Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• 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

• What are VoIP over Wi-Fi best practices?

  What are some best practices for running VoIP over Wi-Fi? UC expert Zeus Kerravala explains the steps enterprises can take for a smooth deployment.  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

• How do you decide between startup and legacy Web conferencing systems?

  When should you consider a startup Web conferencing system over legacy systems like Cisco WebEx? Expert Carrie Higbie explains the options as well as features enterprises should consider.  Continue Reading

• Is 'pure IP' VoIP or hybrid VoIP better in the long run?

  Is a 'pure IP' VoIP deployment or hybrid VoIP deployment better in the long run? Telephony expert Jon Arnold explains how to determine which deployment model is better.  Continue Reading

• Can VaaS integrate in an on-premises environment?

  Can VaaS be integrated into an on-premises environment? Expert Stephen K. Campbell says it can and explains how.  Continue Reading

• What are the SIP trunking basics?

  What SIP trunking basics should you know before you deploy? SIP trunking guru Chris Partsenidis explains what you need to know about SIP trunking before deploying it in your voice system.  Continue Reading

• Are bulk or individual UC software licenses a better fit for you?

  When does bulk licensing make sense? When is it cheaper than buying individual licenses? Expert Carrie Higbie tells you how to avoid paying too much for your UC software licenses.  Continue Reading

• Does Microsoft offer a PBX replacement?

  Does Microsoft offer a PBX? How can it replace a PBX? Unified messaging expert Richard Luckett explains how Microsoft Lync Server acts as a PBX replacement.  Continue Reading

• How do VoIP-TDM gateways differ from SBCs?

  How do VoIP-TDM gateways compare with session border controllers? How do they differ? Expert Michael Brandenburg explains how the two perform similar, but separate, functions.  Continue Reading

• How secure is video as a service?

  When choosing a video as a service provider, security should be a top priority. Video expert Stephen Campbell explains how to keep video as a service secure.  Continue Reading

• Why should you implement QoS for VoIP?

  Why should enterprises implement QoS for VoIP? Telephony expert Jon Arnold explains why QoS is vital to measure the performance of voice services.  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 does VoIP Quality of Service differ between cable and DSL?

  How does VoIP Quality of Service compare between cable and DSL? Telephony Expert Matt Brunk explains that broadband Internet type doesn't necessarily factor into VoIP Quality of Service.  Continue Reading

• What is the function of a SIP trunking service?

  What is the function of a SIP trunking service? Expert Michael Brandenburg explains how SIP trunks support IP-based voice communications.  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

• How do I get started with enterprise video adoption?

  Where do I begin when planning for enterprise video adoption? In this Q&A, Nemertes Research VP Irwin Lazar explains how enterprises can take advantage of video conferencing and collaboration.  Continue Reading

• What should you look for in a video as a service vendor?

  What key features should you consider when choosing a video as a service vendor? Video conferencing expert Stephen Campbell explains how to evaluate VaaS providers.  Continue Reading

• What is the advantage of a UC software license vs. a UC subscription?

  When evaluating UC software and services, enterprises must decide whether they want to buy licenses to deploy on-premises or subscribe to a cloud-based UC service. Expert Carrie Higbie explains the advantages of each option.  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

• Which UC and VoIP equipment is essential in the enterprise?

  When it comes to UC and VoIP equipment, there is no one-size-fits-all for enterprises, according to telephony expert Matt Brunk. Brunk explains how you can measure your enterprise's UC and VoIP equipment needs.  Continue Reading

• How do SBCs and firewalls differ in VoIP communications?

  When it comes to securing VoIP communications, should enterprises turn to SBCs or firewalls? Expert Michael Brandenburg explains how SBCs and firewalls serve different functions when it comes to network security.  Continue Reading

• Should we consider softphone clients or mobile phones?

  For employees who work out of the office, are softphone clients or mobile phones the best option? Telephony expert Jon Arnold explains the difference between softphones and mobile phones, and the perks of using softphone clients.  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

• Can the integration of Lync and Skype cut video conferencing costs?

