http://www.ucstrategies.com/rss/content_all.aspxUnified Communications Strategies - An industry resource for enterprises, vendors, and system integrators. http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/insight-now-offers-8x8-cloud-solutions.aspx Insight Enterprises, Inc. has expanded the offerings of its InsightCloud Solutions Center with the addition of 8x8 cloud communications solutions. Fri, 24 May 2013 13:40:00 GMT UCStrategies Staff http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/insight-now-offers-8x8-cloud-solutions.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/hyper-v-from-dell-with-windows-server-2012-support-for-openstack.aspx Microsoft Windows Server Hyper-V will now be made available by Dell, who intend to use this as a hypervisor choice for the OpenStack cloud platform. Fri, 24 May 2013 13:35:00 GMT UCStrategies Staff http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/hyper-v-from-dell-with-windows-server-2012-support-for-openstack.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/ooma-expands-ooma-office-with-small-business-phone-system.aspx Following the departure of Microsoft Response Point in 2009/ 2010 and the diminishing presence of Cisco small business phone systems, there has been a gap in meeting the demands of telecommunications in small business. Ooma is stepping up to fill this gap. Its new product, Ooma Office, offers an unlimited number of calls in the U.S. and Canada for $19.99 per month. Fri, 24 May 2013 13:21:11 GMT UCStrategies Staff http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/ooma-expands-ooma-office-with-small-business-phone-system.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/agentless-contact-center-solutions.aspx What comes to mind with the term “customer self-service?” If you are currently thinking about “press 1 for this” or “press 2 for that,” it is time to rethink self-service. The modern IVR, like all aspects of UC, is multi-modal. Thu, 23 May 2013 18:22:32 GMT Dave Michels http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/agentless-contact-center-solutions.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/dinmanage-from-dincloud-streamlines-cloud-migration.aspx A new cloud management platform called dinManage is now available through Los Angeles, California-based dinCloud, a cloud transformation company which assists organizations in moving their IT infrastructure to the cloud. Thu, 23 May 2013 14:10:00 GMT UCStrategies Staff http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/dinmanage-from-dincloud-streamlines-cloud-migration.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/vmware-vcloud-hybrid-service-launched-and-set-to-take-on-rivals.aspx The vCloud Hybrid Service has been unveiled by VMware, and seeks to compete with rival cloud service providers. The infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) cloud has been developed using the company’s vSphere as a base, and has been designed so that it can broaden the reach of VMware’s virtualization software into the public cloud. Thu, 23 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT UCStrategies Staff http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/vmware-vcloud-hybrid-service-launched-and-set-to-take-on-rivals.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/industry-events/webrtc-conference-and-expo.aspx UCStrategies' Phil Edholm is working with TMC as chair of the WebRTC Conference and Expo, June 25-27 in Atlanta. He has a two-for-one offer for readers of UCStrategies to attend the conference. Wed, 22 May 2013 19:10:00 GMT http://www.ucstrategies.com/industry-events/webrtc-conference-and-expo.aspx UC Industry Events http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/nokia-siemens-intros-new-tools-to-optimize-mobile-video.aspx Nokia Siemens Networks debuts new tools that enable improved video performance on mobile devices. The data networking and telecommunications equipment company touts that its new video optimization solution can match video quality to a user’s mobile device, as well as minimize radio network loading by up to 25 percent and video stalling by up to 90 percent. Wed, 22 May 2013 14:40:06 GMT UCStrategies Staff http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/nokia-siemens-intros-new-tools-to-optimize-mobile-video.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/blackberry-q5-targets-emerging-markets-q10-gets-u-s-release-in-june.aspx BlackBerry unveils its BlackBerry Q5, a 3.1-inch, BB10-powered qwerty smartphone scheduled for release this summer to target emerging markets. BlackBerry CEO Thorsten Heins also says that the qwerty BlackBerry Q10, which is now sold in 14 countries, will first become available from U.S. carriers in early June. Wed, 22 May 2013 14:32:13 GMT UCStrategies Staff http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/blackberry-q5-targets-emerging-markets-q10-gets-u-s-release-in-june.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/-12m-investment-in-cloudant.aspx $12 million of Series B funding has been presented to Boston, Massachusetts based Cloudant this comes from a number of investors, including Rackspace Hosting. Wed, 22 May 2013 14:25:15 GMT UCStrategies Staff http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/-12m-investment-in-cloudant.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/vmware-hybrid-cloud-service-set-for-release.aspx VMware’s hybrid cloud strategy is set to be unveiled this week, and it appears as though it will intensify competition with Amazon Web Services and other competitors in the market. Wed, 22 May 2013 14:15:39 GMT UCStrategies Staff http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/vmware-hybrid-cloud-service-set-for-release.