Evaluate

Evaluate

Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.

• Apple Business Chat looks to polish customer messaging

  Harvesting the power of the iPhone, Safari web browser and other search assets, Apple is looking to cultivate integrated chat between businesses and customers. Continue Reading

• Seeking use cases for digital collaborative whiteboards

  As a fairly new business technology, touchscreen whiteboards are trying to find their way into the enterprise market. Some companies, however, are struggling to find use cases. Continue Reading

• What are the requirements for E911 services for VoIP providers?

  VoIP service providers have specific guidelines to meet to ensure E911 services are properly configured and meet regulatory standards. Learn how to maintain E911 compliance. Continue Reading

• Disadvantages of interactive whiteboards: Cost, lack of interoperability

  Large-screen collaboration devices offer some powerful communications tools. But buyers also need to heed some of the disadvantages of interactive whiteboards. Continue Reading

• How to evaluate video conference systems to find the best

  Video conferencing systems are no longer bulky, on-premises behemoths; learn what's new and how to choose the best video conferencing for your company. Continue Reading

• Cloud video services offer business-grade quality

  With advancements in cloud video services and public internet stability, business video calling now offers additional benefits, such as improved quality and reliability.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

• UCC investments propel digital transformation initiatives

  Many organizations are implementing digital transformation initiatives to boost productivity, cut costs and increase revenue. But how do organizations ensure the success of their digital ...Continue Reading

• UCaaS providers reap the benefits of changing attitudes toward cloud

  Many organizations are viewing UCaaS as a more secure alternative to their on-premises technologies. Is it time for you to consider unified communications as a service?Continue Reading

• End-to-end messaging encryption gives customers key controls

  As enterprises adopt team chat applications, IT leaders should examine security tools. End-to-end encryption, for example, can provide key access to messaging servers.Continue Reading

• Finding the best communications platform as a service for your firm

  Be sure to outline the business case and evaluate CPaaS vendors before you decide a communications platform as a service is right for your company.Continue Reading

• How UC mobile apps could vanish from smartphone screens

  UC mobility has lacked adoption, but the solution could be invisibility, as software tools and mobile carriers can now hide UC calling features within smartphones.Continue Reading

• Polycom camera focused on audio and visual innovation

  A Polycom camera has won this month's Network Innovation Award. The EagleEye Director II enhances video meetings with picture-in-picture technology and data analytics.Continue Reading

• Conference room technology experiencing a renaissance

  Conference room systems have seen a resurgence, as vendors look to improve content sharing among multiple presenters. Cisco Spark Board and Polycom Pano are just two examples.Continue Reading

• Twilio API suite pushes CPaaS market evolution

  Twilio has introduced a new set of APIs that foster multichannel communications. The new suite of products is expected to push the evolution of the CPaaS market.Continue Reading

• The five unified communications apps you need

  The pillars of unified communications -- voice, video, messaging, conferencing and mobility -- help organizations construct well-rounded collaboration plans.Continue Reading

• The voice technology evolution: From analog to digital to VoIP

  The evolution of voice technology has taken us far from the old days of Ma Bell analog calls, but users still expect the same high-quality call standards.Continue Reading

• Contact-center infrastructure evolution shakes up vendor rankings

  The contact-center infrastructure market is in transition. Customers are now looking for cloud-based products, integrations with customer relationship management and workforce optimization ...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

• Will Microsoft Teams replace Skype for Business?

  Microsoft's collaboration story is pretty muddled. The unified communications vendor has several applications with overlapping features: Skype for Business, Microsoft Teams, Yammer, Office 365 ...Continue Reading

• Video conference systems capitalize on cloud, small meeting rooms

  In a recent survey of video conference trends, organizations are taking advantage of cloud services, while also deploying video into small meeting rooms and across desktops.Continue Reading

• What's the advantage of video in a team collaboration app?

  While messaging has its benefits, employees sometimes need to elevate their conversations to a video collaboration session. Determine how video fits in your UC strategy.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

• Four facets to a secure enterprise messaging application

  As more companies tap into enterprise messaging services, certain security considerations arise. Encryption, for instance, is a core requirement for any service.Continue Reading

• Contact-center platform supports bank's collaboration vision

  HarborOne Bank needed a tightly integrated Skype for Business contact-center platform. CTO Wayne Dunn discusses the bank's collaboration and contact-center roadmap.Continue Reading

• Team collaboration apps face centralized vs. decentralized deployments

  The adoption of team chat apps has risen sharply in the past year. But as these collaboration tools gain traction, what's the best deployment approach for enterprises?Continue Reading

• How do communication APIs affect the corporate network?

