News

News

• February 21, 2020 21 Feb'20

  Users push for Outlook tab in Microsoft Teams

  A request from users for an Outlook tab in Microsoft Teams has been 'under review' since early 2018.

• February 19, 2020 19 Feb'20

  Limitations of Microsoft Teams private channels rankle users

  After waiting for Microsoft Teams private channels to launch for years, customers are now grappling with the limitations of the new feature.

• February 14, 2020 14 Feb'20

  Cisco collaboration revenue takes hit to start 2020

  Cisco collaboration and communications products generated less revenue this past quarter than they did one year ago, contributing to an 8% decline for the applications group.

• February 13, 2020 13 Feb'20

  External collaboration in Webex Teams limited by new security control

  Cisco is attempting to improve security for external collaboration in Webex Teams with a new feature for IT admins.

• February 12, 2020 12 Feb'20

  Crestron and Logitech partner on AV system integration

  A new partnership combines Logitech's video systems with Crestron's hardware and software for AV system integration.

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• February 06, 2020 06 Feb'20

  Avaya wants CCaaS to be included in RingCentral partnership

  Avaya will attempt to expand its partnership with RingCentral to include its upcoming CCaaS offering.

• February 05, 2020 05 Feb'20

  Avaya details feature roadmap for Avaya Cloud Office by RingCentral

  Avaya provided new details this week on the special features it will add to Avaya Cloud Office to make it different from RingCentral's product.

• February 03, 2020 03 Feb'20

  Microsoft Teams outage sparks user anger, needling

  Microsoft Teams users took to Twitter to express frustration and sarcasm over a two-hour outage caused by an expired authentication certificate.

• January 31, 2020 31 Jan'20

  Report: Nearly one-third of Office 365 customers also use G Suite

  The number of Office 365 customers also using G Suite has risen in recent years, according to a report by single sign-on vendor Okta.

• January 30, 2020 30 Jan'20

  Zoom Phone adds features to catch up with UCaaS leaders

  Zoom Phone users are getting new ways to use the product with Zoom Meetings, as the vendor continues to build out its nascent UCaaS service.

• January 29, 2020 29 Jan'20

  Cisco to release add-on for Webex meeting transcription

  A new transcription service from Cisco will help users take notes during Webex meetings.

• January 24, 2020 24 Jan'20

  Microsoft faces hurdles in selling Teams to first-line workers

  Microsoft is a long way from convincing businesses with first-line workforces to buy the collaboration app Microsoft Teams, analysts said.

• January 17, 2020 17 Jan'20

  Cisco Webex Edge for Devices links on-prem endpoints to cloud

  With Webex Edge for Devices, companies can connect on-premises video endpoints to the cloud, unlocking features such as the Webex Assistant.

• January 15, 2020 15 Jan'20

  Launch of Microsoft Teams, consumer Skype integration set for Q1

  Integration between Microsoft Teams and consumer Skype is now scheduled to launch sometime in the first quarter. Previously, the vendor said it would go live this month.

• January 10, 2020 10 Jan'20

  Microsoft Teams to add smartphone walkie-talkie feature

  Microsoft Teams is getting a smartphone walkie-talkie app. The feature is expected to launch in private preview by mid-2020.

• January 08, 2020 08 Jan'20

  Lenovo launches latest video phone for Microsoft Teams

  Lenovo has released a tabletop video calling device for Microsoft Teams designed for home offices, personal desks and the smallest meeting rooms.

• December 23, 2019 23 Dec'19

  4 cloud UC partnerships to watch in 2020

  In 2020, partnerships between cloud UC vendors will help shape the market. Here are four key relationships to watch next year.

• December 23, 2019 23 Dec'19

  Office 365 vs. G Suite: Google embraces UC to rival Microsoft

  It's a battle that's been playing out for years: Office 365 vs. G Suite. In 2020, Google will enhance its UC offerings as it continues to chase Microsoft.

• December 19, 2019 19 Dec'19

  Microsoft Teams, consumer Skype interoperability launches in January

  The upcoming integration between Microsoft Teams and consumer Skype will let users of each app message and call one another.

• December 12, 2019 12 Dec'19

  Microsoft Teams for Linux launches in public preview

  The release of Microsoft Teams for Linux is welcome news to software engineers, who have been pressuring Microsoft to support the open source operating system for years.

• December 12, 2019 12 Dec'19

  Microsoft offers few upgrades for Skype server in 2019

  Microsoft has eschewed investments in Skype server in the hopes of convincing more customers to adopt cloud-based Microsoft Teams.