  Skype and Lync integration provides new flexibility, but is it the right platform for all organizations?  Continue Reading

• What role do FCC regulations play in corporate communications?

  Telecom expert Matt Brunk explains the role FCC regulations play in corporate communications, from Title 47 regulations to issues like net neutrality.  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

• 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

• How to determine enterprise video conferencing network requirements

  Learn how to determine if your network can support conferencing and what video conferencing network requirements you need to meet.  Continue Reading

• What is a jitter buffer used for?

  Telecom expert Matt Brunk explains the uses for a jitter buffer on a VoIP network and the importance of configuring it properly.  Continue Reading

• How is VoIP different from a virtual PBX?

  Telephony expert Jon Arnold explains how VoIP and virtual PBX are different, but related.  Continue Reading

• What are the benefits of high-definition video conferencing?

  Irwin Lazar explains why high-definition video conferencing is the way to go for enterprises and which technology supports HD video.  Continue Reading

• What options are available to connect VoIP systems to branch offices?

  There are many ways enterprises can connect their VoIP systems to branch offices. Expert Michael Brandenburg explains what options are available.  Continue Reading

• Does the rise of WebRTC apps mean the end of mobile and Web apps?

  As more enterprises adopt WebRTC apps, will mobile and Web apps become a thing of the past? Expert Dave Michels explains.  Continue Reading

• How does Google Chromebox stack up for enterprise video conferencing?

  Video expert Stephen K. Campbell explains how Google Chromebox compares to other enterprise video conferencing options.  Continue Reading

• Do enterprises need to secure communications platforms?

  With data security breaches headlining the news, UC expert Carrie Higbie explains why enterprises should secure communications platforms.  Continue Reading

• What does mean opinion score mean in regard to VoIP?

  What is a mean opinion score and how does it apply to VoIP? UC expert Matt Brunk explains how to measure voice quality.  Continue Reading

• What are the use cases for Fax over IP?

  Do use cases for Fax over IP still exist or has communication by fax machine become obsolete? Expert Jon Arnold explains what fax's future holds.  Continue Reading

• When should you deploy a WebRTC application?

  WebRTC is well on its way to becoming a UC standard, but when should you consider deploying a WebRTC application?  Continue Reading

• How can you determine video conferencing ROI before investing?

  Video expert Stephen K. Campbell explains what factors to consider to determine video conferencing ROI before making the investment.  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 does bursty traffic affect quality of service on a VoIP network?

  UC expert Matt Brunk explains what 'bursty traffic' is and how it affects quality of service on a VoIP network.  Continue Reading

• What are the differences among voice protocols, codecs and standards?

  VoIP expert Jon Arnold explains the differences among voice codecs, voice protocols and voice standards.  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

• Which is more cost-effective: On-premises or hosted UC?

  Cost is an important factor when choosing between on-premises and hosted UC. Expert Dave Michels discusses the financial impact of both technologies.  Continue Reading

• Which is better in the long run: On-premises or hosted UC?

  How do you decide between on-premises and hosted UC? Expert Zeus Kerravala explains how to determine which is a better long-term option.  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

• Do Google Glass smartglasses have practical applications?

  Expert Mike Jude explains how Google Glass smartglasses can have practical applications within an industry or enterprise.  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 the difference between H.248 and H.323 protocols?

  H.248 and H.323 are protocols associated with VoIP. IP telephony expert Jon Arnold explains the difference between the two in this expert response.  Continue Reading

• How can UC&C advance project management?

  UC strategies expert Matt Brunk explains how unified communications and collaboration can advance project management.  Continue Reading

• How can IT measure the call rate for an endpoint?

  Video expert Stephen K. Campbell explains what call rate is and how call rate can be measured for video conference endpoints.  Continue Reading

• How can communications bypass VPNs by using a session border controller?

