Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• 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

• What hurdles do enterprises face in adopting collaborative software?

  Enterprises looking to maximize productivity may need to adjust their way of looking at collaborative software, says networking expert Zeus Kerravala.  Continue Reading

• Is the definition of social media part of UC?

  The definition of social media is in the beginning stages of becoming part of unified communications, says analyst Zeus Kerravala.  Continue Reading

• How does VoIP performance differ over LAN, WAN and other networks?

  Environment affects VoIP performance, so it's important to consider how VoIP best fits in your environment is important, our UC strategies expert explains.  Continue Reading

• What is the SVC Codec and how is it used?

  The SVC codec is an extension to the H.264 standard for video encoding used by many equipment manufacturers, explains our video conferencing expert.  Continue Reading

• Can keeping traffic on separate VLANs counter VoIP security risks?

  Although keeping data and VoIP traffic on separate VLANs can counter VoIP security risks, it can be a tough sell, says VoIP expert Matt Brunk.  Continue Reading

• Which video conferencing solution has the best value?

  When researching video conferencing products, our expert recommends first considering integration opportunities with existing UC components.  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

• 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

• 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

• The value of toll bypass in the enterprise

  IP telephony expert Jon Arnold explains the value of toll bypass in an IP telephony setup, detailing why enterprises should consider it as an option while tempering cost-savings expectations.  Continue Reading

• Echo cancellation revisited: Identify and eliminate the root cause of delay

  Prompted by a reply to an earlier response, unified communications strategies expert Matt Brunk discusses how to cancel echo when delay is significantly impacting voice quality.  Continue Reading

• A step-by-step guide to identifying and resolving background noise and echo

  Matt Brunk provides a detailed, step-by-step strategy to accurately identify, address and resolve voice background noise and echo problems  Continue Reading

• How do I resolve a "presence unknown" display issue when trying to build an OCS Access Edge?

  Integration and collaboration expert Hugh Marlor explains how to avoid the Windows 2008 issue of encountering a "presence unknown" display when trying to build an OCS Access Edge.  Continue Reading

• How much power do I have to negotiate contract terms with telecom carriers?

  When working out the terms of contracts with telecom carriers, you do have some room to negotiate. Learn where it pays to be flexible and where you should stand firm.  Continue Reading

• How do I calculate a Real-Time Transport Protocol/Session Initiation Protocol (RTP/SIP) ratio?

  Looking to learn more about Real-Time Transport Protocol, Session Initiation Protocol and how to calculate a RTP/SIP ratio? Our expert points you toward the resources you need.  Continue Reading

• What are the benefits and limitations of IP phones and digital phones?

  Our IP telephony expert details the differences between IP phones and digital phones, identifying their unique capabilities and noting the tasks for which each are best suited.  Continue Reading

• How can social networking and unified communications work together in the enterprise?

  Social networking and unified communications can significantly enhance productivity and collaboration in the enterprise. Learn more about using these powerful technologies together.  Continue Reading

• Evaluating telecom carriers: Identifying your needs to find a provider

  When evaluating telecom carriers to find the best fit for your company, remember that each has strengths and weaknesses. What do you need to know before talking to a carrier rep?  Continue Reading

• What's the best resource for support while setting up a hosted VoIP system for a client?

  Learn what factors go into determining which hosted VoIP support resources are the best fit for you and your client, and why evaluating voice resellers is key.  Continue Reading

• When it comes to PBX systems, how would you compare IP EPABX to digital EPABX?

  Learn the differences between IP and digital PBX systems, as well as which type of system would make more sense for a small office of 30 employees in India.  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 can I leverage telecom carriers to clear capital for hardware or professional services?

  Find out how you can leverage telecom carriers to help control costs, keep your company's technology infrastructure competitive, and clear up both your operating and capital budgets.  Continue Reading

• What are the operational costs associated with VoIP after implementation?

