Evaluate

Evaluate

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

• 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

• How has the WebRTC codec clash affected adoption?

  WebRTC expert Tsahi Levent-Levi explains how video codec discord has affected WebRTC adoption. Take a closer look at why a vendor or organization wouldn't adopt the technology.Continue Reading

• Team chat apps tap into enterprises, challenge UC clients

  Enterprises are starting to adopt business chat apps, as they incorporate more robust features. The line is blurring between these apps and more established UC platforms.Continue Reading

• Ringing endorsement: Which VoIP telephones fit your needs?

  With hundreds of models and countless features to choose from, picking the right IP phone can be a challenge. Here's what IT managers need to know before they make the call.Continue Reading

• The right call: Choosing the best VoIP telephone for your needs

  The VoIP telephone may not be the most glamorous member of the office, but in many businesses, its absence would be sorely felt. Despite the rise of mobile devices in the enterprise, many IT managers still depend on IP telephony's reliability, ...Continue Reading

• Contracting unified communications industry could benefit buyers

  Cloud services are both maturing and contracting the unified communications industry. But this market shift should benefit prospective buyers via aggressive product discounts.Continue Reading

• How do WebRTC, APIs and analytics affect contextual communication?

  Unified communications is seeing a trend toward contextual communication. Expert Tsahi Levent-Levi explains the influence of WebRTC, APIs and analytics on this latest movement.Continue Reading

• Unify Circuit: UC as a service product overview

  The Unify Circuit platform provides a single cloud-based service that addresses organizations' cross-platform team collaboration and communication needs.Continue Reading

• After Atos acquisition, Unify collaboration roadmap emerges

  The dust is settling after Atos acquired Unify. Now, Unify CEO Jon Pritchard details how the acquisition has affected the company's collaboration products.Continue Reading

• Evaluate cloud vs. on-premises video conferencing tools before you buy

  Before you buy video conferencing services, evaluate the components of cloud vs. on-premises video to determine which deployment model is the right fit for your organization.Continue Reading

• Top 10 considerations for video conferencing products

  Video conferencing is undergoing considerable change, as cloud-based options shake up the industry. This video conferencing checklist helps buyers evaluate the evolving products.Continue Reading

• Cisco Collaboration certification technical quiz: Part 2

  This Cisco Collaboration certification quiz tests your knowledge of telephony, gateways and messaging. Take the quiz to see if you're ready for the Cisco Collaboration exams.Continue Reading

• The business case for video conference technology just got easier

  Use cases for video conference technology have transformed recently, as the software-as-a-service model provides greater flexibility, lower cost of ownership and easier deployments.Continue Reading

• VIPedge: Toshiba cloud UC service product overview

  VIPedge, the Toshiba cloud UC system, implements unified communications as a service with strong support help and integration with existing Toshiba IP PBX units.Continue Reading

• Cisco HCS: UC as a service product overview

  Cisco HCS cloud unified communications system integrates with existing collaboration and presence technology, like Cisco Presence and Instant Messaging Server.Continue Reading

• What collaboration software tools are right for my organization?

  The collaboration software market has become quite crowded. UC expert Jon Arnold explains how organizations can cut through the noise and find the tools that meet their needs.Continue Reading

• Take this WebRTC architecture quiz to boost your tech skills

  The WebRTC architecture demands widespread knowledge of different computer science disciplines. Take this quiz to test your WebRTC technical expertise.Continue Reading

• Prioritize UCC tools to support a virtual workforce

  When planning a rollout of new unified communications and collaboration tools, organizations must view their entire workforce as virtual even if it may not necessarily be the case. More than half ...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

• Office 365 telephony faces on-premises vs. cloud divide

  As Microsoft continues its foray into unified communications, Office 365 telephony, a cloud service, is not yet a full replacement for on-premises telephony systems.Continue Reading

• Immersive group collaboration breaks down conference room walls

  Meeting rooms are getting a makeover as visual workspace systems aim to enhance collaboration among distributed teams. But enterprises need to 'try before you buy.'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

• Remote collaboration becomes hands-on with visual workspaces

  Immersive, visual collaboration platforms connect remote workers with in-office staff and help team members visualize data. But these products come at a cost.Continue Reading

• Understand WebRTC basics to maximize deployment and adoption

  To capitalize on WebRTC technology, organizations must understand its basic functionality and address its challenges. Read on to learn more about WebRTC basics.Continue Reading

• Is the Google Hangouts app becoming a pure enterprise play?

  Skype for Business? How about Hangouts for Business? Google has unbundled consumer-centric communication apps from Hangouts, leaving it to focus squarely on enterprises.Continue Reading

• Google messaging strategy unbundles Hangouts, communication apps

  With the announcement of new Google communication apps, the company could be starting to split its communication services between consumers and enterprises.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

• CPaaS fuses communications apps with business workflows

  Communications platform as a service, or CPaaS, can fortify business processes. But IT leaders need to educate internal developers on the availability of these emerging tools.Continue Reading

• How will WebRTC development evolve in the coming year?

