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-strategies-views/uc-summit-2012-takeaways-its-only-uc-but-i-like-it.aspx This was my first UC Summit, but as you may know, I’ve been following this space for some time. So, what can I add that hasn’t already been said? My overall takeaway is that it’s time to rewrite the rules. More to the point, there are no rules, nobody’s really in charge, and nobody really knows the right answers. Could there ever be a more perfect storm of uncertainty and opportunity at the same time in this market? Wed, 16 May 2012 17:00:38 GMT Jon Arnold http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/uc-summit-2012-takeaways-its-only-uc-but-i-like-it.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/cebp-series-part-7-enhance-collaboration-effectiveness.aspx This is part seven in a review of the seven major applications for Communications Enabled Business Processes (CEBP) as introduced in “UCStrategies VAR-SI Series: Building Your UC Applications Practice.” Part seven will address the CEBP applications that will “Enhance Collaboration Effectiveness.” Fri, 11 May 2012 16:10:00 GMT Marty Parker http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/cebp-series-part-7-enhance-collaboration-effectiveness.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/mitel-releases-anyware-cloud-based-service.aspx Mitel has recently introduced the AnyWare Infrastructure-as-a-Service, a new cloud-based service for deploying Unified Communications-as-a-Service. With the AnyWare IaaS, Mitel's Freedom Architecture is extended to let IT organizations host virtualized UCC software in a private datacenter. Fri, 11 May 2012 03:15:00 GMT Robbie Pleasant http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/mitel-releases-anyware-cloud-based-service.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/new-releases-from-shoretel.aspx ShoreTel made a number of announcements at Interop Las Vegas, including new collaboration solutions, an enhanced online portal for cloud customers, and a new unified communications and infrastructure bundled offering. Thu, 10 May 2012 03:40:00 GMT Robbie Pleasant http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/new-releases-from-shoretel.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/huawei-enters-distribution-agreement-with-synnex.aspx SYNNEX Corporation has recently signed a deal with Huawei Technologies, wherein SYNNEX' CONVERGESolv Secure Networking division will work with resellers to bring Huawei's IP network infrastructure, unified communications & collaboration, and data center products to customers in the United States. With this, SYNNEX's networking division can work with its reseller community, providing new options for enterprises. Thu, 10 May 2012 03:35:00 GMT Robbie Pleasant http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/huawei-enters-distribution-agreement-with-synnex.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/interactive-intelligence-provides-mobile-customer-service-solution.aspx Interactive Intelligence has announced the release of a new software platform. This platform, Interaction Mobilizer, is designed to enable organizations to rapidly deploy customer service applications on several mobile operating systems, devices, and social media websites. Wed, 09 May 2012 03:45:00 GMT Robbie Pleasant http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/interactive-intelligence-provides-mobile-customer-service-solution.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/cebp-series-part-6-speed-information-delivery.aspx This is part six in a review of the seven major applications for Communications Enabled Business Processes (CEBP) as introduced in “UCStrategies VAR-SI Series: Building Your UC Applications Practice.” Part 6 will address the CEBP applications that will “Speed Information Delivery.” Sun, 06 May 2012 06:21:45 GMT Marty Parker http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/cebp-series-part-6-speed-information-delivery.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/plantronics-provides-contextual-intelligence-for-business-applications.aspx Plantronics has recently announced the Plantronics Developer Connection (PDC), which includes programming interfaces, technical resources, and forums through a software developer kit made for Windows environments, and serves as a community for developers to connect with Plantronics staff. The PDC also comes with an emulator to let developers test applications without a headset. Sat, 05 May 2012 01:35:00 GMT Robbie Pleasant http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/plantronics-provides-contextual-intelligence-for-business-applications.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/avtex-acquires-reliant.aspx Avtex, an integrated, interaction solutions provider, has recently announced its acquisition of Reliant CCS, a contact center solutions provider. Fri, 04 May 2012 04:20:34 GMT Robbie Pleasant http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/avtex-acquires-reliant.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/shoretel-introduces-new-sales-leaders.aspx ShoreTel has recently announced newly appointed leaders for their sales organization. Joe Vitalone, Tim Gaines, and Mark Arman have been brought in to lead channel management, North America sales, and international sales & worldwide distribution, respectively. Wed, 02 May 2012 04:25:00 GMT Robbie Pleasant http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/shoretel-introduces-new-sales-leaders.