  How can mobile users bypass VPNs to connect to a UC platform? Expert Michael Brandenburg explains how SBCs can be deployed to bypass a VPN.  Continue Reading

• How do you calculate the bandwidth of a mobile video conference system?

  Videoconferencing expert Steve Campbell explains how to measure bandwidth of a mobile video conference to size for your video system deployment.  Continue Reading

• What are unlicensed wireless point-to-point networks?

  What are private, unlicensed wireless point-to-point networks? UC strategies expert Matt Brunk explains how enterprises can use them to mobilize UC.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between social media and collaboration?

  Social media and collaboration overlap, but are not the same. Unified communications expert Dave Michels explains the difference between the two.  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 does 'look-ahead' mean in regard to VoIP?

  In this expert response, learn what 'look-ahead' means when discussing video codec compression in Voice over IP network environments.  Continue Reading

• What last-mile communications media options do companies have?

  What are last-mile communications, and what services make the most sense for businesses to adopt? Telecommunications expert Matt Brunk explains.  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between a SIP-flood attack and a TDoS attack?

  While SIP-flood attacks and TDoS attacks have similar goals, their attack vectors are very different. Industry expert Michael Brandenburg explains.  Continue Reading

• UC vs. telecom: How do these communications terms differ?

  UC vs. telecom -- how are these two communications terms interconnected? Our telecommunications expert explains in this response.  Continue Reading

• Can unified communications make simple project management?

  Our general unified communications expert explains how the technology can be used to make project management simple.  Continue Reading

• Is WebRTC ratified?

  Web real-time communications (WebRTC) is in use, but that doesn't mean it's a ratified standard. Industry expert David Michels explains.  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

• What's the difference between Web, audio and video conferencing?

  Understand the differences between Web, audio and video conferencing from our videoconferencing expert, Stephen K. Campbell.  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

• Can you give an ROI example for calculating UCaaS costs?

  Telecom expert Tom Nolle explains how to calculate UCaaS costs in this ROI example taking the hospitality and government sectors into account.  Continue Reading

• Session border controller vendors: What should I look for?

  When evaluating session border controller vendors, you should look for qualities that can differentiate certain SBC vendors from the others.  Continue Reading

• Are wearable PoV cameras vulnerable to privacy issues and misuse?

  PoV cameras have the potential to be mishandled, but the same is true for all technology, according to unified communications expert Matt Brunk.  Continue Reading

• HD video vs. HDMI video connector: What's the difference?

  The terms HD video and HDMI video connector are not interchangeable and here's why, says video expert Steve Campbell.  Continue Reading

• What are the advantages of SIP trunks versus analog circuits?

  SIP trunking is not perfect, but it has more options and features compared to what traditional phone companies offer, says UC expert Matt Brunk.  Continue Reading

• How are wearable PoV cameras used?

  Wearable PoV cameras are used for live video sharing, and there are many reasons this technology is making an impact, says UC expert Matt Brunk.  Continue Reading

• Can UC traffic be mined for big data business intelligence?

  Learn how unified communications traffic contributes to big data, and how it can give organizations business intelligence.  Continue Reading

• What network changes support a unified communications infrastructure?

  Learn from our UC expert which three network upgrades will support your unified communications infrastructure the best.  Continue Reading

• How do SIP providers handle E911 service calls?

  SIP providers approach E911 service calls in varying ways, according to VoIP expert, Matt Brunk.  Continue Reading

• How important are session border controllers within a UC architecture?

  Session border controllers can be an overlooked aspect of UC architecture, but that doesn't mean they aren't vital, says analyst Michael Brandenberg.  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between bits and bytes specific to telephony?

  The differences between bits and bytes specific to telephony equipment is explained by UC strategies expert Matt Brunk in this expert response.  Continue Reading

• Is 'UC as a Service' synonymous with 'cloud UC'?

  Tom Nolle, president of CIMI Corp., explains how the terms 'UC as a service (UCaaS)' and 'cloud UC' are used in the industry in this expert response.  Continue Reading

• Virtualized session border controllers: Are there drawbacks?