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/do-mcus-make-sense.aspx The MCU, or multi-point control unit, has been the heart of modern videoconferencing. The MCU decodes the video streams and then encodes an appropriate mix of video streams for each participant into a single stream. But there are several factors that threaten the future of MCU hardware. It’s becoming questionable if they still make sense. Wed, 22 May 2013 13:05:00 GMT Dave Michels http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/do-mcus-make-sense.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/mx-release-8-0-enhances-zultys-uc-platform.aspx MX Release 8.0 was released last week by Zultys, a key provider of unified communications solutions which leverages businesses and aids them in collaborating effectively, for its MX Unified Communications platform. Tue, 21 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT UCStrategies Staff http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/mx-release-8-0-enhances-zultys-uc-platform.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/mean-people-rule.aspx Somehow, I got a virus – a fake JAVA upgrade got past my rigorous security processes. I share this tale because security and encryption must be among the most boring of UC topics, yet something that must be prioritized and understood. VoIP attacks are common – do you have an SBC? Security needs to be top of mind, and it isn’t something that can be delegated to an Anti-Virus program. Tue, 21 May 2013 14:15:00 GMT Dave Michels http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/mean-people-rule.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/emc-catalyst-telecom-partnership-to-offer-emc-avaya-ip-office-bundles.aspx An OEM partnership between EMC and Catalyst Telecom was announced last week at the Advantage 2013 partner conference, and will mean that EMC storage is bundled with Avaya’s IP Office unified communications suite and provide the bundled solution via the channel. Tue, 21 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT UCStrategies Staff http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/emc-catalyst-telecom-partnership-to-offer-emc-avaya-ip-office-bundles.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/webrtc-who-is-your-peer.aspx With Tsahi Levent-Levi joining the UCStrategies Experts, we are truly embracing WebRTC going forward. And why not? It sure appears the WebRTC "peers" are about to explode. Tue, 21 May 2013 13:40:00 GMT Phil Edholm http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/webrtc-who-is-your-peer.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/perficient-continues-expansion-with-clear-task-acquisition.aspx San Francisco-based provider of consulting services for Salesforce.com cloud applications, Clear Task, has been acquired by solution provider Perficient for $7.9 million ($6.3 million in cash and $1.6 million in the company’s common stock), and is the latest purchase in the company’s expansion plans. Mon, 20 May 2013 17:30:00 GMT UCStrategies Staff http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/perficient-continues-expansion-with-clear-task-acquisition.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/windows-8-will-not-become-an-enterprise-standard-forrester-research-says.aspx IT research firm Forrester predicts that most businesses will not make Windows 8 their primary standard because the operating system will not get enough adoption. Mon, 20 May 2013 14:10:11 GMT UCStrategies Staff http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/windows-8-will-not-become-an-enterprise-standard-forrester-research-says.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/shoretel-unveils-cordless-dect-phone-and-system-management-capabilities-2.aspx ShoreTel releases its new cordless IP 930D business phone and details about the expanded system management capabilities of web-based application ShoreTel Director. Mon, 20 May 2013 13:55:00 GMT UCStrategies Staff http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/shoretel-unveils-cordless-dect-phone-and-system-management-capabilities-2.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/spiceworks-survey-finds-smbs-favor-byod-but-cite-security-concerns.aspx According to a survey titled “As BYOD Becomes Mainstream, Complexity Increases for SMBs” conducted by Spiceworks, it is apparent that there is much support for BYOD initiatives among SMBs, but concern relating to security as a result of employee loss, theft, or misuse of mobile devices. Mon, 20 May 2013 13:30:00 GMT UCStrategies Staff http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/spiceworks-survey-finds-smbs-favor-byod-but-cite-security-concerns.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/restarting-the-conversation.aspx Everything is changing and everyone is confused (though not everyone will admit it). In the days of yore, telecom was pretty stable. It is far more than just the technology that is shifting. The rules, roles, attitudes, business models, expectations, and vocabulary are changing as well. Mon, 20 May 2013 13:12:30 GMT Dave Michels http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/restarting-the-conversation.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/interactions-2013-we-have-liftoff.aspx While some of its competitors have had to explain to stockholders about recent poor performance, Interactive Intelligence continues to not only grow, but remain profitable, separating the company from most of its competitors. At the company’s “Interactions” event for customers, partners, consultants, and analysts in Indianapolis this week, I got to view some of the reasons why the company has been so successful. Fri, 17 May 2013 18:55:00 GMT Blair Pleasant http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/interactions-2013-we-have-liftoff.