Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

Understanding 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

• 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 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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 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 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 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 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• What WAN configuration best supports UCaaS platform deployments?

  Preparing for a UCaaS deployment means having the right WAN circuit configuration, with enough bandwidth to support all of your data and prioritize voice and video traffic with real-time delivery needs.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between UC platforms and UC apps?

  Platform and app are not interchangeable terms in a unified communications deployment. UC expert Jon Arnold explains how to differentiate between UC platforms and UC apps.  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 should a cloud migration plan include UC devices, endpoints?

  What an organization moves to the cloud will influence UC devices and endpoints. Networking expert Carrie Higbie Goetz explains the factors that influence endpoints in a cloud migration.  Continue Reading

• How do you evaluate contact center platforms from UC vendors?

  If your organization is using third-party contact center services, make sure they integrate deeply with your unified communications environment.  Continue Reading

• Do you need session border controllers with an SD-WAN deployment?

  As SD-WAN grows in popularity, enterprise SBCs still have their place on the network. Learn how the two technologies can work together to support and secure VoIP.  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

• What are the steps to ensure SIP implementation success?

  A robust strategy and several steps are needed to deploy SIP successfully. Networking expert Carrie Higbie Goetz explains the pieces that comprise a SIP strategy, from creating an RFI to documentation.  Continue Reading

• Should you buy contact center services in a UC bundle?

  Is an integrated contact center with UC right for your organization? UC expert Jon Arnold explains how to compare stand-alone and bundled contact center services.  Continue Reading

• How do Twilio Flex API-based services affect contact center software?

  Twilio Flex, a programmable contact center platform, reflects an emerging trend toward software products built on APIs, according to API expert Tsahi Levent-Levi.  Continue Reading

• What are the benefits of SD-WAN services vs. MPLS?

  When weighing SD-WAN vs. MPLS for unified communications architecture, SD-WAN prevails. Networking expert Carrie Higbie Goetz explains the benefits of SD-WAN services over MPLS.  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

• What's driving the adoption of WebRTC services today?

  WebRTC adoption is influenced by the ecosystem around the technology, including browser support and commercial products. Emerging technologies could also affect future deployments.  Continue Reading

• How do you build a disaster recovery communications plan?

  Maintaining voice communications is vital to disaster recovery. Networking expert Carrie Higbie Goetz explains how to build a disaster recovery communications plan.  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 you evaluate SIP services?

  Learn how to prepare your organization for a SIP deployment through a clearly defined evaluation of your organization's network requirements and business goals.  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

• 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

• How are virtualization trends affecting enterprise SBCs?

  Virtualizing enterprise session border controllers can help reduce business expenses. Networking expert Carrie Higbie Goetz explains how to deploy virtual SBCs successfully.  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

• What are practical applications of contact-center analytics?

  Analytics can be vital to optimize contact-center and agent performance. UC expert Jon Arnold explains two analytics use cases and the key metrics to measure in the contact center.  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

• How do you build a cloud adoption strategy for UC?

  Several factors are involved when adopting cloud-based UC. Networking expert Carrie Higbie Goetz breaks down what organizations must include in their cloud adoption strategy.  Continue Reading

• How do you prepare if your UC provider is acquired?

  The UC market is abuzz with mergers and acquisitions, but this activity creates uncertainty for organizations. Analyst Jon Arnold offers advice on how to handle vendor consolidation.  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

• Will customer service chatbots replace contact-center agents?

  The advent of AI and chatbots for customer service does not signal the end of contact-center agents. Learn why agents and chatbots can work together to create better customer service.  Continue Reading

• How do you prepare to manage a hybrid UC environment?

  Managing hybrid unified communications can be tricky. Follow these steps to prepare your organization and IT team for the challenges of managing a hybrid environment.  Continue Reading

• What tools are necessary for UC network diagnostics?

  When UC apps -- such as voice and video -- create network disruptions, organizations should know what network diagnostic tools are needed to resolve issues.  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

• How could 5G technology improve mobile UC services?

  The next generation of wireless broadband, 5G, promises faster speeds and better coverage than current wireless technology. New mobile UC features could arise from 5G technology.  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

• How will AI tools affect the future of contact centers?

  While artificial intelligence and chatbots are finding their way into contact centers, the industry has yet to feel the full effect of AI tools, according to one analyst.  Continue Reading

• How do you write an RFP for cloud UC?

  Preparing a request-for-proposal document for potential UC cloud services requires several elements. Learn how to write an RFP for cloud UC to meet your organization's needs.  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 should organizations evaluate UC cloud app security providers?

  Security is a priority when moving communications to the cloud. Organizations must do their due diligence when evaluating cloud providers' UC security expertise.  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

• Does your unified communications platform need an upgrade?

  When a unified communications platform lacks up-to-date functionalities or reaches its end of life, enterprises need to research other vendors and products to upgrade UC systems.  Continue Reading

• Do SIP trunking services need disaster recovery planning?

  Don't forget about SIP trunking services during your disaster recovery planning process. Networking expert Michael Brandenburg explains SIP trunking setups for disaster recovery.  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

• How do you approach hybrid cloud unified communications?

  Hybrid cloud has become a popular option for organizations that want to maintain control over their UC environment. Learn how to make the most of hybrid cloud unified communications.  Continue Reading

• What's the best way to approach a hybrid UC rollout?

  Before launching hybrid services for UC, make sure your organization is prepared. Learn how to evaluate your organization's needs and potential providers.  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

• How do cloud subscription models differ for UC platforms?

  Organizations that want to deploy UC cloud services like UCaaS and CPaaS must understand how cloud subscription models differ in terms of price and functionality.  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