  As more virtualized session border controllers are announced, it's helpful to understand the strengths and weaknesses of this delivery model.  Continue Reading

• Is there a way to mix different unified communications solutions?

  It is possible to mix different unified communications solutions to fit your needs, says UC expert Jon Arnold.  Continue Reading

• What is a call park phone feature and how does it work?

  UC expert, Matt Brunk, explains a call park phone feature, how it works and how it compares to a visual call park feature in this expert response.  Continue Reading

• What's driving video interest and funding growth of video platforms?

  There are four drivers that are spurring video interest and funding the procurement of video platforms, says Nemertes Research's Irwin Lazar.  Continue Reading

• Why is VoIP quality of service so challenging during implementations?

  Voice over IP quality of service can be tricky due to a variety of factors that influence its performance, says VoIP expert Jon Arnold.  Continue Reading

• What can make telephone systems more energy efficient?

  You can make just about anything energy efficient, even telephone systems. See what options our unified communications expert suggests.  Continue Reading

• What is voicemail and how does it work?

  Our unified communications expert explains what exactly voicemail is and how it works in this Ask the Expert response.  Continue Reading

• What's challenging about bringing video into UC architecture?

  Trying to integrate video into UC architecture is doable, but it's no stroll in the park, according to Nemertes Research's Irwin Lazar.  Continue Reading

• What can I use video for besides real-time collaboration?

  There are other ways people can take advantage of video besides just real-time collaboration, says Irwin Lazar, vice president of Nemertes Research.  Continue Reading

• Why are enterprises clinging to legacy phone systems?

  IP telephony adoption will remain slow because legacy phone systems are still reliable, Jon Arnold explains in this Ask the Expert response.  Continue Reading

• Is it possible to conduct hands-free VoIP calling?

  Hands-free VoIP calling can offer an experience similar to using a Bluetooth headset with a mobile device, says VoIP expert Matt Brunk.  Continue Reading

• What are the different types of private branch exchange systems?

  The types of PBX systems available shifted after the advent of Internet Protocol, according to IP telephony expert Jon Arnold.  Continue Reading

• Are there advantages to using the public switched telephone network?

  You may have to sacrifice some advantages of the public switched telephone network if you switch to VoIP, says telephony expert Jon Arnold.  Continue Reading

• How can I easily switch between an external webcam and a built-in one?

  Video expert Steve Campbell answers a question about built-in and external webcams. Certain factors affect the quality of your experience, he says.  Continue Reading

• Can I share my webcam with multiple programs simultaneously?

  There are a few ways you can share your webcam with multiple programs at once, but you have to beware of malware, says video expert Steve Campbell.  Continue Reading

• Is it necessary to increase bandwidth after buying SIP trunks?

  Cost will play a factor when deciding whether to increase your Internet bandwidth after buying SIP trunks, says IP telephony expert Jon Arnold.  Continue Reading

• Can Session Initiation Protocol run on top of 802.11?

  Session Initiation Protocol may be able to run on top of 802.11, but there are important factors to address, says telephony expert Matt Brunk.  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 are the benefits of SIP trunking compared with hosted VoIP?

  Benefits of SIP trunking vs. hosted VoIP stem mainly from cost savings, but one isn't necessarily replacing the other, says VoIP expert Matt Brunk.  Continue Reading

• When does it make sense to employ an external webcam?

  The decision of whether to use an external webcam depends on what you intend to use video conferencing for, says video expert Steve Campbell.  Continue Reading

• What options do businesses have when choosing VoIP telephony systems?

  Businesses looking to use VoIP telephony technology have many options. Expert Jon Arnold outlines factors to consider when picking a VoIP system.  Continue Reading

• How does the mobile collaboration market need to evolve?

  We have a ways to go before mobile collaboration and BYOD initiatives will be compatible with UCC tools, says our networking expert.  Continue Reading