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/getting-the-right-players-on-the-field.aspx As I write this article the annual NFL draft has just ended. Like many teams, my beloved Vikings had a long list of priority positions to fill and we fans look optimistically to the future. Planning for success in our evolving UC business is a very similar process. The UC cloud is upon us like a new football season. How will we plan and prepare our organizations for success? We know that we need to grow professional services but by how much and with what players? Specifically, many SI managers are struggling to determine what their organizations need to look like to support their refined business models. The decisions they make today regarding technologies, vendors, and organization development will determine their level of success in the future. Wouldn’t be nice to have a clear-cut process like the NFL draft? Wed, 02 May 2012 01:05:00 GMT Orrin Broberg http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/getting-the-right-players-on-the-field.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/closing-the-loop-with-uc.aspx The lessons for SI’s are clear. If all you’re looking at is selling a couple of servers to activate the licensed capabilities the customer already has, you’re not cashing a big check on that UC sale. However, if you can get in on the real job, which is helping the client get the value out of what they already own, professional services is where your payoff is in UC. Tue, 01 May 2012 16:41:36 GMT Michael Finneran http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/closing-the-loop-with-uc.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/assuming-your-way-to-efficiency.aspx If you are in a position to recommend UC solutions, are you talking to your customers, understanding their business requirements, evaluating multiple options and then making a recommendation? Or, are you simply cramming some products into a brown paper bag, pushing it at the customer, smiling and saying “have a good day”? Tue, 01 May 2012 10:35:00 GMT Kevin Kieller http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/assuming-your-way-to-efficiency.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/last-train-out.aspx We have seen the opportunity for application-based selling gathering steam in the voice communications industry since the early days of voice mail. A number of VARs and solutions integrators have seen the trends and migrated their business practices to a new model. Many haven’t fully embraced this new future. This could be the last train out. There may not be many more chances. As voice communications disappears into the plumbing, and selling PBXs becomes an ever more limited opportunity, it is critical to make the transition to understanding applications and selling solutions (on prem, in the cloud…) rather than selling boxes. The UC Summit is exploring these subjects about transitioning business models and acquiring needed skills. Climb aboard. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 19:28:18 GMT Don Van Doren http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/last-train-out.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-expert-views/telephony-and-collaboration-vendors-join-in-the-uc-enabled-contact-center.aspx The bottom line for “unified communications” (UC) is to support individual end user needs to communicate flexibly and efficiently, using all forms of contact with both people and with automated business process applications. This need is particularly pressing for traditional Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:55:00 GMT Art Rosenberg http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-expert-views/telephony-and-collaboration-vendors-join-in-the-uc-enabled-contact-center.aspx UCStrategies Expert Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/business-opportunities-in-the-uc-channel-part-8.aspx For an IP telephony or technology reseller, your key differentiator is in the business relationships that you already have: don’t yield that business to someone else. You can’t stop the UC wave, but you can ride it. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:25:25 GMT Russell Bennett http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/business-opportunities-in-the-uc-channel-part-8.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/uc-a-huge-disruption-to-the-channel.aspx As the Telecom and IT industry continues to move forward and integrate newer platforms, the channel needs to rethink how they are doing business. Here’s your key question: Are you selling just a new box replacement or a set of tools for the enterprise that can be business transforming for the enterprise? The difference in how you approach UC can be dramatic. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:11:58 GMT Stephen Leaden http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/uc-a-huge-disruption-to-the-channel.