  WebRTC development is expected to see significant progress, including new media flows and video codec support. Check out these six key areas that should see noteworthy upgrades.Continue Reading

• This CCNP Collaboration quiz tests your Cisco UC smarts

  The Cisco Collaboration certification covers several technological components from ports to protocols. Take this quiz to test your knowledge of Cisco UC technologies.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

• Google collaboration tools strong, but telephony lacking

  Searching for Google UC services? The company offers strong cloud, collaboration and mobility features, but telephony and third-party integrations are limited.Continue Reading

• Benefits of video conferencing unlock with flexible setups

  There's a dizzying number of products for enterprise video conferencing, and it's unlikely that a single type of endpoint will fulfill all your needs.Continue Reading

• WebRTC API library bolstered by servers, platforms, SDKs

  The WebRTC library provides helpful tools for browser-based, real-time communications, but it still needs help from servers, platforms and software developer kits.Continue Reading

• How can I use an online whiteboard in my business?

  Online whiteboards can be used for much more than basic note taking. UC expert Jon Arnold explains why whiteboard collaboration is vital to virtual meetings.Continue Reading

• Immersive collaboration makes its mark on the enterprise

  Large-scale interactive touchscreens and virtual canvases loaded with unified communications features are creating immersive collaboration environments for enterprises.Continue Reading

• Are real-time collaboration tools necessary for enterprises?

  Real-time collaboration has become a business requirement to support new ways of working. Expert Jon Arnold explains the importance of real-time collaboration tools in the enterprise.Continue Reading

• Cramming for Skype for Business 2015 exams? Take this quiz

  Gearing up for a Skype for Business deployment? This quiz, covering some of the technical aspects of the unified communications platform, should help you get ready.Continue Reading

• Cloud communication, mobility spotlight UC innovations

  Mobility and cloud communications offer vendors and users great opportunities to innovate. Check out some of the latest UC services from Enterprise Connect.Continue Reading

• New video conferencing services highlight UC market trends

  CafeX, Cisco and Vidyo show off their latest video collaboration services at Enterprise Connect. Innovations include browser-based conferencing and cloud-based API frameworks.Continue Reading

• How can my company integrate a social collaboration platform?

  Organizations must involve early adopters in the process when deploying social collaboration software to ensure widespread adoption, according to UC expert Jon Arnold.Continue Reading

• Cloud-based video conferencing gathers steam

  Cloud-based video conferencing can help enterprises save time and money, as the expensive, big boardroom deployments are a thing of the past, according to one expert.Continue Reading

• Team messaging apps face hype vs. adoption dilemma

  Slack and other team messaging apps are popular among enterprise workers, even as IT departments try to figure out if these apps are right for their organizations.Continue Reading

• Cisco vs. Microsoft: Cloud becomes latest battlefront for UC

  As these industry giants wrestle for dominance in UC, their fight moves to the cloud. But as their offerings increasingly overlap, how do you decide which best fits your business?Continue Reading

• How secure is open source collaboration software?

  Open source collaboration can be rife with risk. Learn about the open source security requirements to consider and who should be responsible for security and support.Continue Reading

• WebRTC conference to gauge the technology's progress

  A WebRTC conference at Enterprise Connect will check the health of the browser-based communications technology, as many enterprises are using WebRTC without knowing it.Continue Reading

• Are digital phones required for a VoIP deployment?

  Configuring VoIP phones can take a good deal of legwork. Network expert Carrie Higbie explains the options available to organizations, from digital phones to softphones.Continue Reading

• Cloud, team chat apps top trends at UC conference

  UC analyst Irwin Lazar previews Enterprise Connect 2016. He highlights the latest cloud advancements, team chat collaboration applications and vendor strategies.Continue Reading

• Office 365 collaboration tools run the gamut

  Microsoft collaboration tools offer a wide array of capabilities, including team chat, video sharing and project planning. Here are five key apps to consider.Continue Reading

• WebRTC adoption slowed by browser incompatibility

  The lack of browser support and video codec interoperability has slowed WebRTC adoption. Yet, many organizations are using the browser-based technology and don't even know it.Continue Reading

• Considering unified communications as a service?

