News

News

• November 03, 2017 03 Nov'17

  Avaya, Talkdesk dial into contact center AI technologies

  Bots, analytics and artificial intelligence tools are booming. Contact center AI, in particular, could enhance employee productivity and improve customer service.

• November 02, 2017 02 Nov'17

  Cisco Spark app to get voice-powered virtual assistant

  A voice-powered assistant will soon be available in the Cisco Spark app. Early next year, the company plans to offer the virtual helper to a limited number of customers.

• October 31, 2017 31 Oct'17

  New RingCentral app integrations include Google, Slack, Alexa

  Application integrations are becoming almost mandatory offerings among many cloud-based communications providers, and RingCentral just unveiled a bunch of them.

• October 30, 2017 30 Oct'17

  Genband, Sonus merge to become Ribbon Communications

  After finalizing a merger, Genband and Sonus will become Ribbon Communications. The combined company will focus on security and real-time communication tools.

• October 27, 2017 27 Oct'17

  Microsoft Teams roadmap introduces telephony, interoperability

  New Microsoft Teams features, ranging from telephony to advanced meeting tools, are coming down the pipeline, as Microsoft prepares for the migration from Skype for Business Online.

• October 26, 2017 26 Oct'17

  Cisco UCaaS gets more complicated with BroadSoft buy

  After the BroadSoft acquisition, Cisco UCaaS will have overlapping products that will need sorting and services that could cause conflict with service providers.

• October 20, 2017 20 Oct'17

  UCaaS market share report details industry's upswing

  In UC news, RingCentral extends its UCaaS market share lead, Fuze introduces a web-based collaboration tool, and Vidyo releases a VP9 codec for real-time video communications.

• October 13, 2017 13 Oct'17

  Arkadin unveils Cisco integrations for cloud telephony

  In UC news, Arkadin announces integrations with Cisco Spark and WebEx that support cloud-based telephony, while Box unveils machine learning tools to digitize and automate workflows.

• October 10, 2017 10 Oct'17

  Symphony collaboration takes on Teams, Slack team messaging

  Symphony Communication Services says it's ready to compete with Cisco, Microsoft and Slack. Experts point to security as a strength of the Symphony collaboration platform.

• September 29, 2017 29 Sep'17

  Facebook, IBM, Microsoft collaboration developments released

  Microsoft opting to swap Skype for Business for Teams topped this week's collaboration news. But Facebook, IBM and Zoho also had noteworthy product developments.

• September 29, 2017 29 Sep'17

  New Skype, Microsoft Teams integrations focus on video

  Microsoft Ignite yielded a slew of partnership announcements focusing on Skype for Business and Microsoft Teams integrations based on video support and interoperability.

• September 28, 2017 28 Sep'17

  Could Microsoft Teams replace Outlook and Yammer?

  For years, workers have lived in Microsoft's Outlook email as a primary communications tool. But with the emergence of Microsoft Teams, it could replace Outlook.

• September 27, 2017 27 Sep'17

  Zoom video meetings get Facebook Workplace integration

  Zoom video meetings can now be streamed to Facebook Workplace. Zoom announced the integration this week, along with a new transcription service for video recordings.

• September 27, 2017 27 Sep'17

  Microsoft Teams deployment to reshuffle UC strategies

  Microsoft Teams deployment will force enterprises to rethink how they want to restructure their current unified communications strategies. Executive buy-in will be crucial.

• September 26, 2017 26 Sep'17

  Cisco, Microsoft take diverse tacks for virtual reality collaboration

  Microsoft demonstrated its virtual reality collaboration technology and mixed-reality workflow app, used by Ford, this week at Microsoft Ignite. Cisco invited customers to experiment with Cisco Spark in VR.

• September 25, 2017 25 Sep'17

  Microsoft Teams to replace Skype for Business Online

  Over the next couple of years, Microsoft will gradually replace Skype for Business Online with Teams, which will become the communications client for Office 365.

