Unified communications has caught on in most businesses quite nicely at this point, and it continues to grow. Many CIOs, for example, are learning how they can save money while improving productivity, which is often a hard part to prove when pitching the need for UC. In this environment, many UC tools are considered almost a necessity, and are likely to be found at any workstation.
Naturally, Microsoft Lync is everywhere, and for good reason. It combines IM, presence and conferencing while connecting to Skype (News - Alert) and integrated with Office 365. It’s no surprise that solutions everywhere are looking to integrate with it, since there are few things that can’t be made better with Lync integration.
Speaking of solutions that have integrated with Lync, the Polycom (News - Alert) RealPresence is excellent for HD voice and video, and is constantly improving in scalability, collaboration and interoperability. It’s a great choice for videoconferencing, providing a great and natural-feeling experience.
One must not forget Cisco (News - Alert) either, with the Unified Communications Manager (CUCM) and Manager Express (CME). When it comes to managing one’s communications, the CUCM provides great features, such as the “extend and connect” for using an additional line when the usual ones are down, as well as IM, presence, visual voicemail, and more. The CME offers great voice and video call services, with security, video and gateway services, and data networking.
With all these great tools available, it’s no surprise that more businesses are investing in unified communications and business VoIP services. Once a company migrates from the older voice and data connections, all it needs is a single network to route calls between desk phones, mobile phones, and computers, as well as access voicemail, e-mail and IM tools.
It may seem like a big investment at first, but the benefits and savings from UC far outweigh the initial costs. Now you know where to start, but odds are, you’re using one or more of these services already.
Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO Miami 2013, Jan 29- Feb. 1 in Miami, Florida. Stay in touch with everything happening at ITEXPO (News - Alert). Follow us on Twitter.
Edited by Rachel Ramsey