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/ciscos-q3-earnings-show-that-non-core-products-are-growing-2.aspx Cisco Systems, Inc. reports its FY 2013 Q3 earnings, revealing a net profit of $2.5 billion and sales of $12.2 billion. On a GAAP basis, net profit for the first nine months of FY 2013 was $7.7 billion, compared with $6.1 billion in the same period last year. Fri, 17 May 2013 16:25:00 GMT UCStrategies Staff http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/ciscos-q3-earnings-show-that-non-core-products-are-growing-2.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/financial-results-from-the-voip-and-ip-pbx-producers.aspx In the past week Avaya and Cisco reported financial results. These two companies are the market share leaders for new shipments of enterprise telephony stations in North America and are two of the top market share holders on a global basis. The results show no revenue growth in the enterprise telephony markets from these two leaders. Fri, 17 May 2013 14:47:33 GMT Marty Parker http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/financial-results-from-the-voip-and-ip-pbx-producers.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/google-voice-asleep-at-the-switch.aspx I was an early champion of Google Voice. I felt the concept really had legs. Over the past few years, I’ve changed my tune. I came to realize that Google didn’t have interest in Google Voice and the service languishes within the Googleplex. UC vendors don’t need to fear Google, but rather figure out how to leverage it. Thu, 16 May 2013 20:00:38 GMT Dave Michels http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/google-voice-asleep-at-the-switch.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/case-studies/fortune-500-bank-migrates-contact-centers-to-cost-effective-voip-architecture-with-sonus-sip-trunking-solution.aspx The Bank’s deployment of the Sonus solution made a potentially costly and disruptive migration from TDM to IP telephony costefficient and manageable. In replacing their legacy low-density media gateways with the Sonus GSX9000 high-density media gateway, The Bank saw a 60% savings in data center real estate, plus further savings through the elimination of carrier transcoding charges. The solution’s hardware redundancy and call admission control features bolstered The Bank’s contact center business continuity by improving its ability to recover from equipment failures and handle overload conditions. In addition, The Bank addressed government-mandated privacy issues through the Sonus solution’s high-performance, hardware-based call encryption. Thu, 16 May 2013 15:40:34 GMT http://www.ucstrategies.com/case-studies/fortune-500-bank-migrates-contact-centers-to-cost-effective-voip-architecture-with-sonus-sip-trunking-solution.aspx UCStrategies Case Studies http://www.ucstrategies.com/case-studies/the-airline-increases-call-center-efficiency-with-sonus-sip-trunking-solution.aspx Sonus helped “The Airline,” a Global 2000 company, improve their business productivity and call center efficiency with a SIP trunking solution featuring centralized call routing, session border control and media gateway technology. Thu, 16 May 2013 15:21:09 GMT http://www.ucstrategies.com/case-studies/the-airline-increases-call-center-efficiency-with-sonus-sip-trunking-solution.aspx UCStrategies Case Studies http://www.ucstrategies.com/white-papers/sonus-session-management-unlocking-sips-true-potential-with-session-management.aspx The industry-wide acceptance of SIP has laid the foundation for blended voice/data/video networks at a physical level, but a new SIP session management layer is required to tie these elements together at an experiential level. Going forward, holistic SIP session management will be the key to generating sustainable subscriber revenue in a Cloud-based economy, retaining customers and capitalizing on Unified Communications. Thu, 16 May 2013 14:46:20 GMT http://www.ucstrategies.com/white-papers/sonus-session-management-unlocking-sips-true-potential-with-session-management.aspx UCStrategies White Papers http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/sophos-cloud-security-solution-for-channel-partners.aspx Sophos UTM Connected has been made available by Sophos, and marks the introduction of UTM managed endpoint protection with unique Web in Endpoint functionality, broader wireless coverage for large scale wireless deployments and higher performance networking, and ensures that channel partners can work securely. Thu, 16 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT UCStrategies Staff http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/sophos-cloud-security-solution-for-channel-partners.