Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

Unified Communications Architecture and Service Models

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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 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

• 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

• 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 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

• 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 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

• 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

• 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

• 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 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

• 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 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

• 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 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 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 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

• 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 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

• 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 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

• 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

• How do WebRTC services fit in a UC infrastructure?

  WebRTC services can supplement your UC architecture and real-time collaboration strategy. Discover the benefits of deploying WebRTC to simplify communications.  Continue Reading

• How do I buy bandwidth for my organization?

  Learn about the various bandwidth services organizations can purchase to support their business apps and how they can effectively manage their bandwidth.  Continue Reading

• What are best practices for managing WebRTC services?

  Keep your WebRTC voice and video deployment up to date to make sure employees don't experience service disruptions. Tsahi Levent-Levi offers best practices to manage WebRTC.  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

• How does a UC cloud-based architecture benefit from SBC services?

  A UC cloud-based architecture has similar network needs as on-premises systems. Networking expert Carrie Higbie Goetz explains why SBC services are necessary in a cloud environment.  Continue Reading

• Which network monitoring software manages real-time UC traffic?

  Network monitoring software helps organizations manage the demanding real-time traffic of UC apps. Networking expert Carrie Higbie explains how to select the right software.  Continue Reading

• Should we consider Metro Ethernet services to run SIP trunks?

  Organizations looking for the best way to deploy SIP trunks can look to their Carrier Ethernet. Michael Brandenburg explains the benefits of SIP Metro Ethernet services.  Continue Reading

• What is a WebRTC server and how does it connect calls?

  A WebRTC server usually refers to a few different types of back-end servers, like signaling and media servers, that help connect browser-based communications.  Continue Reading

• What are the benefits of SD-WAN for UC?

  SD-WAN can help organizations meet UC's bandwidth needs. Networking expert Carrie Higbie explains the benefits of SD-WAN in improving network efficiency for better UC performance.  Continue Reading

• How can I address the challenges of real-time apps over Wi-Fi?

  Users often compete for bandwidth supremacy when running real-time UC apps in a Wi-Fi environment. Networking expert Carrie Higbie explains how to design a network to support needy real-time apps.  Continue Reading

• What is a UC system integrator?

  Industry leaders explain the role of a system integrator when an organization rolls out UC and how it differs from a service provider and VAR.  Continue Reading

• What are the barriers to deploying SIP trunks?

  What are obstacles to SIP trunking? Gartner analyst Sorell Slaymaker explained at Enterprise Connect what barriers enterprises face deploying SIP trunks.  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 does Lync support external communications?

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

• What does 'per-seat' licensing mean in UC?

  Expert Jon Arnold explains the meaning of a per-seat license in terms of how it applies to unified communications software.  Continue Reading

• Do we need a PBX system to use VoIP?

  Is a PBX system required when organizations move to VoIP? Or do they need to replace it? Telephony expert Jon Arnold explains the options available to organizations.  Continue Reading

• Is a UC user dashboard the same as a single pane of glass?

  Vendors have many names for the user dashboard in a UC system. Expert Carrie Higbie explains how it compares to a single pane of glass.  Continue Reading

• Can UC technology be tied to a smart grid system?

  Can utility companies tie UC technology to a smart grid system? Expert Carrie Higbie explains how they already have.  Continue Reading

• How do media servers differ from media gateways?

  Expert Carrie Higbie explains how media servers differ from media gateways and how media servers are useful in video and voice environments.  Continue Reading

• Is an SBC and an E-SBC the same thing?

  Is there a difference between SBCs and E-SBCs? IT expert Michael Brandenburg explains how the industry differentiates between the two terms.  Continue Reading

• How does a volts direct current signal relate to telecom?

  Expert Matt Brunk explains how a volts direct current signal is used in telecommunications.  Continue Reading

• What is a UC client?

  What do vendors mean when they refer to a UC client? Learn what a UC client is and how it is used.  Continue Reading

• What is a concierge video service? Are white glove services the same?

  When it comes to video conferencing, what can you expect from a managed service provider offering white glove or concierge services? Find out here.  Continue Reading

• Are there still PSTN lines or have telecoms moved on?

  PSTN lines are still required by some organizations and 'killing' the PSTN is not a simple task, telecom expert Matt Brunk said.  Continue Reading

• Why is SIP trunking better than PRI and BRI?

  SIP trunking is preferable over PRI and BRI based on flexibility and cost benefits, says telephony expert Matt Brunk.  Continue Reading

• What does it mean when people refer to 'cloud UC?'

  Understanding "cloud UC" stems from having a solid understanding of each term individually before tackling them together, our telecom expert explains.  Continue Reading

• How can my company reduce telecom costs?

  Learn how analyzing service expenditures can not only help your company reduce telecom costs, but also significantly impact your bottom line.  Continue Reading

• How do I choose between PBXs, hybrid VoIP systems and TDM?

  To determine the best telephone system for your company, expert Matt Brunk suggests devising a UC strategy.  Continue Reading