  Learn how to plan for the operational costs of VoIP, after the initial deployment and implementation.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between a proxy server and B2BUA when it comes to SIP? How can I decide which

  Learn about the differences between a proxy server and a B2BUA, when it comes to SIP, and how to decide which is the right choice for you.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between E&M and junction lines, and do you have any advice on how to check fa

  Learn about E&M lines and how to check faults in them.  Continue Reading

• How can MPLS help in VoIP implementation between a parent company and its branch offices?

  Find out how MPLS helps in VoIP implementation between a parent company and its branch offices.  Continue Reading

• What is more cost efficient -- VoIP or an IP telephony system?

  Some are hesitant to invest in VoIP or IP telephony without understanding the cost benefits of both options. Find out what is more cost efficient -- VoIP or an IP telephony system.  Continue Reading

• What are some good ways to measure VoIP ROI?

  Learn some good ways to measure VoIP ROI from expert Jon Arnold.  Continue Reading

• How will VoIP impact the quality of phone calls on our network?

  Learn how VoIP impacts the quality of phone calls on a network.  Continue Reading

• What is the biggest hurdle in an efficient IP telephony migration?

  Learn about the biggest hurdles in an efficient IP telephony migration, including integrating the IP PBX with the existing network.  Continue Reading

• How does one cope with echo in a VoIP-enabled network? What's the best way to use an echo canceller

  Learn how to cope with echo when in a VoIP-enabled network, as well as using a VoIP canceller.  Continue Reading

• What are communication-enabled business processes (CEBP) and communication- enabled business applica

  Learn about the definitions of communication-enabled business processes (CEBPs) and communication-enabled business applications (CEBAs), and how they compare.  Continue Reading

• Do you think smartphones will replace desk phones?

  Learn about the future of desk phones as smartphones increase in popularity.  Continue Reading

• What is the relationship between SIP and unified communications?

  Learn about the relationship between Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and unified communications (UC) in this expert response from Paul McMillan.  Continue Reading

• Is SIP necessary for a full-functioning unified communications (UC) solution?

  Find out if Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is necessary for a full-functioning unified communications (UC) solution.  Continue Reading

• How does fixed mobile convergence (FMC) play into leveraging wireless UC solutions?

  Learn how fixed mobile convergence plays into leveraging wireless UC solutions in this expert response from Caroline Gabriel.  Continue Reading

• What is the future of VoIP in the remote emerging telecom markets?

  Find out what expert Jon Arnold thinks the future holds for VoIP in the remote emerging telecom markets.  Continue Reading

• Call center benchmarks for a small call center

  Find out which call center benchmarks a small call center should use to measure call center performance. Also, get tips for setting service level in a small center.  Continue Reading

• VoIP in 2009?

  Where do you see the VoIP market heading in 2009?  Continue Reading

• Convergence and open source solutions the next big things in UC

  What's next for unified communications(UC)? Expert Matt Brunk sees convergence and open source UC solutions on the horizon as the next big things in UC and enterprise communications.  Continue Reading

• Successful UC assessment team structure and methods

  Developing a solid unified communications (UC) strategy may require an assessment team. Who in your organization will provide the most value as a member of the team, and how should these team members conduct their UC feasability research?  Continue Reading

• Most common VoIP and UC system installation problems

  Learn the three most common VoIP and UC installation issues, and what expert Matt Brunk suggests you do to avoid them.  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

• Is it better to roll out a new unified communications system at once or to update gradually?

  When implementing unified communications (UC), organizations often wonder if a universal or staggered rollout is the best approach. UC expert Tony Bradley discusses how your UC strategy could impact your rollout tactics.  Continue Reading

• Will encrypting UC traffic negatively affect availability?

  Learn how to encrypt unified communications (UC) traffic within your organization without negatively affecting availability.  Continue Reading

• Are unified messaging and instant messaging the same thing? How are they distinguished from one anot

  Learn the differences between unified messaging (UM) and instant messaging (IM) from UC expert Tony Bradley.  Continue Reading

• Configuring a cost-effective VoIP network for overseas calls

  VoIP deployment does not require a specific network. Learn how to set up VoIP using your broadband connection and make long distance calls for free.  Continue Reading

• Is VoIP beneficial to everyone or just large enterprises?