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/white-papers/sip-to-sip-the-interop-dilemma-and-how-you-can-fix-it.aspx While SIP interoperability will remain an issue for the foreseeable future, the solutions discussed in this paper are designed to effectively mitigate those issues and deliver on the promise of any-media, any-device communications. Network operators simply need to look for SIP products that reflect the reality of SIP interoperability and provide flexible, reliable methods for SIP translation between networks and network devices. Thu, 16 May 2013 14:28:23 GMT http://www.ucstrategies.com/white-papers/sip-to-sip-the-interop-dilemma-and-how-you-can-fix-it.aspx UCStrategies White Papers http://www.ucstrategies.com/white-papers/enabling-resilient-secure-and-high-availability-voice-services-in-microsoft-lync-deployments.aspx SBCs for Increased Enterprise Voice Security and Resiliency Thu, 16 May 2013 14:17:25 GMT http://www.ucstrategies.com/white-papers/enabling-resilient-secure-and-high-availability-voice-services-in-microsoft-lync-deployments.aspx UCStrategies White Papers http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/lightyears-assets-set-to-be-acquired-by-birch-communications.aspx An asset purchase agreement has been signed by Birch Communications in order to purchase key customer and network assets from Lightyear Network Solutions, Inc. Thu, 16 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT UCStrategies Staff http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/lightyears-assets-set-to-be-acquired-by-birch-communications.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/mobile-app-connects-office-365-components.aspx The mobile application Harmon.ie 4.0 claims to enhance the use of Office 365 on mobile devices, including those powered by Android, BlackBerry, and iOS. With Harmon.ie 4.0 on their mobile devices, business users can create, edit, save, and share documents while running Office 365 components, such as Office Web Apps, Outlook, SharePoint Online, SkyDrive Pro, and Yammer. Thu, 16 May 2013 13:45:00 GMT UCStrategies Staff http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/mobile-app-connects-office-365-components.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/gartners-q1-smartphone-report-finds-android-in-top-spot.aspx The Gartner Q1 report for mobile phone/smartphone shipments shows that Google’s Android operating system has demonstrated a strong growth rate, and it looks like this is set to continue for the rest of the year. Thu, 16 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT UCStrategies Staff http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/gartners-q1-smartphone-report-finds-android-in-top-spot.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/navigis-integration-complete-servicenow-growth-expected.aspx It is expected that Cloud Sherpas will announce the completion of its Navigis integration, at some point this week. It is expected that the ServiceNow business will experience growth because of the acquisition of Navigis in December last year. Thu, 16 May 2013 12:06:33 GMT UCStrategies Staff http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/navigis-integration-complete-servicenow-growth-expected.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/case-studies/sonus-sees-productivity-gains-significant-roi-after-lync-implementation.aspx In April of 2013, Sonus completed its companywide rollout of Lync UC. The company has seen a significant return on investment (ROI) both in terms of operational and capital savings as well as increased productivity and collaboration among its 1,100 worldwide employees. Despite.the fact that Sonus was not replacing a legacy PBX system, which is often where Lync customers can realize the greatest savings, the company has already seen a nearly 200% ROI. Wed, 15 May 2013 20:55:06 GMT http://www.ucstrategies.com/case-studies/sonus-sees-productivity-gains-significant-roi-after-lync-implementation.aspx UCStrategies Case Studies http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/software-the-softer-side-of-sears.aspx Sears plans to convert some shuttered or underperforming stores into data centers. The retail giant formed a new subsidiary last March called Ubiquity Critical Environments LLC, which is chartered to convert selected Sears and Kmart properties into data centers – complete with servers, coolers, and back-up generators. Ubiquity also intends to rent rooftops to telecommunication companies. Wed, 15 May 2013 18:35:00 GMT Dave Michels http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/software-the-softer-side-of-sears.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/two-new-ways-for-a-uc-vendor-to-look-at-webrtc.aspx I want to offer a different prism through which to look at WebRTC. Up until now, the only prism UC vendors used is in the area of accessing their existing architecture and solution. I want to offer two new prisms for you. If you start using them in parallel with your current worldview – you will only benefit. Wed, 15 May 2013 17:50:05 GMT Tsahi Levent-Levi http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/two-new-ways-for-a-uc-vendor-to-look-at-webrtc.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/exciting-offer-for-webrtc-conference-and-expo.aspx As chair of the WebRTC Conference and Expo, in Atlanta, June 25-27, I have secured a two-for-one offer for readers of UCStrategies to attend the conference. With this special offer, you can register two attendees for the price of one. Wed, 15 May 2013 14:57:29 GMT Phil Edholm http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/exciting-offer-for-webrtc-conference-and-expo.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/context-reversing-televolution.aspx It is amazing how much our attitudes toward context have changed. The question is, will we ever have enough contextual information to be truly aware of a given situation or are we better going without contextual hints? In other words, is all this context a good thing? Wed, 15 May 2013 13:31:55 GMT Dave Michels http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/context-reversing-televolution.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/ms-office-lync-vulnerabilities-can-be-exploited-by-attackers-to-control-infected-systems.aspx An advanced notification bulletin issued by Microsoft alerts users about vulnerabilities in Microsoft Office and UC platform Microsoft Lync. The vulnerabilities can be used by attackers to remotely execute commands and gain control of infected systems. Tue, 14 May 2013 14:35:30 GMT UCStrategies Staff http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/ms-office-lync-vulnerabilities-can-be-exploited-by-attackers-to-control-infected-systems.