• December 10, 2019 10 Dec'19

  AWS seeks niche in the cloud UC market

  AWS could play a bigger role in the cloud UC market in 2020 and beyond by targeting developers and existing AWS customers.

• December 06, 2019 06 Dec'19

  Zoom Chat update takes vendor further beyond video

  The latest enhancements to Zoom Chat come as the video conferencing vendor pushes more aggressively into the cloud calling market.

• November 27, 2019 27 Nov'19

  Cisco cries foul over security flaw in Zoom Connector

  A flaw in Zoom's gateway for managing third-party video devices left customers vulnerable to snooping. Cisco criticized the vendor for failing to use the proper APIs to design the service.

• November 21, 2019 21 Nov'19

  Avaya revenue slump expected to continue in 2020

  Avaya revenue fell short of projections in the fourth fiscal quarter, capping a year of disappointing returns. The company told investors that revenue would likely decline in 2020.

• November 20, 2019 20 Nov'19

  Microsoft Teams reaches 20 million users, threatening Slack

  Microsoft Teams has pulled well ahead of Slack with 20 million daily active users. Adoption of Teams will likely continue among the 200 million workers using Office 365.

• November 15, 2019 15 Nov'19

  8x8 Video Meetings launches for free in challenge to Zoom

  8x8 Video Meetings has launched as a free, stand-alone app. It will rival free versions of Zoom and GoToMeeting, as 8x8 looks to use the offering to funnel businesses into its UCaaS platform.

• November 14, 2019 14 Nov'19

  Amazon Chime gets integration with Dolby Voice Room

  Amazon Chime now integrates with Dolby Voice Room, a hardware kit for small and midsize meeting rooms. It's Amazon Chime's first pre-integrated room system.

• November 13, 2019 13 Nov'19

  Slack services partners to help vendor target enterprises

  Slack services partners will help the vendor's largest customers build integrations, train employees and develop migration strategies.

• November 07, 2019 07 Nov'19

  Cisco enhances Webex Teams meetings, expands PBX support

  Cisco has brought the full feature set of Webex Meetings into Webex Teams. The vendor is also releasing new collaboration devices, including a desk monitor.

• November 06, 2019 06 Nov'19

  Microsoft Teams adds private channels, room appliances

  After the vendor unexpectedly delayed their launch in September, Microsoft Teams private channels are now rolling out to all customers.

• November 05, 2019 05 Nov'19

  Microsoft, Cisco partner on cloud UC interoperability

  Microsoft and Cisco unveiled an alliance this week for better interoperability between their cloud UC products.

• November 01, 2019 01 Nov'19

  Vonage Meetings rounds out vendor's cloud portfolio

  A new video conferencing app, Vonage Meetings, will provide alternative to Amazon Chime for Vonage's cloud UC customers.

• October 31, 2019 31 Oct'19

  New telephony controls coming to Microsoft Teams admin center

  More controls are coming to the Microsoft Teams admin center, but enterprises will have to wait a bit longer for the large-scale configuration tools they need.

• October 25, 2019 25 Oct'19

  UCaaS vendor Intermedia adds Telax CCaaS to portfolio

  Intermedia, cloud-based unified communications vendor, has added CCaaS to its portfolio through its acquisition of Telax.

• October 24, 2019 24 Oct'19

  Google hires former Microsoft Office exec to run G Suite

  Google has hired Javier Soltero, a former corporate vice president in charge of Outlook, Office and Cortana at Microsoft, to run G Suite.

• October 23, 2019 23 Oct'19

  Developers get new tools to improve Slack integrations

  Developers are getting new tools for building Slack integrations that are easy to access and use.

• October 17, 2019 17 Oct'19

  Zoom helps launch video conferencing hardware startup Neat

  Neat will design video conferencing hardware exclusively for Zoom, which has invested in the startup and was involved in early discussions regarding its formation.

• October 17, 2019 17 Oct'19

  Zoom Phone takes center stage at Zoomtopia 2019

  Zoom is increasingly positioning Zoom Phone as a core part of its portfolio and a service that every kind of business should consider.

• October 16, 2019 16 Oct'19

  Poly Studio X Series natively runs Zoom video app

  The Poly Studio X Series will natively run the Zoom video app at launch, with additional partnerships with online meetings vendors planned in the coming months.

• October 14, 2019 14 Oct'19

  Voss upgrades migration to unified communications software

  In an effort to ease the switch from legacy telephone systems to a more modern unified communications platform, Voss has launched its latest UC software, M2UC.

• October 11, 2019 11 Oct'19

  New Mitel CEO Mary McDowell says sale is possible, but not soon

  In a move that took analysts by surprise, Mary McDowell replaced longtime chief Richard McBee as Mitel CEO -- a possible sign the company's owner is looking to sell.

