Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• Do high-definition video conferencing tools provide security features?

  High-definition video conferencing comes with some security features, but you can ensure a more secure session, explains our video expert.  Continue Reading

• Subpar office telephone systems: Is there a solution?

  When seeking solutions for subpar office telephone systems, assess your company's needs and flaws of the current provider, our telephony expert says.  Continue Reading

• Why can't I keep my old digital proprietary phones?

  SMBs looking to change to phone systems that are easier to maintain often have to give up their digital proprietary phones, our telephony expert explains.  Continue Reading

• Using Google Apps, Google+ for remote communication and collaboration?

  Can Google Apps and Google+ be used to facilitate communication and collaboration for an enterprise's remote knowledge-based workforce? UC expert Paul McMillan offers his take.  Continue Reading

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

  Many people view the terms social media and social networking as interchangeable. UC expert Paul McMillan offers his definitions of the two terms and advice on their proper use.  Continue Reading

• Enterprise social software: Should I pay for a vendor-based client?

  Should businesses invest in internal, vendor-based enterprise social software or stick with free, public social networking clients? UC expert Paul McMillan weighs in.  Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting issues with running hosted Microsoft Lync for Mac

  Is Lync for Mac supposed to be deployed with Lync Online or with Lync Server? If you chose the wrong one, how do you get Lync running the right way? Matt Brunk clears up the mess.  Continue Reading

• Meeting expectations with VoIP implementations

  What's wrong with VoIP implementations? According to UC expert Matt Brunk, it starts with mismatched expectations about Voice over IP among customers, implementers and providers.  Continue Reading

• Configuring VoIP for an office using a VSAT Internet connection

  UC expert Matt Brunk offers recommendations for a reader considering VoIP over a VSAT Internet connection in his office. His first tip: Ask yourself why you really want to do it.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft mash-ups: Can OCS, LCS and Lync environments coexist?

  Many users want to know if Lync 2010 can coexist with previous Microsoft UC clients Live Communications Server and Office Communications Server. Expert Hugh Marlor has the answer.  Continue Reading

• Echo in a hosted VoIP solution: Could split LAN pairs be the culprit?

  Unified communications expert Matt Brunk digs deep into his bag of tricks to help a reader experiencing a persistent echo problem in a hosted VoIP solution with Polycom phones.  Continue Reading

• How to handle softphones when keeping voice and data on separate VLANs

  Unified communications expert Matt Brunk answers a reader's follow-up question about handling softphones when you've decided to split voice and data traffic on two separate VLANs.  Continue Reading

• Is it possible to connect the IP PBX to a wireless connection?

  IP telephony expert Jon Arnold uses an inquiry about IP PBXs and wireless networks to discuss the value of extending the LAN to mobile devices through fixed-mobile convergence.  Continue Reading

• Securing high-definition video conferencing and telepresence calls

  Unified communications expert Matt Brunk discusses out-of-the-box video conferencing and telepresence security, means of improving protection, how to test solutions and more.  Continue Reading

• Should I calculate telecom into my internal metrics?

  Telecom industry expert Brad Tucker explains how including analysis of telecom services in your internal IT metrics can help you leverage your services to greater profitability.  Continue Reading