Evaluate

Evaluate

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

• 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

• Three buying principles for unified communications products

  After exploring possible use cases for unified communications systems, examine the value proposition, deployment models and vendor-partner relationship.Continue Reading

• How to bring Wi-Fi technology to the classroom

  Mobile devices are making their way into school curricula and education institutions must have network infrastructure to support Wi-Fi technology for education.Continue Reading

• How Wi-Fi services benefit the retail industry

  Retailers are looking for new ways to engage with customers in an increasingly digital space. Watch this video to learn how deploying a Wi-Fi network boosts customer engagement.Continue Reading

• Univerge series NEC VoIP: Product overview

  The NEC VoIP offerings include the extensive Univerge series and a wide range of compatible IP telephones to accommodate organizations of varying sizes.Continue Reading

• KX-TDE Series Panasonic VoIP system: Product overview

  Panasonic VoIP offerings include the KX-TDE series, with support for more than 1,000 extensions and up to 64 SIP trunks, providing customers with several configuration options.Continue Reading

• New habits reshape collaboration in the workplace

  Employee mobility, digital whiteboards, revamped video conferencing and persistent team chat spaces are redefining collaboration in the workplace.Continue Reading

• Cisco UCM voice over IP system: Product overview

  Designed for small and medium businesses, as well as large enterprises, Cisco UCM provides voice over IP technology that can replace a legacy telephone system.Continue Reading

• Adoption of UC cloud services rising, but challenges remain

  More enterprises are adopting UC cloud services and moving applications like video and email to the cloud. But roadblocks can impede adoption.Continue Reading

• Comparing the leading VoIP vendors and their products

  Before purchasing a VoIP system, enterprises need to carry out careful research as VoIP vendors offer intricate products with varying capabilities.Continue Reading

• Which WebRTC video codec will prevail?

  Cisco recently announced a new WebRTC video codec named Thor, which joins the fray of other video codecs competing for compatibility dominance.Continue Reading

• Users praise, critique Microsoft Surface Hub

  As early adopters evaluate the Microsoft Surface Hub, shipping of the large-screen collaboration device has been pushed back by four months.Continue Reading

• What you need to consider before you buy VoIP

  When assessing VoIP systems, first consider VoIP features and functions, then gauge the scope of the service, network needs and plans for expansion.Continue Reading

• Top WebRTC use cases for contact centers

  While many enterprises ought to explore their own WebRTC use cases, contact centers are leading the way in adoption of the browser-based technology.Continue Reading

• What constitutes a modern corporate intranet?

  Branding and end-user support could enliven today's corporate intranet. And learn how the intranet's future lies with the 'single pane of glass' concept.Continue Reading

• Toshiba IPedge VoIP System Product Overview

  The Toshiba IPedge is a secure software-based VoIP system intended to replace legacy telephony.Continue Reading

• Three use cases that highlight the benefits of VoIP

  Migrating from standard telephony to VoIP can be beneficial. In this article, telephony expert Jon Arnold examines three common VoIP use cases.Continue Reading

• Focus on WebRTC use cases to determine if it's right for you

  WebRTC use cases can help organizations identify problems and find solutions with the browser-based technology in order to determine if it's right for them.Continue Reading

• Analyzing VoIP basics reveals telephony's evolution

  Telephony expert Jon Arnold dissects enterprise VoIP basics -- including the technology's evolution and how it works -- and compares it with legacy telephony.Continue Reading

• WebRTC security concerns shouldn't deter enterprises

  Native media encryption and regular Web browser updates mitigate WebRTC security threats. Authorization and fraud-prevention mechanisms can help, too.Continue Reading

• How do you evaluate a potential UC system integrator?

  Industry leaders explain the factors that enterprises should consider when selecting a UC system integrator.Continue Reading

• What is a UC system integrator?