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/the-end-user-experience-what-else-really-matters-for-uc.aspx It’s all about the end user experience. To maximize the UC opportunity, you need stay ahead of the curve, and that really means knowing how to create, deliver and manage a great end user experience. This is definitely not IT’s forte, and the value-add potential here for you is very much here and now. The opportunity is new enough that nobody has all the answers, so it’s yours to take if you’re willing to invest in the expertise. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:02:19 GMT Jon Arnold http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/the-end-user-experience-what-else-really-matters-for-uc.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/ivci-announces-video-collaboration-cloud.aspx IVCi, LLC has announced the release of a new service, the Video Collaboration Cloud (VCC). It connects clients to IVCI's suite of cloud-based video services, letting them manage their video collaboration from any device, anywhere. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 22:20:00 GMT Robbie Pleasant http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/ivci-announces-video-collaboration-cloud.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/acme-packet-acquires-iptego.aspx Acme Packet has announced its acquisition of the privately-held IPTEGO GmbH. IPTEGO, an IP communications network management software company, is a provider of software solutions for real-time, end-to-end communications network intelligence, voice and video operations monitoring, customer experience management, and fraud prevention and detection. For this acquisition, Acme Packet is paying approximately $21 million. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 22:15:00 GMT Robbie Pleasant http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/acme-packet-acquires-iptego.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/getting-to-the-core-of-unified-communications-part-2.aspx The future of unified communications is bright, but much is dependent on how well your organization can acquire new skill-sets that can help enterprises to connect the front-office with the back-office. Find out who to partner with and what your competition looks like. In this environment, you will find new partners to cooperate with as well as new enemies that try to win the same part of the business as you are. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:36:02 GMT Jason Andersson http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/getting-to-the-core-of-unified-communications-part-2.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/the-dark-side-of-byod.aspx Many organizations are taking a rather cavalier attitude towards security as we enter the age of BYOD. I’m in the final stages of analyzing the InformationWeek 2012 Mobile Security Survey that collected information from 322 business technology professionals. All in all what we see is a lot of reckless behavior surrounding the move to BYOD, which now might stand for “Bring Your Own Disaster.” Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:26:09 GMT Michael Finneran http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/the-dark-side-of-byod.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/a-porkbelly-luau.aspx Last week I asserted that hosted VoIP and hosted UC are rapidly becoming commodities. You and I know there is huge variation among service provider offerings, but for various reasons stated, the end user perspective typically boils down to price. I thought I would test this theory by taking a look at the market in Hawaii. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 03:25:00 GMT Dave Michels http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/a-porkbelly-luau.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/radvision-expands-video-portfolio.aspx RADVISION Ltd. has announced the expansion of its SCOPIA video conferencing room system portfolio. With this expansion is the introduction of the SCOPIA XT4200 HD video conferencing system, as well as the SCOPIA T Meeting Center, which leverage the same technologies as the recent SCOPIA XT5000 HD video conferencing room system. Tue, 24 Apr 2012 21:15:00 GMT Robbie Pleasant http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/radvision-expands-video-portfolio.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/ucstrategies-and-the-channel-from-the-uc-summit-to-a-new-channel-study.aspx Beyond the UC Summit, UCStrategies is going a step further to help vendors and channel partners better work together, and will be conducting a comprehensive study to identify some of the challenges facing the unified communications and collaboration channel, and what they require in order to be more successful. Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:15:00 GMT Blair Pleasant http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/ucstrategies-and-the-channel-from-the-uc-summit-to-a-new-channel-study.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/can-you-monetize-video-do-you-need-to.aspx I’ve got some new ideas to seed here about video. The business value of video can be quantified to varying degrees, but many aspects cannot. Actually, the measurable elements are pretty subjective, which presents an opportunity for the channel to devise some metrics that the business will easily understand. Unlike telephony, most video deployments – especially if part of a UC solution – will be new, which means there isn’t a baseline cost structure against which IP-based video can deliver immediate savings. Mon, 23 Apr 2012 21:30:00 GMT Jon Arnold http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/can-you-monetize-video-do-you-need-to.