  The emergence of unified communications as a service, or UCaaS, is part of the broader trend of moving enterprise services and ...Continue Reading

• UC products: A comprehensive buyer's guide

  In this unified communications buyer's guide, explore the different UC products on the market and how the technology has evolved. Also, discover the basics of buying a UC service.Continue Reading

• UC analytics must mature before benefits are seen

  UC and collaboration analytics applications, which can track network and employee performance, need to mature before they can truly benefit a company.Continue Reading

• How to evaluate cloud unified communications services

  This guide will help you choose cloud unified communication services that best equip employees to work from wherever they are, and on whatever device they have.Continue Reading

• Unify OpenScape Voice: Product overview

  With support for mobility, video and scalability for up to 500,000 users, OpenScape Voice -- and the rest of the Unify UC portfolio -- is well-suited for large enterprises.Continue Reading

• ShoreTel Connect ONSITE: Product overview

  With a simple deployment model, the recently revamped ShoreTel UC platform is well-suited for multisite organizations and looks to contend with other major vendors.Continue Reading

• NEC UNIVERGE 3C: Product overview

  Unlike solutions that are licensed by service, the NEC UNIVERGE 3C offers a unique licensing model, providing users with complete UC services without additional costs.Continue Reading

• As Chrome adds VP9 codec support, enterprises must adapt

  Google Chrome recently announced VP9 video codec support for WebRTC applications. Enterprises need to find the appropriate use cases to capitalize on the enhanced media quality.Continue Reading

• Three steps to managing Skype for Business call quality

  To manage Skype for Business voice traffic, be sure to optimize your network, prioritize voice signaling, and take advantage of third-party tools and service partners.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Skype for Business Server: Product overview

  With its Skype for Business services, Microsoft has shaken up the unified communications market by launching an unconventional platform that's generating significant growth.Continue Reading

• Alcatel-Lucent OpenTouch suite: Product overview

  The Alcatel-Lucent UC portfolio, including the OpenTouch Business Edition and OmniPCX platforms, offers a wide range of features for both small and large organizations.Continue Reading

• Predicting WebRTC technology trends for 2016

  WebRTC services and technology saw a landmark year in 2015 with major acquisitions and greater adoption. Take a look forward into 2016 to see where WebRTC is headed.Continue Reading

• Enterprises taking control of SIP trunking services

  Self-service Web portals and APIs are empowering enterprises to reap the benefits of SIP trunking and take greater control of their IP-based voice services.Continue Reading

• The top five UC technology trends to watch in 2016

  According to one expert, the future of unified communications should see more API adoption, video conferencing in small meeting rooms and vendor consolidation.Continue Reading

• How to select video conference equipment

  Video conferencing is nothing new, but that doesn't make selecting video conference equipment any easier. This guide will help you assess the latest technology and select what fits your enterprise's specific requirements and budget.Continue Reading

• The 10 stories that dominated UC news in 2015

  Take a look at the UC news stories that shaped unified communications in 2015, from the rise of team collaboration apps to the changing video conferencing service market.Continue Reading

• Avaya UC product overview: Aura Communication Manager

  The Avaya Aura Platform, perhaps best suited for larger enterprises, supports messaging, voice, video, presence and mobility features, as well as virtualization.Continue Reading

• Mitel's MiVoice MX-ONE: Product overview

  Mitel communications products include the MiVoice MX-ONE suite, which can support up to 500,000 users. Many of Mitel's products can be managed from a Web browser interface.Continue Reading

• Cisco UCM: Unified communications product overview

  The Cisco UC Manager supports instant messaging, video conferencing, mobility and presence technology. The platform can support up to 100,000 users in a cluster configuration.Continue Reading

• Video conferencing technology evolution empowers new users

  The video conferencing market, once dominated by large room-based systems for internal company communications, now offers more flexible cloud-based options.Continue Reading

• UC as a service emerging as a viable deployment model

  Telephony expert Jon Arnold examines the emergence of UC in the cloud and discusses how its evolution is part of a growing shift toward cloud-based services for the enterprise.Continue Reading

• Do WebRTC and SIP perform the same functions?

  While SIP and WebRTC seem to perform similar functions, WebRTC won't be replacing SIP for enterprise communication anytime soon, according to expert Tsahi Levent-Levi.Continue Reading

• Choosing a VoIP vendor: A buyer's guide

  In this unified communications buyer's guide, we help you choose the right VoIP vendor for your enterprise and evaluate important criteria when buying VoIP services.Continue Reading

• Adtran VoIP offerings: NetVanta 7100/7060 product overview

  The Adtran VoIP lineup, consisting of the NetVanta 7100 and 7060 IP PBX products, supports a wide range of features, including routing, switching and stateful firewall.Continue Reading

• Mitel VoIP 3300 series controllers: Product overview

  The Mitel VoIP platform consists of the 3300 series controllers. With support for up to 2,000 SIP trunks, the 3300 series can replace legacy telephony in small or large businesses.Continue Reading

• ShoreTel phone system: Product overview

  The ShoreTel VoIP system boasts several voice switches, simplified administration and automated backup. The premises platform is ShoreTel's replacement for PBX telephony.Continue Reading

• With Edge, Microsoft implements WebRTC browser support

  The new Microsoft Edge browser interoperates with Chrome and Firefox for voice communication. So, is WebRTC browser support finally coming together? Not quite.Continue Reading