  Industry leaders explain the role of a system integrator when an organization rolls out UC and how it differs from a service provider and VAR.Continue Reading

• How to evaluate UCaaS providers' security measures

  Make sure potential UCaaS providers address multi-tenancy management, end-to-end encryption and session border controller issues for added security.Continue Reading

• RingCentral acquires Glip for team collaboration capabilities

  RingCentral acquires Glip to strengthen its portfolio as enterprises put more focus on team collaboration applications.Continue Reading

• Ubiety Room launches for interoperable cloud video conferencing

  Collaboration Squared launches its Ubiety Room cloud video conferencing service that promises interoperability without having to buy additional hardware.Continue Reading

• Video-conferencing hardware fine-tunes music academy's virtual classrooms

  Video-conferencing hardware has helped the Iconic Music Academy connect virtual classrooms worldwide with affordable technology.Continue Reading

• UC briefs: Plantronics UC headset reduces open workspace noise

  In UC news, Plantronics announces a UC headset aimed at reducing background noise in open workspaces, while Tango Networks debuts mobile messaging for Cisco Jabber users.Continue Reading

• Polycom RealPresence video platforms, cloud updates unveiled

  Polycom has introduced its first WebRTC-based videoconferencing platform. The company has also updated its video library and cloud-based video conferencing platform.Continue Reading

• What are the cost benefits of SIP trunking?

  Gartner analyst Sorell Slaymaker explains the cost benefits of SIP trunking for enterprises that make the migration from a legacy telephony system.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Surface Hub looks to revamp conferencing systems

  Combining hardware and software, the Microsoft Surface Hub looks to replace aging conference room equipment.Continue Reading

• Next generation 911 pinpoints location, supports multimedia messages

  NG 911 will support multimedia messages to 911 and help ensure that the locations of IP-based emergency communications are pinpointed.Continue Reading

• UC blogs: Make shadow IT part of your collaboration strategy

  This week in UC blogs, analysts discuss how shadow IT can align with an enterprise's collaboration strategy, and what WebRTC practices can be seen in an Internet trends report.Continue Reading

• Mobile VoIP apps extend offices to mobile devices

  Mobile VoIP apps make your mobile phone your office extension. Make calls on a mobile device via company phone lines with the benefit of added security.Continue Reading

• Cisco Spark vs. Unify Circuit: Comparing collaboration apps

  Collaboration apps that target mobile workgroups are making their way into the enterprise. Our chart compares two high-profile apps: Cisco Spark and Unify Circuit.Continue Reading

• Collaboration applications faceoff: Microsoft vs. Cisco

  Microsoft's Skype for Business and Cisco's Jabber and WebEx have similar features. Here, we compare these collaboration applications to find the similarities and differences.Continue Reading

• UCaaS has built-in DR and business continuity plans

  If a disaster knocks out your on-premises UC infrastructure, work comes to a standstill. UCaaS essentially has built-in disaster recovery (DR) and business continuity plans.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Skype for Business essentials: A look at the new platform

  Microsoft's recent rebranding of Lync to Skype for Business (SFB) is creating some confusion for IT leaders seeking to distinguish it from the consumer Skype service as they also look to integrate voice capabilities of SFB with their existing ...Continue Reading

• The VoIP basics every enterprise should know

  From migrating from the PSTN to security, learn the VoIP basics every network manager should know for a successful implementation.Continue Reading

• How challenging is implementing BYOD in a UC environment?

  What are some challenges of implementing BYOD in a UC environment? UC expert Jon Arnold explains the three high-level challenges organizations face with BYOD.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Skype for Business is not consumer Skype

  Despite integration with consumer Skype service, the new Microsoft Skype for Business still meets enterprise security and compliance requirements.Continue Reading

• What are the barriers to deploying SIP trunks?

  What are obstacles to SIP trunking? Gartner analyst Sorell Slaymaker explained at Enterprise Connect what barriers enterprises face deploying SIP trunks.Continue Reading

• Cost savings, agility drive adoption of cloud telephony services

  With cloud telephony, small companies see savings, while larger companies see mounting costs over a long lifecycle. But cloud agility is still appealing.Continue Reading

• With cloud video conferencing, the sky's the limit

  Cloud video conferencing becomes more popular as companies look to curb infrastructure costs and extend conferencing beyond their network boundaries.Continue Reading

• WebRTC applications could disrupt UC market

  Convergence among WebRTC apps, enterprise messaging and project management vendors challenge established UC players.Continue Reading

• Video conferencing services break out of the boardroom

  Desktop, cloud and mobility capabilities spur enterprise adoption of video conferencing services. Low entry costs and greater availability help, too.Continue Reading

• Is UC training necessary for end-user adoption?

  If UC is supposed to be intuitive, why do users need training? UC analyst Blair Pleasant explains best practices to follow and why UC training is necessary for any deployment.Continue Reading

• New analytics tools help track video conferencing usage

  You’ve invested heavily in video conferencing. Was it worth it? New analytics tools try to answer that question by reporting on video conferencing usage.Continue Reading

• What do you need to know before adopting video as a service?