• October 09, 2019 09 Oct'19

  Workplace by Facebook enhances video calling, hits 3M paid users

  Facebook will soon integrate Workplace by FB with its Portal video calling devices.

• October 07, 2019 07 Oct'19

  Apple contact center chat adds rich media, improved UX

  The latest iOS update streamlines access for Apple Business Chat from any clickable phone number. Learn why business messaging is gaining popularity in the contact center space.

• October 04, 2019 04 Oct'19

  Avaya-RingCentral partnership to bring UCaaS to legacy customers

  Avaya, RingCentral will partner to sell UCaaS to Avaya's legacy customers, a blockbuster deal that unites rival UC vendors.

• October 04, 2019 04 Oct'19

  Poly integrates UC headsets with Amazon Alexa, Tile

  Poly has integrated its UC headsets with Amazon Alexa after adding the AI voice assistant to its Trio conference room phones earlier this year.

• October 03, 2019 03 Oct'19

  BlueJeans Network to release add-on for meeting productivity

  BlueJeans Network will release an add-on later this month to let users capture highlights during video meetings.

• October 01, 2019 01 Oct'19

  LogMeIn slashes GoToMeeting prices amid UI overhaul

  LogMeIn cut GoToMeeting prices roughly in half for premium tiers and overhauled the video conferencing app's user interface to focus on video, rather than content sharing.

• September 27, 2019 27 Sep'19

  Avaya cloud offering ReadyNow expands internationally

  A partnership with IBM will help expand the reach of Avaya cloud offerings internationally. Avaya is bringing its ReadyNow product to Europe, Africa and Asia.

• September 26, 2019 26 Sep'19

  New bundle pairs Cisco security products with Webex Teams

  Businesses now have the option of purchasing a bundle of Cisco security products to prevent data loss and block viruses while using the messaging app Webex Teams.

• September 20, 2019 20 Sep'19

  Gartner video conferencing Magic Quadrant highlights remote work

  Video meetings are increasingly important as the workforce grows more distributed and joins meetings from personal devices, according to the 'Magic Quadrant for Meeting Solutions.'

• September 20, 2019 20 Sep'19

  Cisco brings Webex Teams messaging to UC-One SaaS

  Cisco has integrated UC-One SaaS with the cloud messaging engine of Webex Teams. The vendor has also brought Webex Calling to its cloud contact center offering.

• September 19, 2019 19 Sep'19

  8x8 Video Meetings replaces outdated offering in X Series

  8x8 used its Jitsi acquisition to build a new video meetings platform based on WebRTC. The vendor also released in beta software to manage video endpoints in conference rooms.

• September 18, 2019 18 Sep'19

  Launch of private channels in Microsoft Teams delayed

  Microsoft Teams users will have to wait a bit longer for access to private channels. The vendor now says the long-awaited feature won't launch for all customers until early November.

• September 12, 2019 12 Sep'19

  Poly targets huddle rooms with Trio 8300

  Poly has designed the Trio 8300 for huddle rooms that fit no more than five people. The vendor released a video system targeted at the same market earlier this year.

• September 11, 2019 11 Sep'19

  New integration brings Fuze meetings to Slack app

  Users will be able to join Fuze meetings by clicking on the phone icon in Slack. It is Slack's latest integration with a voice and video meetings provider.

• September 05, 2019 05 Sep'19

  Slack waters down cloud SLA after $8.2 million payout

  Slack issued $8.2 million in credits after failing to keep its team messaging app online as often as promised. The vendor changed its cloud SLA to avoid big payouts in the future.

• September 05, 2019 05 Sep'19

  Cisco brings CUCM into the Webex cloud

  Cisco has brought its flagship IP-based telephony platform, CUCM, into the Webex cloud, offering large businesses private instances of the software similar to what is already available from Cisco HCS partners.

• September 03, 2019 03 Sep'19

  Slack-Zoom partnership could include joint pricing

  Slack and Zoom may eventually bundle their products to provide discounts to customers considering or already using all-in-one suites such as Office 365, analysts predict.

• August 29, 2019 29 Aug'19

  Google delays Hangouts Chat migration until mid-2020

  Google won't force businesses to use Hangouts Chat until June 2020 at the earliest. The delay comes after many customers complained the previous timeline was too hasty.

• August 23, 2019 23 Aug'19

  Cisco adds UC headset management to IT console

  Cisco is accelerating its push into the UC headset market with the release of new analytics and management tools for IT administrators.