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/getting-to-the-core-of-unified-communications-part-1.aspx The future of unified communications is bright, but much is dependent on how well your organization can acquire new skill-sets that can "talk the talk and walk the walk" of these layers. You should decide where in this map you want to be and focus on that layer. Find out who to partner with and what your competition looks like. In this environment, you will find new partners to cooperate with as well as new enemies that try to win the same part of the business as you are. Mon, 23 Apr 2012 21:22:44 GMT Jason Andersson http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/getting-to-the-core-of-unified-communications-part-1.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/cebp-series-part-5-automate-communication-processes.aspx This is part five in a review of the seven major applications for Communications Enabled Business Processes (CEBP) as introduced in “UCStrategies VAR-SI Series: Building Your UC Applications Practice.” Part five will look at the CEBP applications that will “Automate Communication Processes.” Automated Communication Processes can reduce costs, reduce errors, and accelerate business outcomes. Look carefully for this opportunity in your business, using the growing number of case studies as a guide. Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:05:56 GMT Marty Parker http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/cebp-series-part-5-automate-communication-processes.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/more-on-ebbits-iot-and-uc.aspx The EBBITS Project (Enabling Business Based Internet of Things and Services) is part of the Cluster of European projects and is partly funded by the European Commission. It’s a four-year program that was started in 2010 that has planned a significant number of deliverables, many of which are available as free downloads to the public. Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:00:00 GMT Samantha Kane http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/more-on-ebbits-iot-and-uc.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/business-opportunities-in-the-uc-channel-part-7.aspx Last week we covered the opportunity to assist customers who are deploying unified communications (UC) by defining their disaster and failover plan. Since UC is a centralized technology, careful consideration must be given to this to ensure business continuity in the event of an equipment or network failure either at the data center or the branch office. In many ways this week’s topic, "Network Edge Security, SIP Trunking & Federation" is the other side of that coin, because it relates to the establishment and maintenance of connectivity with the outside world. Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:00:00 GMT Russell Bennett http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/business-opportunities-in-the-uc-channel-part-7.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/countdown-to-the-uc-summit.aspx Coming up near San Diego is the UC Summit. This is, hands-down, the best conference to explore what’s happening in the UC channel. The conference is invitation only – but you can still apply! Desired applicants are dealers, VARs, system integrators, and consultants either actively in UC or looking to expand into UC. Most of the major vendors are on site to discuss their channel programs, and the UCStrategies Experts will share their perspectives on what’s working, what was working, and what is likely going to be working. What makes the UC Summit so unique is its focus on UC from a channel perspective. The entire event is discussion and analysis of the opportunities and challenges in a combination of formal presentations, break-out sessions, and lots of networking opportunities. Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:20:31 GMT Dave Michels http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/countdown-to-the-uc-summit.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/a-proxy-for-end-users.aspx A proxy can be defined as “an ally who can be relied upon to speak on one’s behalf.” In many organizations members of the IT group act as “proxies” for the end users. This means that if an IT member is acting as a proxy for end users then they are expected to speak and act in the best interest of the end users. The question is, does this work? Thu, 19 Apr 2012 12:05:00 GMT Kevin Kieller http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/a-proxy-for-end-users.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/video-value-series-2-the-value-of-middle-video.aspx This paper is the second in a series of three papers on the value of video in organizations. This paper focuses on the value of video for the middle manager. To better understand this paper, reading the first paper "Selling Versus Task Collaboration and Video Value" will enable understanding the concepts. Wed, 18 Apr 2012 18:30:00 GMT Phil Edholm http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/video-value-series-2-the-value-of-middle-video.