  With, it seems, everyone lauding the benefits of VoIP technoloy, some wonder what all the fuss is about. VoIP and IP telephony expert Jon Arnold discusses his thoughts on who will really benefit from VoIP.  Continue Reading

• Security concerns for enterprise Skype

  Many enterprises are hesitant to allow employees to use Skype while at work because of security concerns. Jon Arnold discusses the main security issues plaguing Skype, and why your employer may be hesitant to allow its use.  Continue Reading

• Can I configure mobile VoIP on my company smartphone?

  If your company doesn't support mobile VoIP, you can still configure your smartphone to make VoIP calls while you're traveling for work.  Continue Reading

• What are the key credentials a UC consultant should possess?

  If you are considering applying for a UC consultant position, learn what certifications Ed Tittel recommends before you send in your resume.  Continue Reading

• Is the Cisco 642-426 TUC course a prerequisite for CCNA certification?

  While not a required step, Cisco recommends earning the CCNA prior to pursuing other Cisco Professional credentials.  Continue Reading

• How will employee desktop video use affect our network?

  With more concerns now than ever about privacy and security in the enterprise, stemming from increased employee use of web-based applications, companies should assess potential risks and benefits before allowing deployment.  Continue Reading

• Can I keep my PBX while migrating to VoIP?

  Learn how you can keep your traditional PBX while you upgrade to VoIP gradually.  Continue Reading

• Making the decision to shift to hosted VoIP

  Hosted VoIP offers advantages over traditional telephony service, including lowered costs. Learn more about making the switch from IP telephony expert Jon Arnold.  Continue Reading

• Is the iPhone a good choice for my business?

  With the recent launch of the 3G iPhone, enterprises are wondering if the device is well-suited to business use. IP telephony expert Jon Arnold details the pros and cons of enterprise iPhone usage, from application support to reliability concerns, ...  Continue Reading

• VoIP for the globe-trotting frequent traveler

  VoIP is connectionless, making it a great option for frequent fliers.  Continue Reading

• Is there a difference between VoIP and IP telephony?

  VoIP and IP telephony are two terms used sometimes interchangeably -- but are they really the same thing?  Continue Reading

• VoIP vendors focused on solving customer's networking issues.

  VoIP vendors are focused on alleviating the issues of their consumers who need to integrate IP telephony systems with legacy systems.  Continue Reading

• How should we go about creating a plan for unified communications within our organization?

  Once you understand the needs of your customer, selecting the right unified communications platform for your business will be easier and less risky.  Continue Reading

• Will unified communications be able to integrate with IM applications?

  Unified Communications solutions are intended to incorporate all manners of conveying information and will almost certainly include some form of instant messaging capability.  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between collaboration and web conferencing?

  Although the terms "collaboration" and "web conferencing" are similar, there are subtle differences in their meanings that can better help you understand what they are and what they do.  Continue Reading

• Integrating Unified Communications apps into an existing infrastructure.

  The main goal of a unified communications strategy should be to facilitate an innovative business process regardless of the communications medium. Read what steps contributor Bill Trussell advises for your unified communications integration.  Continue Reading

• What is the best way to build a distributed VoIP enterprise system?

  There are many factors that go into building a distributed VoIP enterprise system. Get expert Carrie Higbie's advice on making it a smooth transition.  Continue Reading

• Understanding the 'free' promises of VoIP

  Is all VoIP really free? Learn more in this expert response from Carrie Higbie.  Continue Reading

• Can outsiders access my VoIP line and gather confidential data?

  Can outsiders access my VoIP line and gather confidential data?  Continue Reading

• Could you explain the difference between Ethernet and WAN?