  When integrating API media throughout your network, consider the types of communications taking place. Video, in particular, can gobble up network resources.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

• API vendors show how to build web-calling features

  In this video, see how API vendors are providing the building blocks to support web-based communications. Browser-based calling, in particular, is a fundamental feature.Continue Reading

• Voice applications, analytics suites part of UC evolution

  In this video, Vonage and Plantronics demonstrate their latest innovations. See how a voice API and analytics suite are helping advance enterprise communications.Continue Reading

• Cisco Spark Board, Polycom camera refocus on video conference rooms

  While big boardroom video conferencing deployments are perhaps a thing of the past, video meetings could find a new home in small and medium-sized meeting rooms.Continue Reading

• Unified communications platforms get contextual, customizable

  UC clients often undergo evolutionary development, rather than revolutionary changes. See how two vendors in particular are looking to advance enterprise communications.Continue Reading

• Do communication APIs complement or challenge UC products?

  Embedded communications, like click-to-call or click-to-video, can enhance business workflows. But are these new API tools ready for enterprise use?Continue Reading

• Unified communications vendors and users continue consolidation

  In this video with analyst Irwin Lazar, explore some key market trends, including industry consolidation, UC analytics and the emergence of artificial intelligence tools.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

• Cloud unified communications carrying more clout

  Current cloud trends in unified communications include hybrid deployments and an increase in video conferencing adoption. But is hybrid just one step toward a pure-cloud model?Continue Reading

• Have mobility and messaging trumped business voice communications?

  The value of voice communications has not really changed, but telephony is no longer the hub of workplace communication, according to one telecom expert.Continue Reading

• How AI services are converging with unified communications

  Though still in early days, the nexus of artificial intelligence and unified communications is emerging, as AI tools could help streamline collaboration processes.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 messaging platforms disrupted the UC market

  These days, disruption and innovation entwine like a hashtag. As an example, Slack and other messaging platforms have ruffled the unified communications market with a new way of working and ...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

• Unified critical communications reinforce employee safety

  Enterprises face potential threats every day, whether it's an office shooting or cyberattack. Critical communication tools, however, can help protect employees and operations.Continue Reading

• How to select a communications platform as a service

  Identifying the best communications platform as a service for your company is a complex task. This guide shows you how to evaluate vendors and buy the right CPaaS.Continue Reading

• Enterprise 911 services need proper call routing, user tracking

  Mobile workers and government rules could force enterprises to enhance their 911 services. In particular, call routing and employee-location management are key issues.Continue Reading

• New software and cloud trends support enterprise collaboration evolution

  Digital transformation plans are becoming popular; and for some organizations, enterprise collaboration is at the heart of it all. The days of collaborating only in the office with a set number of ...Continue Reading

• A guide to choosing the best video conferencing tool for your business

  As video conferencing vendors multiply, customers might struggle to find the right video conferencing tool. Here's a roadmap to selecting the best fit for your company.Continue Reading

• Communication APIs have some unpredictable traits

  Programming a communications API should be pretty seamless. But watch out for the asynchronous nature of the technology and unpredictable user behavior.Continue Reading

• WebRTC market expected to see more gradual changes

  In the new year, track these WebRTC market trends -- the proliferation of API platforms, the adoption of live broadcast streaming, and whatever Microsoft and Apple decide to do.Continue Reading

• Zoom meetings jettison complex video infrastructure

  With cloud-based video meetings from Zoom Video Conferencing, businesses can host collaborative online meetings in the office and on mobile devices without a complex video conferencing infrastructure.Continue Reading

• Is team chat the evolution of business social software?