• September 21, 2017 21 Sep'17

  UCaaS Magic Quadrant shows maturing, fragmented market

  The latest Magic Quadrant for UCaaS shows a maturing market with capabilities that exceed on-premises UC and UCaaS providers with greater global reach.

• September 14, 2017 14 Sep'17

  8x8 and Atlassian integrate team collaboration tools

  In UC news this week, 8x8 and Atlassian integrate their team communication tools, while AeroFS and Redbooth merge on collaboration and task management software.

• September 14, 2017 14 Sep'17

  New Slack shared channels, Microsoft Teams adds guest access

  New Slack shared channels and Microsoft Teams' guest access features, introduced this week, provide collaboration tools for workers in different companies.

• September 08, 2017 08 Sep'17

  Intermedia expands UCaaS platform with AnyMeeting acquisition

  In UC news, Intermedia gains web conferencing and webinar technology with its AnyMeeting acquisition, while VOSS adds features to its UC analytics service.

• September 07, 2017 07 Sep'17

  Atlassian Stride UCaaS product marks the end of HipChat

  Atlassian Stride, a new UCaaS product, is expected to eventually replace the Atlassian HipChat team messaging application. The new product is expected to compete with Cisco, Microsoft and Slack.

• August 31, 2017 31 Aug'17

  Streaming video platforms see surge in healthcare market

  Analysts discuss streaming video's important role in healthcare organizations, the positive effect of AI capabilities on customer service, and how to evaluate mobile devices.

• August 25, 2017 25 Aug'17

  Cloud unified communications use drops amid large enterprises

  Large enterprises still favor on-premises services over cloud-based UC, according to a recent study. Meanwhile, Vyopta launches a UCC monitoring service to optimize the user experience.

• August 22, 2017 22 Aug'17

  Cisco Spark app gets features for regulated organizations

  The Cisco Spark app now includes better content protection and control. Enterprises also have the option of having an on-premises version of the Spark encryption key server.

• August 17, 2017 17 Aug'17

  Avaya bankruptcy damage to haunt vendor in UC market

  The Avaya bankruptcy has hurt the vendor's standing in the UC market. Reversing the harm depends on building strong sales, marketing and partner operations.

• August 17, 2017 17 Aug'17

  Microsoft Exchange Online UM drops third-party PBX support

  Some Microsoft customers must quickly re-evaluate their UC strategy after the vendor announced its intent to end third-party PBX support for Exchange Online Unified Messaging in 2018.

• August 15, 2017 15 Aug'17

  Top UC providers widen their lead in Gartner Magic Quadrant

  Unified communications vendors Avaya and Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise stumble in the latest Gartner Magic Quadrant, as Cisco, Microsoft and Mitel extend their market lead.

• August 10, 2017 10 Aug'17

  ShoreTel acquisition boosts Mitel's CPaaS, SMB portfolio

  Analysts discuss how a Mitel-ShoreTel merger fuses two complementary portfolios that could create a stronger competitor against Cisco, Microsoft and Avaya.

• August 04, 2017 04 Aug'17

  AVST, Collab9 partner on UC platform for governments

  In UC news, AVST and Collab9 announce a partnership for FedRAMP-authorized cloud services, while two surveys find corporate email isn't going away anytime soon.

• August 02, 2017 02 Aug'17

  Level 3 offers Amazon Chime cloud collaboration tool as a service

  Level 3 has launched Amazon's Chime cloud collaboration tool as a managed service. The move could help Amazon compete with Microsoft and Cisco in the team collaboration market.

• July 28, 2017 28 Jul'17

  Mitel eyes hybrid UC with ShoreTel acquisition

  Mitel expects the ShoreTel acquisition to double its cloud business and help accelerate customers' migration to hybrid UC services.

• July 28, 2017 28 Jul'17

  Broadview unites meeting room systems with desktop, mobile users

  In UC news, Broadview Networks released a service that connects video meeting rooms regardless of location and system type, while InFocus released display wall processors for 4K screens.