  What should you know about video as a service before you deploy? Video expert Stephen Campbell explains how it integrates with existing endpoints and how to choose a provider.Continue Reading

• Should you deploy SIP trunking or hosted telephony?

  How do you decide between SIP trunking and hosted telephony? Expert Michael Brandenburg explains how organizations can determine if SIP trunking or hosted telephony can meet their needs.Continue Reading

• How can our VoIP phone system keep pace with our company?

  How can we make sure our VoIP phone system can grow with our company? Telephony expert Jon Arnold explains how the flexibility of VoIP allows it to keep pace with growth.Continue Reading

• UC blogs: TEAM Polycom showcases Polycom comeback

  In this week's UC blogs, analysts discussed why Polycom is poised for a comeback and how the early adopters of WebRTC technology have fared.Continue Reading

• How do you decide when to use hybrid video conferencing?

  How do you decide whether your organization should go with a hybrid video conferencing deployment? Expert Tsahi Levent-Levi explains how to determine if hybrid video is right for you.Continue Reading

• Is your Web conferencing service as secure as you think?

  In general, Web conferencing service security is tight, but experts warn some gaps could be exposed. Find out what safeguards to put in place to keep your data secure.Continue Reading

• UC services must move from products to platforms to innovate

  UC services must shift away from being a set of products to truly foster innovation in the communication space.Continue Reading

• How do you deploy and secure Lync for mobile?

  How do you extend Lync to mobile devices and ensure its security? Unified messaging expert Richard Luckett explains how to make Lync mobile and secure.Continue Reading

• Why UC cloud services are what enterprises need now

  UC cloud services move UC's complexity to the cloud, provide faster deployment times, lower costs and provide consistent features for your workforce.Continue Reading

• UC blogs: Cisco finally arriving to the video streaming party?

  In this week's UC blogs, analysts discuss what Cisco's partnership with VBrick means for its enterprise video streaming service and the five trends that will have a major impact on the UC market this year.Continue Reading

• UC cloud services ready for prime time

  Adopting UC cloud services means faster deployment times, lower costs and more consistent features. Learn why in this video.Continue Reading

• Keeping up with the revolution in conference room technology

  Conference room technology is advancing in leaps; is your space keeping up?Continue Reading

• Do you need to invest in a VoIP router?

  Does my company need to invest in a VoIP router to provide voice service? UC expert Carrie Higbie explains how a VoIP router can improve voice traffic.Continue Reading

• Is WebRTC video really a game changer for conferencing?

  I've heard a lot about WebRTC video being a game changer for conferencing. Is it true? Expert Zeus Kerravala explains why there has been so much attention focused on WebRTC.Continue Reading

• Four reasons to build WebRTC mobile apps

  Developing WebRTC mobile apps that include voice and video calling is a lot easer than many developers think, and many vendors have switched to the technology.Continue Reading

• How can I take advantage of SIP trunking cost savings?

  What SIP trunking cost savings are gained when migrating from the PSTN? Expert Zeus Kerravala explains why cost savings are SIP trunking's biggest benefit.Continue Reading

• Rethinking enterprise video conferencing

  While major vendors are taking a conservative approach with WebRTC, others are rethinking enterprise video conferencing to make it more useful across an organization.Continue Reading

• New shifts in unified communications

  Unified communications today has what employees need to tap the power of the Internet to work collectively on projects. But less than 25% of organizations fully deploy UC, and employees fail to use VoIP, IM, conferencing and other tools that are ...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

• Preparing for IETF-mandated WebRTC video codecs

  Expert Tsahi Levent-Levi said enterprises will face challenges in the IETF decision to require VP8 and H.264 codecs for WebRTC video in browsers.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

• Comparing video conferencing services

  With so many video conferencing services available, it can be difficult to determine which is right for your enterprise. Use this chart to help decide which service meets your needs.Continue Reading

• SIP trunking advantages make the case for VoIP

  In part four of our series, SIP Trunking Explained, find out how SIP trunking advantages have made it the preferred method of providing VoIP communications in the enterprise.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

• Six top video phones to make your shortlist

  Of all the video phone reviews on the market, experts Kim Lindros and Ed Tittel chose six top video phones worth considering for your organization.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

• 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

• 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 UC costs: The real TCO of unified communications

  The total cost of ownership for unified communications has risen significantly since 2012. Learn why and which vendors offer the best value.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