• August 22, 2019 22 Aug'19

  Businesses must replace cloud Skype phones by 2023

  Skype phones won't connect to Microsoft Teams after July 2023. The vendor has advised customers to begin planning an upgrade to new devices certified for Teams.

• August 16, 2019 16 Aug'19

  Programmability in UC needs more than communication APIs

  The programmable enterprise has found its way into UC through CPaaS platforms. But organizations need more than communication APIs to achieve integration success.

• August 15, 2019 15 Aug'19

  Report: Slack, Zoom growing among Office 365 customers

  A report by the security software vendor Okta found that many businesses subscribed to Office 365 also use Slack and Zoom, despite having access to Microsoft Teams.

• August 14, 2019 14 Aug'19

  Avaya earnings: Company in advanced talks with multiple bidders

  Avaya will decide within 30 days whether to pursue a sale or other 'strategic transaction' to compensate shareholders. The company is in advanced talks with multiple parties.

• August 14, 2019 14 Aug'19

  Fusion announces improvements to FusionWorks Pro UC

  Fusion delivered enhancements to its UCaaS platform, FusionWorks Pro UC, developed on the company's Single Source cloud services platform.

• August 12, 2019 12 Aug'19

  Atos, Nice inContact partner to offer cloud contact center

  Atos will integrate CXone with Circuit and sell it as Cloud Contact Center-powered by CXone. Customers will still have the option of Atos' on-premises contact center platform.

• August 09, 2019 09 Aug'19

  Latest Slack security updates widen gap between Grid, Plus plans

  Slack released a roadmap for giving IT administrators more data security controls. Almost all of the new features will be available only to Enterprise Grid customers.

• August 09, 2019 09 Aug'19

  Features of video conferencing evolve to meet demand

  Enterprise video conferencing is an important collaboration tool for organizations. Increased demand for video has changed much about the features of video conferencing and its delivery.

• August 08, 2019 08 Aug'19

  AWS, Microsoft listening to voice recordings raises privacy concerns

  Amazon and Microsoft won't say how often contractors listen to voice recordings captured in the workplace through products like Alexa for Business and Cortana.

• August 08, 2019 08 Aug'19

  Updates available for Lifesize video conferencing platform

  New Lifesize updates include screen sharing in the mobile app, integration with G Suite and Office 365 calendars in the web and desktop apps, and new administrative controls.

• August 07, 2019 07 Aug'19

  Cisco to acquire Voicea for AI voice transcription in Webex

  Cisco plans to acquire Voicea in order to integrate its AI voice transcription engine with Webex. Many competing video conferencing vendors support integrations with the startup.

• August 02, 2019 02 Aug'19

  Bluescape releases newest version of its mobile app

  The newest Bluescape app enables users to give presentations by launching a session from the app onto a larger touchscreen. The app is available for both Android and iOS.

• August 02, 2019 02 Aug'19

  Cisco security flaw leads to $8.6M payout in whistleblower case

  The settlement resolves allegations that a Cisco security flaw left governments vulnerable to hackers for years without the company taking action.

• July 31, 2019 31 Jul'19

  Microsoft sets end date for Skype for Business Online

  Microsoft says it will stop offering Skype for Business Online starting July 31, 2021, making Teams the go-to Office 365 application for online calling and collaboration.

• July 25, 2019 25 Jul'19

  8x8 launches small-business phone system 8x8 Express

  Designed for businesses without an IT team, 8x8 Express offers unlimited calling and gives access to 8x8 Meetings, a platform for collaborative video conferencing.

• July 24, 2019 24 Jul'19

  EtherLabs launches AI Slack integration for video calls, meetings

  EtherMeet by EtherLabs combines AI, video conferencing and messaging platform Slack to enhance team collaboration, particularly for remote and long-distance employees.

• July 23, 2019 23 Jul'19

  Workplace by Facebook increases monthly prices

  Facebook will boost monthly fees for Workplace by Facebook but offer a discount to so-called front-line workers, such as baristas, warehouse workers and hospital staff.

• July 19, 2019 19 Jul'19

  8x8 Inc. acquires Wavecell, expanding reach, CPaaS services

  8x8 Inc. acquired Wavecell, which enables it to expand its presence globally and offer new services such as Wavecell's omnichannel CPaaS capabilities.

• July 18, 2019 18 Jul'19

  Slack resets passwords possibly compromised in 2015 hack

  Slack has reset passwords for 1% of users after uncovering new information regarding a 2015 hack of its systems.

• July 18, 2019 18 Jul'19

  Private channels slated to launch in Microsoft Teams this fall

  Private channels are scheduled to launch in Microsoft Teams this fall. The feature is the most demanded by far on the Teams user feedback website.