• July 27, 2017 27 Jul'17

  Comcast takes Business VoiceEdge to Microsoft Office 365

  Comcast is providing integration between its cloud phone service, Business VoiceEdge, and Office 365. The extension lets users make phone calls from the Microsoft cloud-based applications.

• July 21, 2017 21 Jul'17

  Infrastructure, endpoints to drive UC tech budget boom in 2018

  UC budgets are expected to rise in 2018 as organizations look to update aging voice infrastructure, promote user adoption and extend UC into contact centers.

• July 20, 2017 20 Jul'17

  Unify OpenScape Cloud UC platform to rival Cisco and Microsoft

  Unify's OpenScape Cloud unified communications platform combines OpenScape Voice and Circuit in an attempt to rival UC products from Cisco, Mitel and Microsoft.

• July 14, 2017 14 Jul'17

  Microsoft partnerships boost Skype for Business capabilities

  Microsoft partnerships highlighted new products and services at its Inspire conference. Several partner companies had a keen focus on improving Skype for Business capabilities.

• June 30, 2017 30 Jun'17

  Avaya customer engagement platform melds omnichannel and APIs

  In UC news, Avaya announces a platform that combines Oceana and Breeze for omnichannel customer engagement, while a credit union deploys Vidyo for video-banking services.

• June 28, 2017 28 Jun'17

  Microsoft Stream lacks key video content management tools

  Despite its name, Microsoft Stream currently does not offer live streaming. The enterprise video service, launched last week, also lacks API support and analytics tools.

• June 22, 2017 22 Jun'17

  Zoom Connector takes video conferencing service to Cisco hardware

  Zoom is offering its cloud-based video conferencing service on Cisco hardware through its integration app, Zoom Connector. Zoom's service competes with Cisco WebEx.

• June 14, 2017 14 Jun'17

  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.

• June 13, 2017 13 Jun'17

  IBM collaboration portfolio boosted by XCC acquisition

  Analysts discuss IBM strengthening Connections by acquiring an intranet platform, Mitel's IoT and collaboration application, and the growing need for cloud-based security services.

• June 06, 2017 06 Jun'17

  Jive-Cisco partnership offers cloud voice services

  In UC news, Jive Communications and Cisco partner to bring cloud voice services to Cisco handsets, while Oblong expands its suite of immersive visual collaboration products.

• June 02, 2017 02 Jun'17

  Microsoft makes Skype messaging more competitive

  The latest Microsoft Skype messaging features bring needed improvements to the consumer app. But analysts say Skype for Business is unlikely to get the same attention this year.

• May 31, 2017 31 May'17

  Cost of collaboration systems unknown for many IT pros

  In UC news, two surveys find that IT pros are facing several collaboration challenges. Plus, Brightcove looks to extend its cloud video platform across the enterprise.

• May 26, 2017 26 May'17

  Genband-Sonus merger spotlights real-time communication tools

  In UC news this week, Genband and Sonus are set to merge; Polycom and Zoom combine forces; and Genesys updates its contact-center platform with artificial intelligence tools.

• May 25, 2017 25 May'17

  8x8, RingCentral tie for top spot in UCaaS providers report

  In UC news, 8x8 and RingCentral tie as leading UCaaS providers in an IHS Markit report, while RingCentral announces a new webinar service that supports up to 3,000 attendees.

• May 19, 2017 19 May'17

  Toshiba deal reflects Mitel's UCC market strategy

  As it acquires Toshiba's unified communications assets, Mitel says it is keenly focused on the UCC market, expanding its customer base and moving organizations to the cloud.

• May 12, 2017 12 May'17

  Cisco to build MindMeld artificial intelligence services in Spark

  Cisco plans to build MindMeld artificial intelligence services into Spark. The AI maker also develops natural language interfaces for software and devices.

• May 09, 2017 09 May'17

  BroadSoft PaaS product adds to cache of cloud services

  In UC news, BroadSoft launches a PaaS product that aims to accelerate the delivery of cloud services to enterprises. Meanwhile, the Amium app targets external collaboration.