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/are-your-clients-ready-for-video-are-you.aspx For most clients, video is still a big unknown, so you should be able to approach them from a position of strength. Voice is quickly becoming a commodity, but video still has a high perceived value, which means that even with a basic competency, you have a good opportunity to build longer-term bridges with your clients. The considerations in this post provide a starting point for you to build those bridges while the window is still open. Wed, 18 Apr 2012 18:00:00 GMT Jon Arnold http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/are-your-clients-ready-for-video-are-you.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/uc-roi-in-the-utility-industry.aspx In the Utility industry there are many examples of successful UC ROI. Most vendors think that Utility clients want front door ROI services such as self service to drive costs down, typical driven by a VP of Customer Care and the cost of a center. But working in the utility industry has proven to us that there are many opportunities in the back office to not only drive costs down, but add value, become pro-active rather than reactive and reduce the number of complaints that get sent to a Utility Commission for investigation by understanding the UC and CEBP. Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:05:00 GMT Samantha Kane http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/uc-roi-in-the-utility-industry.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/enabling-team-work.aspx A dyad is the smallest possible social group. Unified communication is technology that supports communication in business processes. The ultimate test of UC solutions is how it actually helps small teams work closer together. Wed, 18 Apr 2012 13:24:28 GMT Jason Andersson http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/enabling-team-work.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/managing-mobile-unified-communications.aspx Unified Communication with focus on mobile solutions is the focal point of many vendors’ offering today. As a Systems Integrator it will be increasingly important to understand how an enterprise can and should manage its mobile devices. The more office functionality that is pushed into mobile devices the more administration, management and security control will become important. However, most UCC vendors do not have a mobile device management (MDM) solution in their solutions and thus the SI and channel partner is left to choose and test what works. Wed, 18 Apr 2012 13:16:33 GMT Jason Andersson http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/managing-mobile-unified-communications.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/genesys-connects-customer-service-agents-with-mobile-apps.aspx Genesys has launched a new customer care solution, an application that connects smartphone users with agents in contact centers and beyond instantly. Genesys Mobile Engagement, introduced at Genesys’ G-Force customer event, is designed to empower customers who need live support quickly, and provides increased context to help personalize the mobile customer experience while empowering agents with the information they need. Tue, 17 Apr 2012 22:10:00 GMT Robbie Pleasant http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/genesys-connects-customer-service-agents-with-mobile-apps.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/business-opportunities-in-the-uc-channel-part-6.aspx The centralization of infrastructure in data centers, while that has its advantages, also has drawbacks. Clearly, centralization leaves the customer vulnerable to local outages at or near the central site that will impact the entire enterprise: so this week we are going to cover disaster and failover planning. Tue, 17 Apr 2012 14:31:30 GMT Russell Bennett http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/business-opportunities-in-the-uc-channel-part-6.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/netelligent-introduces-desktop-as-a-service.aspx Netelligent has recently announced a partnership with Desktone, Inc. to offer cloud-hosted virtual desktops. The virtual desktop infrastructure will be offered as a service on demand, made by leveraging Desktone's Desktop as a Service (DaaS) platform with Cisco's Unified Computing System and NetApp storage systems. Tue, 17 Apr 2012 02:40:00 GMT Robbie Pleasant http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/netelligent-introduces-desktop-as-a-service.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-expert-views/network-equipment-technologies-half-time-adjustment.aspx Fans of the National Football League are very familiar with the concept of the "game plan adjustment" in the locker room at half-time. Network Equipment Technologies (NET), the vendor of innovative security and interoperability devices for unified communications (UC) has just undergone a half-time adjustment. Last week they announced the retirement of their CEO, Nick Keating, and a workforce reduction. Having had a strong relationship with NET for a number of years, I spoke to Matt Krueger, VP of Marketing and Business Development, and Kevin Isacks, Chief Development Officer, to catch up on what had happened and where NET was headed. Mon, 16 Apr 2012 21:50:39 GMT Russell Bennett http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-expert-views/network-equipment-technologies-half-time-adjustment.aspx UCStrategies Expert Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/sprint-provides-wholesale-cloud-services.aspx Sprint has recently announced the release of the Sprint Wholesale Cloud Services, a portfolio designed to be a one-stop shop for Wholesale and Emerging Solutions customers that provides cost savings and access to enterprise-grade applications to any SMB-focused reseller. Mon, 16 Apr 2012 21:35:00 GMT Robbie Pleasant http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/sprint-provides-wholesale-cloud-services.