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Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.
Manage
Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.
How do you choose your SIP service deployment model?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to SIP. Networking expert Michael Brandenburg explains how to choose between a decentralized and centralized SIP trunking deployment. Continue Reading
Enterprise networks need to address mobility trends
In order to accommodate employees' mobility needs, network engineers need to tackle three key considerations: bandwidth capacity, data security and privacy protection. Continue Reading
Measuring the business benefits of unified communications
Workflow analytics, such as finding correlations between collaboration capabilities and product development efficiency, can pinpoint the business benefits of unified communications. Continue Reading
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UC vendors must focus on deliverance, not dominance
In a shared economy, unified communications vendors need to embrace an open ecosystem of integrated services for long-term success. But with these changes, some challenges lurk. Continue Reading
Game of Phones: Desk handsets still rule office phones
The demise of desk phones has been predicted for years, but they stubbornly stick around. Why haven't alternatives to traditional office phones caught on? Continue Reading
Mobile video conferencing enhances business processes
Improved bandwidth, networks and mobile devices enhance companies' mobile video conferencing efforts as tablets and smartphones become commonplace.Continue Reading
How should a single pane of glass for collaboration be approached?
Experts weigh in on how enterprises should go about building single-pane-of-glass platforms based on collaboration tools.Continue Reading
As iPads multiply, enterprises look to take UC mobile
In UC, mobile features have always been one step behind -- and when BlackBerrys dominated, that was OK. But times, and requirements, have changed.Continue Reading
UC blogs: Enterprise tablet market growing
In UC blogs this week, analysts discuss the factors driving the enterprise tablet market, and how vendors are approaching WebRTC testing.Continue Reading
What BYOD security policies should be set to protect UC apps?
BYOD security policies enterprises should consider to keep their UC apps secure.Continue Reading
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Layered security approach can thwart VoIP attacks
A strategically placed firewall within your network infrastructure can help mitigate VoIP attacks. But encryption and proxy services add enhanced security.Continue Reading
SDN can help network, real-time UC apps communicate
Software-defined networking can facilitate communications between the network and UC apps, including call management and packet forwarding.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
Microsoft pushes enterprise telephony to the cloud
Microsoft wants to push Skype for Business to the cloud, but organizations that want to host enterprise telephony services need to talk to their partners.Continue Reading
VoIP encryption urged outside and inside your network
To maximize VoIP encryption methods, use Transport Layer Security in conjunction with Secure Real-Time Transport Protocol on all VoIP equipment.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
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
Collaboration apps lack integration, outside communication
Email is here to stay, for now. But new collaboration apps could reposition email within a broader service for better communication outside your company.Continue Reading
Do organizations need a BYOD reimbursement policy?
UC expert Michael Finneran explains why organizations should consider a BYOD reimbursement policy for employee use of mobile devices.Continue Reading
Cloud UC benefits extend to disaster recovery
If a disaster knocks out on-premises UC systems, business grinds to a halt. But that's also when cloud UC's benefits around disaster recovery shine.Continue Reading
How can you measure UC adoption success?
Industry leaders discuss the different ways organizations can measure UC adoption and ensure employees are using the features they need.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
Enterprises must be proactive in DDoS mitigation
DDoS attacks are more prevalent than ever and enterprises can't always rely on their service providers for protection. Learn what enterprises should do for effective DDoS mitigation.Continue Reading
Cloud-based apps need to federate with other services
Leverage native integration capabilities, third-party products and user account management in order to bridge cloud-based apps and on-premises services.Continue Reading
Before deploying cloud telephony, inspect your networks
A cloud telephony forecast: Before implementing a cloud IP telephony service, be sure to address your current infrastructure performance and needs.Continue Reading
Cloud video conferencing demands well-designed network
For high-quality cloud video conferencing, be sure your enterprise data network has sufficient bandwidth with low-latency and low-jitter performance.Continue Reading
How do you effectively transition from PSTN to VoIP?
Expert Chris Partsenidis offers guidelines for a smooth and successful PSTN to VoIP migration.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
Design redundancy into VoIP communication systems
Implementing redundancy at the VoIP and network infrastructure levels is an integral part of VoIP communication, ensuring call and business continuity.Continue Reading
Five techniques for getting a robust VoIP infrastructure
A VoIP expert stresses the importance of a separate voice VLAN setup, quality-of-service enablement and edge routers for a robust VoIP infrastructure.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
How can your infrastructure support changing UC mobility needs?