• May 08, 2017 08 May'17

  Jive acquired in enterprise collaboration software merger

  In UC news, Jive is in the midst of being acquired by a private equity firm and is expected to merge with CRM provider Aurea. Plus, UC cloud service provider Fuze gets more money.

• April 26, 2017 26 Apr'17

  Avaya Zang launches drag-and-drop development tool

  In UC news, while filing a debt reorganization plan, Avaya looks to streamline API deployments for organizations. Plus, Edgewater Networks and Polycom partner on a UC service.

• April 18, 2017 18 Apr'17

  UCC market evolution driven by digital transformation

  In UC news, a report finds digital transformation initiatives are driving the UCC market, while CoreDial and VeloCloud partner to bring SD-WAN features to cloud UC services.

• April 14, 2017 14 Apr'17

  Hybrid Skype for Business creates new network demands

  The addition of cloud telephony to Skype for Business and growing interest in hybrid deployments means organizations must ensure their networks can support new requirements.

• April 04, 2017 04 Apr'17

  IT pros share API deployment challenges, offer insights

  Communications APIs promise quick and easy deployments, but this new technology has its challenges. Three IT professionals share their API deployment experiences.

• March 29, 2017 29 Mar'17

  ShoreTel launches team collaboration tool for remote workers

  A new ShoreTel team collaboration tool supports persistent, virtual chat workspaces for remote and mobile employees, jumping into that market offering flexible ad hoc workspaces.

• March 29, 2017 29 Mar'17

  Unified communications users weigh vendor consolidation

  Unified communications users shared their successes and setbacks, with vendor consolidation as a key theme in a panel discussion at Enterprise Connect 2017.

• March 28, 2017 28 Mar'17

  Cisco using Spark hybrid hardware to nudge customers to the cloud

  Cisco unveiled at Enterprise Connect Spark hybrid video conferencing to help companies move to the cloud. The new Room Kits run off Spark or on-premises gear.

• March 28, 2017 28 Mar'17

  Avaya bankruptcy leaves customers in backup planning mode

  Avaya UC customers are in limbo with the vendor in bankruptcy. Consultants at Enterprise Connect offer Avaya bankruptcy contingency plan steps to prepare for the worst.

• March 28, 2017 28 Mar'17

  Unified communications vendors outlooks on cloud differ

  While hybrid deployments are the reality now, some unified communications vendors might disagree on the future of cloud communications and on-premises systems.

• March 28, 2017 28 Mar'17

  Microsoft adds enterprise features to Skype for Business telephony

  Microsoft has added call management features to Skype for Business telephony. The company introduced the improved version of the cloud-based software at Enterprise Connect.

• March 27, 2017 27 Mar'17

  8x8 launches contact center service for teams, small businesses

  8x8 has launched ContactNow, a contact center service for small businesses and teams that offers contact center capabilities with a pay-as-you-go cost model.

• March 27, 2017 27 Mar'17

  RingCentral updates focus on team messaging, integrations, AI

  Ahead of Enterprise Connect 2017, RingCentral unveils a slew of updates targeting collaborative communications, including a new user interface and chatbot technology.

• March 24, 2017 24 Mar'17

  Latest collaboration products on display at Enterprise Connect 2017

  Vendors will exhibit their latest UC products at Enterprise Connect 2017, from collaboration tools for huddle rooms to apps that support enterprise mobility.

• March 23, 2017 23 Mar'17

  Consider consolidating your collaboration features

  A new report suggests enterprises should consider consolidating many of their collaboration capabilities, as communications platforms now offer more bells and whistles.

• March 21, 2017 21 Mar'17

  Team collaboration apps headline Enterprise Connect 2017

  Slack, Cisco Spark, Microsoft Teams and other team collaboration apps are tweaking traditional UC systems. Plus, Amazon and Google enter the fray as potential players.