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/selling-outcomes-versus-items.aspx When unified communications started getting traction and mindshare several years ago, there was a strong focus on defining exactly what unified communications meant. Was putting voice and data on the same network UC? I have always tried to reframe and refocus the discussion from “what is UC?” to “what can UC do for me?” That is to say, what specific, measurable business objectives are you expecting as a customer or promising as a reseller or vendor. Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:10:00 GMT Kevin Kieller http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/selling-outcomes-versus-items.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/the-internet-of-things-and-unified-communications.aspx I came across a term that I had not really understood or really looked into before and was curious to learn more about it, and that is the term “Internet of Things” or IoT. The term Internet of Things, is described as “a system where the Internet is connected to the physical world via ubiquitous sensors.” Fri, 13 Apr 2012 19:05:00 GMT Samantha Kane http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/the-internet-of-things-and-unified-communications.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/cisco-expands-technology-portfolio-for-small-businesses.aspx Cisco has announced the expansion of its small business product portfolio with the introduction of new wireless access points, routers, switches, partner-managed service offerings, and of course, unified communications. With these new solutions, Cisco hopes to increase customer productivity and growth and ensure that businesses of any size can match the needs of their customers by staying connected with a reliable network. Fri, 13 Apr 2012 02:10:00 GMT Robbie Pleasant http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/cisco-expands-technology-portfolio-for-small-businesses.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/for-uc-failure-is-not-an-option.aspx A couple recent articles point out several reasons why the writers claim that unified communications is a failure, although VARs and system integrators stand to benefit from UC’s biggest failing, which is interoperability. I usually don’t write articles about articles, but I’m getting a bit tired of reading about the “UC is a failure” meme. Thu, 12 Apr 2012 19:50:54 GMT Blair Pleasant http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/for-uc-failure-is-not-an-option.aspx UCStrategies Views http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/hp-announces-converged-cloud.aspx HP has recently announced the release of HP Converged Cloud, a hybrid delivery approach and portfolio. This unified communications portfolio is based on a common architecture, and is built for the enterprise, extending the cloud across infrastructure, applications, and information. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 20:45:00 GMT Robbie Pleasant http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/hp-announces-converged-cloud.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/in-the-spotlight/an-interview-with-paul-weber-of-interactive-intelligence-on-channel-partner-recruitment.aspx This In the Spotlight interview features Paul Weber, who is the Vice President of North American Sales for Interactive Intelligence Group, and today we are going to talk about Partner Recruitment. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 13:26:55 GMT Russell Bennett http://www.ucstrategies.com/in-the-spotlight/an-interview-with-paul-weber-of-interactive-intelligence-on-channel-partner-recruitment.aspx UCStrategies In The Spotlight http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/snom-provides-partners-with-e-learning-program.aspx snom technology AG has announced the release of an e-learning program, designed to give value added resellers the knowledge they need to provide end-to-end support of snom ONE IP PBX solutions. VARs from North and South America, Australia, and New Zealand can take the course online, free of charge. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:50:00 GMT Robbie Pleasant http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/snom-provides-partners-with-e-learning-program.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/esnatech-makes-office-linx-cloud-connect-edition-available.aspx Esna Technologies has announced the general availability of its Office-LinX Cloud Connect edition software. This follows its beta release in 2011, and was announced at the 2012 Enterprise Connect conference. Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:10:00 GMT Robbie Pleasant http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/esnatech-makes-office-linx-cloud-connect-edition-available.aspx UCStrategies Newsroom