How can you make sure your UC infrastructure can keep up with mobile device software and hardware updates? Expert Carrie Higbie explains how to prepare your network for ever-changing UC mobility needs.Continue Reading
DiffServ QoS model works wonders for VoIP networks
Properly configured QoS models help VoIP networks run smoothly. The DiffServ model, in particular, is cost-effective and scalable.Continue Reading
Test your SIP trunking service IQ
Enterprises are increasingly adopting SIP trunking services as they move away from the PSTN. Take our quiz to test your SIP trunking IQ.Continue Reading
How can I enable UC features like click-to-call in our applications?
How can I go about building communications-enabled applications such as click-to-call and click-to-video? Expert Zeus Kerravala explains how enterprises can enable UC features in their applications.Continue Reading
Should an IP-PBX system be on-premises or cloud-based?
Should we replace our PBX with an on-premises IP-PBX system or cloud product? Expert Zeus Kerravala explains how to determine which implementation suits your enterprise best.Continue Reading
What are VoIP over Wi-Fi best practices?
What are some best practices for running VoIP over Wi-Fi? UC expert Zeus Kerravala explains the steps enterprises can take for a smooth deployment.Continue Reading
How does Lync support external communications?
How can a Lync Server be used for external communications? Expert Richard Luckett explains the different configurations.Continue Reading
WebRTC technology predictions for 2015
WebRTC technology developments in 2015 will revolve around Web browsers, video conferencing, consumer and enterprise VoIP, call centers and the adoption of video codecs.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
SIP security checklist helps lock down your SIP trunks
Part five of our series, SIP Trunking Explained, walks you through the dos and don'ts to prevent SIP security breaches that could lead to toll fraud using a layered approach.Continue Reading
Calculating VoIP bandwidth needs for SIP trunk services
Part three of our series, SIP Trunking Explained, looks at the amount of VoIP bandwidth you'll need to avoid latency for SIP trunk services via a dedicated line or an Internet connection.Continue Reading
Finding SIP trunking providers that meet your needs
Part two of our series, SIP Trunking Explained, offers advice on how to find SIP trunking providers that meet your needs and how to enable your legacy equipment to make SIP trunking services possible.Continue Reading
What does 'per-seat' licensing mean in UC?
Expert Jon Arnold explains the meaning of a per-seat license in terms of how it applies to unified communications software.Continue Reading
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
Is a UC user dashboard the same as a single pane of glass?
Vendors have many names for the user dashboard in a UC system. Expert Carrie Higbie explains how it compares to a single pane of glass.Continue Reading
Secure Internet feeds are part of a Heartbleed fix
The Heartbleed bug left 600,000 Internet feeds exposed. Here are some lessons learned to keep future UC applications secure.Continue Reading
What is a jitter buffer used for?
Telecom expert Matt Brunk explains the uses for a jitter buffer on a VoIP network and the importance of configuring it properly.Continue Reading
Steps to successful mobile unified communication deployment
Follow these steps to effectively deploy mobile unified communication in your enterprise.Continue Reading
Benefits of video conferencing include less travel, but it's not No. 1
Reduced travel has long been the top reason to deploy video, but enterprises find the soft benefits of video conferencing reap greater rewards.Continue Reading
Three use cases for Wireshark VoIP and UC network forensics
Find out how to use Wireshark VoIP and UC packet capture, and learn from three main use cases why they are valuable to VoIP administrators.Continue Reading
Supporting mobility with a unified communications technology strategy
To successfully implement mobile collaboration, enterprises must have a strong unified communications technology strategy.Continue Reading
How to integrate mobile UC products into your infrastructure
Integrating mobile UC products hinges on how well you understand your infrastructure requirements.Continue Reading
How does bursty traffic affect quality of service on a VoIP network?
UC expert Matt Brunk explains what 'bursty traffic' is and how it affects quality of service on a VoIP network.Continue Reading
Is an SBC and an E-SBC the same thing?