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/desktone-extends-cloud-hosted-desktop-platform.aspx By adding a new on-premises cloud-managed virtual desktop solution, Desktone has broadened the reach of its cloud-hosted desktop platform. Cloud Provider manages the offering remotely, and is situated at the customer site, providing enterprises and SMBs the choice of the best cloud model to suit their business: public, private, or hybrid. Tue, 14 May 2013 13:30:00 GMT UCStrategies Staff http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/desktone-extends-cloud-hosted-desktop-platform.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/webrtc-deliveries-are-starting-in-the-enterprise.aspx As you know, I believe that WebRTC is a transformational technology. I think we can look forward to the significant impacts that WebRTC will have on markets, companies, societies and humanity in general. However, WebRTC also needs the underpinnings to make it a viable money-making technology. This combination of long-range transformational benefit and short-range profit generation is the combination that will ensure WebRTC success. Tue, 14 May 2013 12:45:00 GMT Phil Edholm http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/webrtc-deliveries-are-starting-in-the-enterprise.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/tpn-expands-to-europe.aspx The vast majority of UCaaS offerings are restricted to a single country. Thinking Phone Networks (TPN) has been building traction with some international accounts, and today formally launched its expansion into Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). Mon, 13 May 2013 17:35:00 GMT Dave Michels http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/tpn-expands-to-europe.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/shoretel-tackles-byod-with-shoretel-dock-and-mobility.aspx ShoreTel has announced its new ShoreTel Dock, which is a docking station that allows the iPhone and iPad to be used as a business desk phone. This move seeks to transform Apple’s iPad and iPhone into enterprise grade communication devices. Mon, 13 May 2013 14:16:37 GMT UCStrategies Staff http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/shoretel-tackles-byod-with-shoretel-dock-and-mobility.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/mobile-customer-interaction-technologies-for-supervisors.aspx Mobile technologies for customer service are hot – but most of the attention has been focused on how customers can get customer service and support from their mobile devices. There’s another aspect that hasn’t received as much attention – yet. With the growth of mobile devices in the workforce, managers and supervisors no longer have to be tied to their desks. They are free and untethered, allowed to move from place to place while accessing the information they need at their fingertips. Mon, 13 May 2013 12:30:00 GMT Blair Pleasant http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/mobile-customer-interaction-technologies-for-supervisors.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/blackmore-to-retire-from-shoretel.aspx ShoreTel announced that its CEO, Peter Blackmore, intends to retire. Blackmore was hired as the CEO in December of 2010. He will remain on as CEO while the firm conducts the search for his replacement. Fri, 10 May 2013 18:00:00 GMT Dave Michels http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/blackmore-to-retire-from-shoretel.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/skypes-expands-coverage-to-admin-tool-for-businesses.aspx Skype Manager, the web-based management tool allowing businesses to centrally run Skype, now covers more than 170 countries. And on top of broadening the geographical base, Skype has also made Skype Manager available to all subscriptions. Fri, 10 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT UCStrategies Staff http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/skypes-expands-coverage-to-admin-tool-for-businesses.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/new-integrated-byod-solution-architecture.aspx A New York-based value-added distributor, Westcon Group, is to collaborate with BlueCat and Fiberlink on a new, integrated BYOD solution, which will make it easier for the on-boarding process to occur. It will also improve security and mobile device management, and will lift BlueCat’s network security technology and on-premise virtual appliance, along with the cloud-based MDM capabilities of Fiberlink. Fri, 10 May 2013 13:55:00 GMT UCStrategies Staff http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/new-integrated-byod-solution-architecture.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/putting-context-in-uc.aspx Context is also a big topic in mobility, though (like most things mobile) it has been focused on B2C interactions. Context refers to the sum total of what the customer has told us along with what we can glean from other sources to optimize the user experience: transaction history, time, speed (e.g. stationary, walking, in a vehicle), and most importantly, location. We could potentially draw on other sources like social media entries, and the types of transactions or information that user has engaged in before. Fri, 10 May 2013 13:01:56 GMT Michael Finneran http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/putting-context-in-uc.aspx UCStrategies Views