  Could you explain the difference between Ethernet and WAN?  Continue Reading

• Push-to-talk implementation using SIP protocol

  How can you implement push-to-talk using SIP protocol without using a push-to-talk server? Read Carrie Higbie's suggestions for our readers in this expert response.  Continue Reading

• Making the career path commitment

  Ed Tittel, SearchVoIP.com's career guru, answers a member-submitted question about choosing a career path after graduation.  Continue Reading

• IVR and disaster recovery

  What is interactive voice response (IVR) and how can we use it to help our communications stay connected in the event of a disaster?  Continue Reading

• Comparing and contrasting enterprise 2.0 and web 2.0 within the context of unified communications

  Web 2.0 and Enterprise 2.0 both deal with the state of maturity of the Web as an information delivery system, although in varying degrees. Learn more about the "2.0 mentality" in this expert response.  Continue Reading

• Is company-provided CCVP training worth signing a pay-back agreement?

  My employer has offered me the opportunity to attend a fourteen-day boot camp to earn my CCVP. The only thing is, the company wants me to sign an agreement that says if I leave their employment sooner than two years after completing the training, I ...  Continue Reading

• Do employers care more about certification, or do they care more about experience?

  Do employers care more about certification, or do they care more about experience?  Continue Reading

• I've decided to invest in some additional training or education to boost my employability in VoIP.

  Do you think I should go back to school for a Master's in Computer Science, MIS, or Computer Engineering, with an emphasis on VoIP technologies, or would I be better off digging into a substantial certification like the CCVP or the high-end Nortel ...  Continue Reading

• Quality calibration in the call center for multiple languages

  Expert Donna Fluss advises a reader on call center quality calibration across multiple languages.  Continue Reading

• Will more bandwidth fix latency and jitter in your network?

  Adding more bandwidth to your network is only one solution to latency and jitter. Read more about what you can do to improve your network performance in this expert response.  Continue Reading

• Call termination gateway requirements

  Controlling your own gateways abroad requires certain protocols. Carrie Higbie answers a member-submitted question about call termination services.  Continue Reading

• What can a VoIP phone do that a landline phone cannot?

  This expert response outlines the basic differences between a VoIP phone and a POTS phone.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between B2BUA and proxy in SIP protocol?

  Find out the differences between a B2BUA like Asterisk, and a proxy when installed in a SIP protocol.  Continue Reading

• How can a business ensure VoIP quality of service (QoS)?

  Ensuring QoS when implementing a VoIP network is a major concern for businesses. Learn how to meet your quality of service goals from ATE panelist Carrie Higbie.  Continue Reading

• What are the hidden costs associated with implementing VoIP?

  VoIP implementation can be a costly venture. Carrie Higbie tells you where to save and spend in this expert response.  Continue Reading

• What would happen to my VoIP service if the network failed?

  Would you know what to do if your VoIP network failed? Find out what ATE panelist Carrie Higbie advises in this response to a member-submitted question.  Continue Reading

• What kind of hardware is required for unified communications if there is already a SIP network in pl

  Find out what hardware is required for a unified communications system if SIP is already in place.  Continue Reading

• How does the Cisco Call Manager VOIP system compare to Mitel's 3300 VOIP system?

  Learn about the differences between Cisco and Mitel's VoIP systems in this expert response.  Continue Reading

• What equipment is needed to set up a VoIP network from a new satellite service?

  Learn what equipment is needed to set up a new VoIP network with satellite service in this expert response from ATE panelist Carrie Higbie.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between CRTP and Ethernet?

  SearchVoIP.com expert panelist Carrie Higbie answers a user-submitted question that asks for a comparision of CRTP and Ethernet.  Continue Reading

• How do I solve drifting issues in my VoIP network?

  Drifting is a common problem faced in VoIP implementations. Find out how to diagnose and solve your drift issues in this expert response.  Continue Reading

• What are the benefits of SIP trunking over T1 trunking?

  In this expert response, learn why SIP trunking is preferable over older implementations.  Continue Reading