• July 17, 2019 17 Jul'19

  LogMeIn launches unified communications for small businesses

  LogMeIn, Inc. has launched Grasshopper Connect to provide small businesses with a platform that enables them to create and manage businesses communications.

• July 16, 2019 16 Jul'19

  Microsoft Teams gains 13M users with help from Office 365 base

  Around 10% of Microsoft's base of Office 365 commercial subscribers have begun regularly using Microsoft Teams, leaving the app with more users than Slack.

• July 12, 2019 12 Jul'19

  Zoom security issues leave vendor scrambling

  A researcher's report on a Zoom security vulnerability caused an uproar this week, ultimately forcing the video conferencing provider to apologize for its poor response to the issue.

• July 10, 2019 10 Jul'19

  Interop planned between Microsoft Teams, consumer Skype

  The move to integrate Microsoft Teams and consumer Skype follows three years of sustained user demand for the feature.

• July 03, 2019 03 Jul'19

  Microsoft to push Teams desktop app to existing Office 365 accounts

  Microsoft plans to auto-install the Teams desktop app on Windows devices linked to existing Office ProPlus accounts, an escalation of its push for Teams adoption among Office 365 users.

• July 02, 2019 02 Jul'19

  Details on Slack outage scarce

  The Slack outage on Friday was the app's fifth significant connectivity incident of 2019. The company is so far declining to go into detail on its cause.

• July 01, 2019 01 Jul'19

  New Serendipity Labs streaming platform LINC launches

  Serendipity Labs launched LINC to provide its users a virtual way to reach a global audience on any device through video streaming and content distribution.

• June 28, 2019 28 Jun'19

  Verizon to resell Zoom video conferencing to businesses

  Verizon has struck a deal to resell Zoom video conferencing to small and midsize businesses. The telecommunications firm will target the enterprise market with Cisco Webex.

• June 26, 2019 26 Jun'19

  Talkdesk Boost turns legacy ACDs into cloud contact centers

  Large businesses that aren't yet ready to abandon legacy call routing can now link that equipment to the Talkdesk cloud contact center through a SIP trunk.

• June 21, 2019 21 Jun'19

  Challenges lie ahead following Slack public offering

  Following Slack's public debut, analysts say the company needs to boost enterprise sales and retool third-party integrations to attract users who aren't as tech-savvy.

• June 17, 2019 17 Jun'19

  UC benefits flexible working models in mortgage industry

  Choosing a UC platform with the tools to support remote workers helped American Pacific Mortgage move to a more flexible working model and cut down on brick and mortar costs.

• June 14, 2019 14 Jun'19

  Cisco's People Insights raises questions about accuracy, privacy

  Cisco's People Insights is coming to Webex Teams and Jabber this summer. The vendor's embrace of the product comes as the tech industry is under fire over data privacy.

• June 13, 2019 13 Jun'19

  Intel Unite Cloud brings flexibility to meeting collaboration

  Boasting the same capabilities and features as its preceding on-premises software, Intel Unite Cloud Service enables users to deploy Intel Unite software from the cloud.

• June 12, 2019 12 Jun'19

  BlueJeans Events, meetings mobile app receive upgrades

  BlueJeans Network has launched user experience updates, among others, to its BlueJeans Events software, as well as the BlueJeans meetings mobile application.

• June 12, 2019 12 Jun'19

  Cisco unifies Webex calling, messaging and meetings

  Cisco is embedding BroadSoft-powered Webex calling into Webex Teams and will let businesses connect on-premises PBXs to the app.

• June 12, 2019 12 Jun'19

  GoToRoom video conferencing software adds Dolby Voice

  LogMeIn Inc. and Dolby Laboratories have teamed up to bring Dolby Voice hardware to LogMeIn's GoToRoom video conferencing service software for businesses.

• June 11, 2019 11 Jun'19

  Cisco Jabber client gets tighter integration with Webex Teams

  Cisco has redesigned the Cisco Jabber client to "look and feel like" Webex Teams, the latest step in the company's push to bring together its on-premises and cloud-based UC apps.

• June 07, 2019 07 Jun'19

  Google adds advanced analytics to G Suite Enterprise

  Google has released a tool for tracking adoption of G Suite Enterprise. The program also gives businesses insight into use of Microsoft apps.

• June 06, 2019 06 Jun'19

  Users can now connect to Microsoft Teams rooms based on proximity

  Users of Microsoft Teams can now connect to nearby meeting room systems through proximity-based pairing, a feature already supported in Cisco Webex.