  As a younger generation of workers favors messaging-based communication, team chat apps have emerged to fit the changing needs for business social software.Continue Reading

• Team messaging apps go mainstream, could have ripple effect

  As team messaging applications such as Slack and Cisco Spark grow in popularity, they could decrease reliance on email, 1-800 customer service numbers and even LinkedIn.Continue Reading

• Team chat apps: Please talk amongst yourselves

  Small talk can yield a big return on investment. In an age when most workplace communication happens digitally, team messaging apps -- and their GIFs -- boost morale.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

• Predicting enterprise communications innovation in 2017

  In the new year, expect the use and security of phone numbers to expand to accommodate customer-facing operations. Also, cloud-based telephony is cleared for takeoff.Continue Reading

• Understanding real-time collaboration tools for business

  Real-time collaboration tools are the latest applications to aid IT leaders seeking to improve employee productivity and collaboration.Continue Reading

• Track these six UC and collaboration trends in 2017

  The 2017 forecast for unified communications trends includes a flurry of APIs, a steady stream of video, a team-messaging tempest and, of course, a high chance of clouds.Continue Reading

• WebEx video conferencing software evolves with the times

  Cisco's WebEx video conferencing software provides large and small companies with features such as screen sharing, meeting recordings and multiple presenters for events.Continue Reading

• Acquisition, rebrand and financing spark the Fuze UCaaS platform

  With the help of a video conferencing acquisition, a subsequent rebranding and sizable investor support, the Fuze UCaaS portfolio has had an eventful year.Continue Reading

• CPaaS and API trends: Forecasting the future of embedded communications

  The CPaaS and API market has been bustling this past year, with acquisitions and new vendors emerging. Let's take a look at some of the API trends to track in 2017.Continue Reading

• Polycom video conferencing system offers widespread capabilities

  Polycom's video conferencing system provides companies of all sizes with flexible deployments for mobile devices, desktop computers and meeting rooms.Continue Reading

• Skype for Business video conferencing meshes with Office 365 plans

  Businesses can deploy Skype for Business video conferencing either as a stand-alone tool or as part of Office 365. Third-party vendors provide endpoint and infrastructure support.Continue Reading

• UCaaS-to-SaaS integrations lend competitive advantage in enterprise

  SaaS integrations that connect UCaaS platforms with business-critical systems such as Salesforce can dramatically improve the efficiency of existing workflows in the enterprise.Continue Reading

• SaaS-collaboration integrations: Let's talk, cloud to cloud

  It's time for clouds to get social. SaaS-collaboration integrations can ease multicloud woes in the enterprise and may ultimately boost the bottom line.Continue Reading

• Explore the different types of video conferencing systems

  From back-end services to multiple endpoints, enterprises need to consider many variables when shopping for different types of video conferencing systems.Continue Reading

• Examining Cisco video endpoints, infrastructure and mobility

  Besides WebEx, Cisco video conferencing offers a range of options, including endpoint agility, robust infrastructure, and mobile and desktop capabilities.Continue Reading

• Decoding the CPaaS market: A look at vendors, products and customers

  Communications platform as a service, or CPaaS, came to life in 2016. The evolving market exudes a dual nature with two kinds of customers, products and vendors emerging.Continue Reading

• Lifesize Cloud offers alternative to traditional video conferencing

  Cloud-based video conferencing, such as Lifesize Cloud, helps businesses implement scalable video systems while also curbing costs and IT resources.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

• Vidyo migrating to video APIs from enterprise video conferencing

  With its video platform as a service, Vidyo is focused on embedding video into workflows. But is this focus too narrow, or can it be positioned as a leading platform?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 does Skype for Business telephony stack up as a PBX replacement?

  Learn the benefits and tradeoffs of deploying Skype for Business as a cloud-based telephony service instead of a traditional, on-premises PBX service.Continue Reading

• Are team chat apps here to stay?

  Team chat is the latest trend in unified communications as business-based messaging has capitalized on the popularity and ubiquity of consumer-based texting. Team chat ultimately aims to boost ...Continue Reading

• A look at two Citrix GoTo virtual meeting room products

  The Citrix GoTo family of virtual meeting room products, including GoToMeeting and GoToWebinar, offers online meeting flexibility, but lacks interoperability with other systems.Continue Reading

• High-definition video conferencing vs. bandwidth capacity

  Video service quality can make or break a collaboration session. But high-definition video conferencing, in particular, requires a robust network and plenty of bandwidth.Continue Reading

• Communications platform bundles make APIs more valuable

  Organizations can leverage communications platform as a service with bundles that offer all the capabilities they need for embedded communications in their business applications.Continue Reading

• The key to integrating communications is the right CPaaS provider

  Organizations that plan on integrating communications with their business apps must carefully evaluate potential communications platform as a service providers to find the best fit.Continue Reading