Is there a difference between SBCs and E-SBCs? IT expert Michael Brandenburg explains how the industry differentiates between the two terms.Continue Reading
VoIP and unified communications define the future
Chapter 6 of the book "VoIP and Unified Communications: Internet Telephony and the Future Voice Network" offers a history of VoIP and UC technologies.Continue Reading
Enterprise social network software: Integrate with business applications
Enterprises need social network software that can integrate with existing UC and business platforms, according to 'Gartner's Magic Quadrant report.Continue Reading
Google applications: Deeper integration between Voice, Hangouts
Google drops XMPP and integrates its voice app into Hangouts to unify Google applications for a blended social experience.Continue Reading
Yorktel VCMCS combines VideoCloud with managed services
Glowpoint OpenVideo Cloud collaborates with managed video services
Enterprise social tools need UC integration to thrive
Enterprise social tools won't become part of users' daily routines without some integration with basic UC services like voice and messaging.Continue Reading
Corporate collaboration: The essential ingredient to any UC strategy
Enterprises are beginning to learn that the essential ingredient to any UC strategy is corporate collaboration. Learn to successfully integrate UC&C.Continue Reading
Buying social software won't give you a social networking strategy
Enterprise social software spending is increasing, but business needs a social networking strategy to ensure employees use the technology.Continue Reading
Productivity gains outrank PBX issues in Lync deployment
Users deploy Lync citing easy Windows integration
Can BYOD best practices help mobile UC mature in the enterprise?
BYOD best practices present an opportunity for mobile deployments of enterprise-grade UC tools to mature, reach higher adoption levels.Continue Reading
Federated identity management key to SaaS office and cloud-based UC
Federated identity management addresses the security risks associated with identity management while providing users SSO to multiple cloud-based UC services and SaaS office apps.Continue Reading
Integrating video and unified communications: Video as a core UC tool
The prevalence of video products at this year's Enterprise Connect shows that integrating video and unified communications has become a key focus of providers in the UC market.Continue Reading
SIP video conferencing systems: A standardized approach to integration
Vendors are moving toward SIP video conferencing for system integration. Our Expert Lesson details how SIP-based video conferencing solutions lay key UC architecture groundwork.Continue Reading
Integrating video conferencing with unified communications
Integrating video conferencing with unified communications enables users to initiate video connections through presence, much like they do with instant messaging. This tip explains how to integrate video with unified communications with examples ...Continue Reading
Video conferencing adoption: Tracking trends and deployment strategies
Video conferencing adoption is increasing as enterprises turn to higher-quality, lower-cost video technology to improve workforce collaboration and reduce reliance on travel.Continue Reading
Instant messaging strategies: Usage policy and training are key
Some people still believe that unified communications begins and ends with Voice over IP. But instant messaging is just as critical, if not more so. And establishing an instant messaging strategy is essential. Otherwise everyone in an enterprise ...Continue Reading
Identifying issues in a multi-site Cisco UC deployment
Deploying Cisco Unified Communications Manager between multiple sites requires an appropriate dial plan, appropriate bandwidth, a quality of service (QoS) implementation and a design that can survive IP WAN failures. This chapter will explain the ...Continue Reading
Cisco Unified Communications Manager Architecture
Understanding the role that Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM) plays in a converged network from various IT perspectives is necessary for a successful installation and configuration. This chapter describes the architecture, hardware and ...Continue Reading
greenfield deployment
In networking, a greenfield deployment is the installation and configuration of a network where none existed before, for example in a new office.Continue Reading
Hosted and managed VoIP fundamentals
Adoption rates of hosted VoIP and managed VoIP are increasing as more companies look to reduce the costs and complexities of deploying VoIP in house. Enterprises are factoring revenue growth, enhanced productivity and communication services into ROI...Continue Reading
Remote call center agent management: Top ten buzzwords
Learn more about what's involved in managing remote call center agents with these buzzwords. You'll find out about technology including VoIP, VPN and IVR, as well as important metrics related to remote call center agent management.Continue Reading
Routing basics -- What VoIP managers need to know
Voice over IP (VoIP) requires that an organization's voice staff understand many of the fundamentals of data networking. Routing is an essential data networking function that also applies to VoIP. In this tip, learn more about the routers and ...Continue Reading
Working with the Layer 2 data link layer in an IP telephony deployment
This IP telephony deployment article provides solutions to performance issues in Layer 2, the data link layer.Continue Reading