http://www.networkworld.com/topics/convergence.html The latest convergence news and analysis from NetworkWorld.com. Network World, Inc. Copyright(C) 1994 - 2012 Network World, Inc. http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/converg/2012/020612convergence1.html?source=nww_rss ShoreTel had a blockbuster week, announcing it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire M5 Networks, giving its customers a choice between on-premise and hosted UC solutions. The acquisition allows ShoreTel to quickly offer cloud-based unified communications as a service (UCaaS) to customers that are looking to deploy IP communications through a hosted model. M5 is a service provider with customer base of more than 2,000 companies. Larry Hettick 2012-02-03T01:31:50-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/converg/2012/013012convergence1.html?source=nww_rss AT&T is now offering cloud-based unified communications to its enterprise customers, adding to its existing portfolio of hosted VoIP services (with Voice DNA) and other managed UC services. AT&T UC Services are embedded in the AT&T managed network, offering accessibility to multiple device types regardless of location. The service allows seamless transfers such as those between devices like sessions between a PC and compatible mobile devices; or transfers between communications applications such as switching from an IM chat to a phone call, or to a Web or video conference. Larry Hettick 2012-01-27T02:08:38-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/news/2012/012612-super-wifi-255383.html?source=nww_rss Lucky residents of Wilmington, N.C., will be the first in the nation to have access to a "Super Wi-Fi" network. Brad Reed 2012-01-26T05:11:09-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/converg/2012/011612convergence2.html?source=nww_rss Avaya unveiled the latest version of the company's unified communications (UC) solution for small and midsize enterprises (SME) with the release of Avaya IP Office 8.0. The new version includes enhancements designed to improve collaboration with mobile capabilities. Avaya's latest mobile application builds on the previously available Essential Mobility solution for IP Office. Larry Hettick 2012-01-18T09:27:30-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/converg/2012/010912convergence2.html?source=nww_rss For those readers who found sound advice in our last newsletter delivered from Avaya on how to avoid pitfalls with unified communications (UC), we've got one more paper to recommend. "UC: Mitigating the Risk and Reaping the Rewards" is available from Integrated Research through Webtorials, helping to identify some of the possible hazards associated with deploying Unified Communications so network managers can mitigate and manage the risks to achieve the best possible outcome. Larry Hettick 2012-01-11T09:38:30-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/converg/2012/010912convergence1.html?source=nww_rss Webtorials and Avaya have once again provided a great reference for those considering a unified communications (UC) deployment. The white paper, titled "Why UC Implementations Fail," reviews the top 10 pitfalls that organizations should consider when as they move through the UC implementation process. Larry Hettick 2012-01-06T12:58:25-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/converg/2012/010212convergence2.html?source=nww_rss Today we unveil our top five predictions for 2012, looking at expected trends for telepresence, wireless substitution, cloud-based unified communications, BYOD and fixed mobile convergence, and net neutrality. Larry Hettick 2012-01-03T11:06:56-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/converg/2011/121911convergence2.html?source=nww_rss As has been our custom for over a decade, today we'll look back at the predictions we made a year ago and see how well we did with our crystal ball, then next time we'll look forward with some 2012 predictions about convergence, VoIP and unified communications. Larry Hettick 2011-12-21T12:43:34-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/news/2011/122111-outlook-mobile-interface-254225.html?source=nww_rss The mobile user interface is set for a range of changes in the next 12-24 months, creating new modes for users to interact with their devices, and with other devices nearby and network-based services. John Cox 2011-12-21T06:00:00-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/columnists/2011/121911-backspin.html?source=nww_rss Gibbs ponders the year that just shot past ... Mark Gibbs 2011-12-19T12:00:00-04:00