• Find the UCaaS providers and products that meet your needs

  This guide provides insights to help you determine if your organization could benefit from cloud-based unified communications and how to navigate the buying process.Continue Reading

• UC, contact-center integration rife with obstacles

  If enterprises are looking to integrate unified communications and contact-center services, they'll need to overcome any concerns they have about cloud technology.Continue Reading

• UC mobile apps get tighter Apple integration, but challenges remain

  Apple's CallKit does not offer full integration with UC mobile apps, but it's a step in the right direction, as vendors look to improve the UC experience on iOS devices.Continue Reading

• Three reasons to integrate contact-center services and UC

  The current synergies between unified communications and the contact center are unmistakable, as cloud technology helps transform the customer-facing experience.Continue Reading

• Exploring the Blue Jeans video conferencing service and apps

  High interoperability with other video conferencing providers and no on-premises hardware are the fabric of the Blue Jeans video conferencing service.Continue Reading

• Comparing the top video conferencing vendors and their products

  Finding the right video conferencing product depends on the size of your business and your particular use case. On-premises and cloud services are also a key consideration.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

• The five organizational stages of adopting UCC technology

  End users are embracing collaboration in new ways as they use multiple devices to complete their tasks, but they expect communication to flow seamlessly through all their devices as they work. ...Continue Reading

• ShoreTel Connect CLOUD: UC as a service product overview

  ShoreTel Connect CLOUD provides several software and hardware components, including a collaboration suite, mobility app, IP phones and contact-center capabilities.Continue Reading

• Interactive Intelligence PureCloud: UCaaS product overview

  The Interactive Intelligence PureCloud platform provides a cloud-based suite of communications, collaboration and contact-center applications aimed at organizations of all sizes.Continue Reading

• Avaya cloud UC product overview: IP Office, OnAvaya and Avaya UCaaS

  Flexible licensing and contact-center capabilities are just some of the strengths of Avaya cloud UC products, which include IP Office, OnAvaya and Avaya UCaaS.Continue Reading

• Mitel MiCloud: UC as a service product overview

  With features such as contact center support and integration with Salesforce, the Mitel MiCloud unified communications system is suitable for small and large organizations.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Skype for Business Online: UCaaS product overview

  As a cloud-based product, Skype for Business Online continues to evolve into a full-fledged unified communications service, with calling, conferencing and collaboration features.Continue Reading

• Comparing the top UC cloud products and providers

  Before you buy UC cloud-based products, consider these four key criteria: your business size, provider tech support, third-party app integration and contact center capabilities.Continue Reading

• NEC Univerge Blue: UC as a service product overview

  Univerge Blue's cloud-based communications include extensive mobility features and call-center capabilities. The UCaaS product also offers robust security settings.Continue Reading

• Integrate communications and business apps with CPaaS

  CPaaS is the next step in unified communications as the ability to integrate communications in business apps becomes a necessity for increasingly digital organizations.Continue Reading

• How to manage Cisco and Microsoft UC integration

  Client complexities, overlapping apps and different user interfaces are just some of the challenges IT leaders juggle when managing Cisco and Microsoft integrations.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

• UC tech-buying power shifting from IT to lines of business

  Empowered by cloud-based services and consumer-oriented expectations, lines of business are wresting technology-buying power from IT departments and purchasing collaboration apps.Continue Reading

• Twilio enterprise plan features security controls, transparent pricing

  Twilio's new enterprise API platform offers security features, administrative controls and transparent pricing. The Twilio enterprise plan costs at least $15,000 a month.Continue Reading

• Apigee acquisition boosts Google's API management services

  By acquiring Apigee's API platform, Google can augment its infrastructure-as-a-service offering, add enterprise mobility connections and tap into Apigee's solid customer base.Continue Reading

• Digital transformation initiatives reap business value

  Organizations that want to move on from a legacy communications infrastructure and break down application silos are turning to digital transformation strategies. According to a survey from Nemertes ...Continue Reading

• Cisco Spark, Slack ignite fledgling team messaging market

  Emerging team messaging platforms have great potential. Cisco Spark, in particular, is poised to affect the UC market, but widespread enterprise adoption remains unclear.Continue Reading

• Video conferencing in the cloud aids Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

  The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians deployed Lifesize's Skype for Business integration to migrate to the cloud and improve communications within the community.Continue Reading