organization has found a use case for a WebRTC service, it must evaluate a specific and long list of requirements before attempting a WebRTC development.  Continue Reading

• What collaboration features are essential for my organization?

  When evaluating team collaboration apps, organizations must determine which features are required for their users. Expert Jon Arnold offers advice on evaluating collaboration features.  Continue Reading

• How has the WebRTC codec clash affected adoption?

  WebRTC expert Tsahi Levent-Levi explains how video codec discord has affected WebRTC adoption. Take a closer look at why a vendor or organization wouldn't adopt the technology.  Continue Reading

• How can you support current and future video infrastructure needs?

  Organizations must ensure their networks can support employees' current and future video collaboration needs. Learn how to evaluate your network's ability to support video traffic.  Continue Reading

• Should our video strategy be built by lines of business?

  When enterprises make technology buying decisions, employees now wield more power. Learn how lines of business can play a central role in developing an enterprise video conferencing strategy.  Continue Reading

• What collaboration software tools are right for my organization?

  The collaboration software market has become quite crowded. UC expert Jon Arnold explains how organizations can cut through the noise and find the tools that meet their needs.  Continue Reading

• How will WebRTC development evolve in the coming year?

  WebRTC development is expected to see significant progress, including new media flows and video codec support. Check out these six key areas that should see noteworthy upgrades.  Continue Reading

• How can I use an online whiteboard in my business?

  Online whiteboards can be used for much more than basic note taking. UC expert Jon Arnold explains why whiteboard collaboration is vital to virtual meetings.  Continue Reading

• What are the security risks of a WebRTC implementation?

  WebRTC security involves two layers: the browser and the developer. When adopting WebRTC, enterprises need to consider the different security measures and implications in place.  Continue Reading

• Are real-time collaboration tools necessary for enterprises?

  Real-time collaboration has become a business requirement to support new ways of working. Expert Jon Arnold explains the importance of real-time collaboration tools in the enterprise.  Continue Reading

• How can my company integrate a social collaboration platform?

  Organizations must involve early adopters in the process when deploying social collaboration software to ensure widespread adoption, according to UC expert Jon Arnold.  Continue Reading

• How can organizations leverage WebRTC support for mobility?

  WebRTC support can help organizations push mobility initiatives beyond smartphones and tablets. Expert Tsahi Levent-Levi explains how WebRTC can make employees truly mobile.  Continue Reading

• Do WebRTC and SIP perform the same functions?

  While SIP and WebRTC seem to perform similar functions, WebRTC won't be replacing SIP for enterprise communication anytime soon, according to expert Tsahi Levent-Levi.  Continue Reading

• What's the best way to integrate a UC suite?

  Integrating a new unified communications suite with existing infrastructure can seem daunting. Expert Carrie Higbie offers some best practices for a smooth integration.  Continue Reading

• How do I make my video conferencing system easy to use?

  Enterprises that want a video system that is easy for employees to use should prioritize training and support. Expert Jon Arnold explains what aspects to focus on.  Continue Reading

• How does a single pane of glass impact collaborative apps?

  Industry experts discuss how the role of collaborative apps will change as organizations consider deploying single-pane-of-glass platforms.  Continue Reading

• How should a single pane of glass for collaboration be approached?

  Experts weigh in on how enterprises should go about building single-pane-of-glass platforms based on collaboration tools.  Continue Reading

• What constitutes a modern corporate intranet?

  Branding and end-user support could enliven today's corporate intranet. And learn how the intranet's future lies with the 'single pane of glass' concept.  Continue Reading

• What are the challenges of deploying UC apps over Wi-Fi?

  What are the challenges in using UC apps over Wi-Fi? UC expert Michael Finneran explains the network issues caused by deploying UC over Wi-Fi and how they can be resolved.  Continue Reading

• How do you decide when to use hybrid video conferencing?

  How do you decide whether your organization should go with a hybrid video conferencing deployment? Expert Tsahi Levent-Levi explains how to determine if hybrid video is right for you.  Continue Reading

• How do you deploy and secure Lync for mobile?

  How do you extend Lync to mobile devices and ensure its security? Unified messaging expert Richard Luckett explains how to make Lync mobile and secure.  Continue Reading

• How can I enable UC features like click-to-call in our applications?

  How can I go about building communications-enabled applications such as click-to-call and click-to-video? Expert Zeus Kerravala explains how enterprises can enable UC features in their applications.  Continue Reading

• Is WebRTC video really a game changer for conferencing?

  I've heard a lot about WebRTC video being a game changer for conferencing. Is it true? Expert Zeus Kerravala explains why there has been so much attention focused on WebRTC.  Continue Reading

• Should an IP-PBX system be on-premises or cloud-based?

  Should we replace our PBX with an on-premises IP-PBX system or cloud product? Expert Zeus Kerravala explains how to determine which implementation suits your enterprise best.  Continue Reading

• How does Lync support external communications?

  How can a Lync Server be used for external communications? Expert Richard Luckett explains the different configurations.  Continue Reading

• Why should you enhance WebRTC security?

  If WebRTC is natively encrypted, why would anyone need to improve on WebRTC security? Expert Carrie Higbie explains why it's smart to complement WebRTC with additional security measures.  Continue Reading

• How can Cisco IP phones work with Microsoft Lync Server?

  While Cisco IP phones are not directly compatible with Microsoft Lync Server, there are ways to make them compatible. Lync guru Richard Luckett explains.  Continue Reading

• Cisco vs. Lync: Is there an apples-to-apples comparison?

  In the debate of Cisco vs. Lync UC products, is there a direct comparison? Expert Richard Luckett explains how to break down product features.  Continue Reading