News

News

• 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.

• November 23, 2016 23 Nov'16

  Skype for Business expands from desktop to room video conferencing

  Microsoft is expanding beyond desktop video with partnerships that integrate room video conferencing hardware with Skype for Business. Logitech's SmartDock is the first available integration.

• November 21, 2016 21 Nov'16

  Hosted IP telephony propelled by integrated communications

  In UC news, the UCaaS and hosted IP telephony market is surging, as organizations integrate communication tools. Meanwhile, Fuze introduces a webcasting service.

• November 11, 2016 11 Nov'16

  Hybrid services a key focus to Cisco Spark updates

  In UC news, Cisco has announced new hybrid services to its collaboration platform, while BroadSoft has introduced a UCaaS platform for small and large businesses.

• November 04, 2016 04 Nov'16

  Microsoft takes on Slack with new team chat app

  Microsoft has unveiled its new team chat app, Microsoft Teams. The app is built into Office 365 and looks to compete with Slack, Cisco Spark and Unify Circuit.

• November 01, 2016 01 Nov'16

  HipChat gets Alexa integration tool for voice-activated tasks

  HipChat is offering through its marketplace an add-on for Amazon Alexa integration. The SoftServe voice bot is aimed at software development teams.

• October 28, 2016 28 Oct'16

  Genband and IBM partner for UCC software integration

  In UC news, Genband and IBM partner to offer UCC software with cognitive intelligence capabilities, while CafeX offers an omnichannel contact center in Microsoft Dynamics.

• October 25, 2016 25 Oct'16

  Avaya Aura Platform gets user interface overhaul

  The new Equinox software client for the Avaya Aura Platform delivers UC services to mobile devices, desktops and the Chrome web browser.

• October 20, 2016 20 Oct'16

  Cisco to add Worklife team-meeting software to Spark

  Cisco buys startup Worklife to fold its team-meeting software into Spark. Worklife provides tools for creating and sharing tasks, agendas and meeting notes.

• October 13, 2016 13 Oct'16

  Skype for Business enterprise voice trials ramp up

  In UC news, Skype for Business enterprise voice trials surge among small and large organizations, while Fuze updates the user interface for its cloud communications platform.

• October 13, 2016 13 Oct'16

  New Lifesize video system focuses on huddle room market

  The burgeoning market for huddle rooms, or small meeting spaces, is seeing a diverse set of products that aim to enrich the video collaboration experience.

• October 12, 2016 12 Oct'16

  Features fall short in Facebook enterprise social network Workplace

  Facebook's enterprise social network, Workplace, lacks integration with popular business applications and protections for corporate data.

• October 04, 2016 04 Oct'16

  Yammer, Office 365 Groups integrate for online team collaboration

  Yammer's integration with Office 365 Groups reveals Microsoft's collaboration roadmap, but raises questions for on-premises Office 365 users.

• October 03, 2016 03 Oct'16

  Microsoft partners help drive Skype for Business meetings in enterprise

  Crestron, Logitech and Polycom have introduced product support for Skype for Business meetings that make the UC service a better enterprise option.

• September 28, 2016 28 Sep'16

  Cisco and Salesforce plan joint UCC development

  Cisco and Salesforce have agreed to develop and market Cisco Spark and WebEx for Salesforce's online software for sales and customer service.

• September 28, 2016 28 Sep'16

  Prysm adds guest mode to visual workplace meeting service

  In UC news, Prysm adds guest mode to allow outside users into its visual workplace software, while video analytics is seeing growing interest in several verticals.

• September 26, 2016 26 Sep'16

  Twilio adds WebRTC media server with Kurento acquisition

  UC analysts examine Twilio's plans for Kurento's WebRTC media server, the relationship between service providers and cloud channel partners, and the Panopto-Ramp partnership.

• September 21, 2016 21 Sep'16

  Apple iOS update falls short for UC apps

  The new Apple iOS update removes many, but not all, of the limitations that have hindered the use of mobile UC apps on the iPhone.

• September 15, 2016 15 Sep'16

  Google expands UC reach with API platform buy, Box partnership

  In UC news, Google is expanding its UC capabilities with a Box partnership and API acquisition, while a survey found mobile app design for wearables is a challenge.

• September 09, 2016 09 Sep'16

  In summer of discontent, UC vendor consolidation ruffles customers

  Following an uncertain summer, unified communications vendor consolidation has made some customers postpone purchases, while others expect price drops and market innovation.

• September 07, 2016 07 Sep'16

  Contact center market consolidates with Genesys buy

  Genesys is set to acquire Interactive Intelligence to expand its reach in the cloud contact center market. The deal raises questions around Genesys' reported bid for Avaya's call center business.

• September 01, 2016 01 Sep'16

  Can you hear me now? How the IP telephone makes the enterprise work

  In the age of Snapchat and Slack, IP phones don't get much buzz … but that doesn't mean they've retired. In fact, many businesses rely on them now more than ever.

• August 31, 2016 31 Aug'16

  Microsoft shakes up UCaaS Magic Quadrant with cloud-based Skype

  In UC news, the UCaaS market has evolved past the early adopter phase as services mature, while video PaaS is expected to see growth as users look to embed real-time video in apps.

• August 31, 2016 31 Aug'16

  Vidyo to provide video PaaS development at no charge

  Vidyo plans to offer tools and APIs at no cost to developers building applications with the company's upcoming video PaaS.

• August 30, 2016 30 Aug'16

  Organizations take wait-and-see approach to UCC industry consolidation

  As some UC vendors look to sell off assets and others look for acquisitions, enterprise buyers shelve purchasing decisions, as they await the outcome of industry consolidation.

• August 25, 2016 25 Aug'16

  Microsoft to tap Genee online intelligence for Office 365

  Microsoft plans to use startup Genee's online intelligence to automate calendaring tasks in Office 365. Microsoft acquired Genee this week.

• August 18, 2016 18 Aug'16

  Avaya revenue down, as demand for UC hardware continues to drop

  In UC news, Avaya's revenue drops, as the demand for UC hardware wanes, while Broadview unveils a UC software integration with Microsoft and Google.

• August 18, 2016 18 Aug'16

  Atlassian launches HipChat group video calling

  Atlassian has responded to customer demand by launching HipChat group video calling. One-to-one video calling in HipChat has doubled annually since the feature's introduction in 2014.

• August 16, 2016 16 Aug'16

  Cisco Meeting Server connects Skype for Business and Cisco video

  The new Cisco Meeting Server delivers integration between the company's on-premises video conferencing hardware and Skype for Business.

• July 29, 2016 29 Jul'16

  Microsoft Stream marks major push in business video

  Microsoft Stream, backed by the vendor's marketing power, is expected to draw more enterprises into the business video market.