• March 21, 2017 21 Mar'17

  Enterprise Connect 2017 conference coverage

  The unified communications industry is undergoing changes. Track these latest trends in our comprehensive coverage of Enterprise Connect 2017.

• March 15, 2017 15 Mar'17

  Google Hangouts apps for business carry uncertainties

  The latest Google Hangouts apps are a competitive team collaboration offering from a vendor with a spotty track record in enterprise technology.

• March 15, 2017 15 Mar'17

  Live streaming services flow into business communications

  Streaming video services can reach vast audiences, provide meeting management, introduce employees to video capabilities and create a library of company knowledge.

• March 14, 2017 14 Mar'17

  Virtual reality could create more immersive visual collaboration

  Virtual reality services could offer enterprises lower-cost, immersive visual collaboration, but technical and security hurdles must be addressed.

• March 10, 2017 10 Mar'17

  Enterprise cloud adoption slow, but momentum building

  Historically, cloud technology has scared off large enterprises due to security concerns. Now, as cloud security improves, enterprise cloud migration is on the rise.

• March 10, 2017 10 Mar'17

  Cloud UC and video conferencing adoption see uptick

  Cloud-based unified communications and video conferencing adoption are seeing gradual increases, according to a new survey. Plus, Cisco and Microsoft still reign supreme.

• March 08, 2017 08 Mar'17

  West UC, Dolby partner to improve voice call quality

  In UC news, West UC and Dolby partner to bring improved voice call quality to audio conferences, while a vendor survey reveals SMB cloud services buying habits.

• February 28, 2017 28 Feb'17

  Cisco, Ericsson deliver Spark services over fixed, mobile networks

  By the end of the year, Cisco and Ericsson will release technology that lets service providers deliver Spark services over fixed or mobile networks.

• February 24, 2017 24 Feb'17

  ShoreTel offers Google Chrome integration with G Suite

  In UC news, ShoreTel integrates its Connect platform with Google G Suite, while RingCentral Glip achieves HIPAA compliance for secure team chat in healthcare.

• February 24, 2017 24 Feb'17

  Fuze links cloud communications platform with customer service data

  In UC news, Fuze integrates its cloud communications platform with customer service systems, and BroadSoft's quarterly revenue rises, but profits tumble.

• February 22, 2017 22 Feb'17

  UC security lags despite the cloud creating new threats

  UC security is not a priority, according to a survey of IT professionals. But security should not be overlooked, as cloud UC creates new risks.

• February 15, 2017 15 Feb'17

  AWS launches Amazon Chime, challenges Cisco WebEx, Microsoft Skype

  Amazon Web Services has introduced Amazon Chime, a communications-as-a-service product that could become a strong rival to Cisco WebEx and Microsoft Skype for Business.

• February 14, 2017 14 Feb'17

  Avaya Zang UC, team collaboration launched under bankruptcy cloud

  The new Avaya Zang cloud-based UC services will compete with Cisco Spark and Microsoft Skype for Business. But getting customers may be difficult due to the Avaya bankruptcy.

• February 10, 2017 10 Feb'17

  Organizations ramping up UC cloud services adoption

  In UC news, a vendor survey finds organizations are ramping up adoption of UC cloud services, while enterprise mobile apps fail to live up to user expectations for ease of use.

• February 08, 2017 08 Feb'17

  Video APIs garner Network Innovation Award for Vidyo

  The newly released Vidyo PaaS, Vidyo.io, has won TechTarget's Network Innovation Award, for allowing developers to embed video conferencing capabilities into business apps.

• February 02, 2017 02 Feb'17

  Slack Enterprise Grid needs more than tech to beat Microsoft Teams

  The new Slack Enterprise Grid has the technology basics for business. But winning large enterprise deals will require a better strategy against Microsoft.

• February 01, 2017 01 Feb'17

  We need to talk ... about team chat app security

  Team collaboration applications such as Slack and Unify Circuit can make life easier for enterprises. But for some organizations, the risk might not be worth the reward.

• January 27, 2017 27 Jan'17

  Cloud migration challenges continue to vex enterprises

  Analysts discuss how providers can support cloud migrations, how workflow automation aids digital transformation, and Zoom's position in the cloud video market.

• January 24, 2017 24 Jan'17

  Cisco melds Spark collaboration with interactive display screen

  Cisco is bringing the virtual world of its team collaboration app into the physical meeting room with the launch of the Spark Board interactive display screen.

• January 23, 2017 23 Jan'17

  At $6 billion, is the Avaya debt too much to overcome?

  As the UC vendor files for bankruptcy protection, it assures customers that products and services will continue. But, as the Avaya debt story unfolds, what's after Chapter 11?

• January 20, 2017 20 Jan'17

  Avaya bankruptcy filing targets restructuring for cloud, software

  Avaya has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as it focuses on restructuring its $6 billion debt. Analysts anticipate a revamped emphasis on cloud-based Avaya services.

• January 19, 2017 19 Jan'17

  A hybrid deployment gives organizations UC flexibility

  Two factors are driving the hybrid deployment of unified communications: infrastructure needs and business value. But enterprises need to navigate certain deployment turbulence.

• January 17, 2017 17 Jan'17

  PGi to acquire cloud communications provider ReadyTalk

  In UC news, collaboration software provider PGi is set to acquire cloud communications provider ReadyTalk; IHS Markit report names BroadSoft as UCaaS platform market share leader.

• January 17, 2017 17 Jan'17

  Shufflrr cloud-based asset management reins in PowerPoint sprawl

  Businesses can have hundreds of presentations -- old and new -- floating around with no way to impose control and compliance on their use. Shufflrr sees that as a SaaS opportunity.

• January 13, 2017 13 Jan'17

  A Skype for Business deployment requires plenty of planning

  Here's some advice for a Skype for Business deployment: Plan, plan, plan. Doing your homework upfront and allotting enough network capacity should alleviate headaches later.

• January 12, 2017 12 Jan'17

  Microsoft team collaboration software gains momentum

  In UC news, Microsoft team collaboration tools garner more interest among organizations. Plus, email encryption services see increased demand to mitigate data breaches.

• January 10, 2017 10 Jan'17

  Atlassian to acquire Trello to bolster work management tools

  Atlassian is acquiring Trello for $425 million. Trello's work management tools will become a part of Atlassian HipChat and Confluence.

• January 06, 2017 06 Jan'17

  AI, messaging top unified communications industry trends

  Unified communications industry analysts explore the trends that will affect organizations in 2017. Artificial intelligence, messaging and infrastructure are key areas to watch.

• December 22, 2016 22 Dec'16

  The top five unified communications news stories of 2016

  Take a look at the news that affected the unified communications industry in 2016 -- from Microsoft's Skype for Business updates to Mitel's attempt to acquire Polycom.

• December 21, 2016 21 Dec'16

  Mitel UCaaS business to benefit from mobile division sale

  Mitel plans to sell its carrier-focused mobile business to concentrate on the UCC market and grow the Mitel UCaaS business.

• December 15, 2016 15 Dec'16

  Unify adds hybrid communications platform for enterprises

  In UC news, Unify releases a version of its OpenScape platform that supports hybrid communications, while ShoreTel and StarLeaf partner for integrated video collaboration.

• December 08, 2016 08 Dec'16

  ALE launches must-have collaboration service with Rainbow software

  ALE enters a crowded collaboration market with the release of its cloud-based Rainbow software. The collaboration service is seen as a critical addition to ALE's UC system.

• December 02, 2016 02 Dec'16

  Avaya updates contact-center platform for midsize companies

  In UC news, Avaya updates its contact-center platform to support midsize companies, while join.me offers real-time collaboration integrations with apps like Slack and HipChat.

• December 01, 2016 01 Dec'16

  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.

• December 01, 2016 01 Dec'16

  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.