Network World, Inc. Copyright(C) 1994 - 2012 Network World, Inc. http://www.networkworld.com/news/2012/052112-avaya-software-259499.html?source=nww_rss As Avaya continues its transition from a hardware company into a communications and collaboration software provider, it is going through some growing pains, including a shakeup of executives and uncertainty around a potential initial public offering that's been rumored for months. Brandon Butler 2012-05-21T04:27:14-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/converg/2012/052112convergence1.html?source=nww_rss As we repack our bags between trade shows, we'd like to highlight a reader resource from Webtorials to consider: A discussion titled "Unified Communications and WAN Performance -- A Delicate Balance," sponsored by Ipanema Technologies, is now available. Larry Hettick 2012-05-18T02:53:58-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/news/2012/051412-byod-unified-communications-259262.html?source=nww_rss The 2012 IDG Enterprise Unified Communications and Collaboration (UC&C) survey was completed with the goal of gaining a better understanding of current and future UC&C investments. The survey highlights the uptick in UC&C adoption and investments in the coming three years — specifically in enterprise organizations — demonstrating the value organizations place on technologies that enable consistent and connected communications between employees, customers and partners.  IDG Insider Network World Staff 2012-05-14T01:45:38-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/converg/2012/041612convergence2.html?source=nww_rss In two separate announcements late last month, Avaya unveiled and strengthened its collaboration offers with a "Collaborative Cloud" strategic framework for cloud-based collaboration solutions, followed with an announcement about a Level 3 Communications partnership to deliver cloud-based services. Larry Hettick 2012-04-17T03:53:53-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/columnists/2012/040912-edit.html?source=nww_rss Many companies haven't bothered to flesh out their unified communications strategies because 1) it can be hard to calculate ROI, and 2) the deployment effort is often daunting given so much custom work is required to piece together the various components that make up an integrated UC system. John Dix 2012-04-09T06:00:00-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/news/2012/040312-cisco-brazil-257930.html?source=nww_rss Cisco this week said it would invest close to $550 million in Brazil to expand its presence in the country and spur economic growth. Jim Duffy 2012-04-03T04:51:08-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/converg/2012/040212convergence2.html?source=nww_rss Sprint has launched "Sprint Complete Collaboration," a hosted and fully managed unified communications (UC) bundle designed to meet the needs of midsize and large businesses. The new UC service is powered by Cisco's Hosted Collaboration Solution (HCS) platform and is delivered over all-IP network. Larry Hettick 2012-04-03T04:05:56-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/converg/2012/040212convergence1.html?source=nww_rss In our second newsletter springing from the 2012 Enterprise Connect conference, we note that Genband has announced it is expanding beyond its current client base of service providers into the enterprise communications market -- with a focus on offering unified communications (UC) and SIP trunking solutions to an increasingly mobile workforce. Larry Hettick 2012-03-30T03:45:50-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/techexec/2012/033012bestpractices.html?source=nww_rss Business applications and the way we use them are undergoing a radical change, and this is leading many companies to modernize their network. Here are some "best practice" considerations for modernization strategies. Linda Musthaler 2012-03-30T01:49:13-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/news/2012/032912-cisco-microsoft-lync-257773.html?source=nww_rss Cisco forced the hand of Creation Technologies to adopt Microsoft's Lync communications platform for conferencing, and now the company has the package on its roadmap to replace disparate, isolated PBXs in the future. Tim Greene 2012-03-29T10:15:09-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/converg/2012/032612convergence1.html?source=nww_rss NEC recently announced plans for UNIVERGE Cloud Services UCaaS, a set of enhanced software-as-a-service (SaaS) offerings. The initial UNIVERGE Cloud Services SaaS offering is unified communications as a service (UCaaS), providing a comprehensive suite of voice, data and video services that feature a Web-based end-user client that can be deployed across any device including a PC, smartphone or tablet. Larry Hettick 2012-03-23T01:41:04-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/converg/2012/0311912convergence1.html?source=nww_rss Avaya announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Radvision, videoconferencing and telepresence technology provider. The acquisition is targeted to provide Avaya's customers an interoperable suite of high-definition video collaboration products, along with the ability to integrate multiple mobile devices such as the Apple iPad and devices powered by Google Android. Plans call for Radvision's enterprise video infrastructure and endpoints to be integrated with the Avaya Aura unified communications (UC) platform. Larry Hettick 2012-03-16T10:49:20-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/converg/2012/031212convergence2.html?source=nww_rss For those who have multiple technologies, multiple locations, or multiple vendors in their unified communications deployments, we'd like to recommend a white paper available on Webtorials that looks at managing the complexity of such a portfolio. Larry Hettick 2012-03-14T09:43:06-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/news/2012/030812-avaya-randall-257099.html?source=nww_rss New Avaya data networking chief Marc Randall has five focus areas in his sights to help the company sell its Ethernet switches, gain market share ... and perhaps stave off irrelevancy. Jim Duffy 2012-03-08T05:13:18-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/converg/2012/030512convergence2.html?source=nww_rss Siemens Enterprise Communications recently shared some results of a new study on VoIP and unified communications (UC) deployments among enterprises, and followed the study results with some new upgrades to the company's UC portfolio. Key findings of the survey touched on savings realized in UC deployments, the effect of mobility, and a key roadblock, while the latest release of the company's UC portfolio can help it scale to 500,000 users in a single deployment. Larry Hettick 2012-03-06T03:17:21-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/converg/2012/022712convergence2.html?source=nww_rss Several news items this time coming from GENBAND from Mobile World Congress underway in Barcelona. GENBAND has unveiled a mobile app providing consumers with single screen management for unified communications, along with enhancements to the company's IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) platform. Larry Hettick 2012-02-28T02:48:28-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/columnists/2012/022712-uc-mobile-cloud.html?source=nww_rss Effective communications, many would argue, is the key to business. But finding the appropriate technologies to support effective communications can be challenging for IT professionals. Unified communications is a concept that encompasses a variety of technologies, all capable of working together, and, yes, while communication is a human process, technology can enhance and improve it. Andy Dignan, CDW senior manager, unified communications 2012-02-27T03:49:17-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/news/2012/021612-cisco-microsoft-skype-256232.html?source=nww_rss Does Cisco have non-buyer's remorse over the Microsoft/Skype union? Jim Duffy 2012-02-16T10:44:19-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/converg/2012/021312convergence2.html?source=nww_rss Today, we again showcase two papers available from Webtorials discussing unified communications (UC). The first paper, sponsored by 8x8, discusses UC's total cost of ownership (TCO) for the small business as it compares a hosted model to a premise-based solution. The second piece, sponsored by AT&T, is a discussion on the merits of incorporating fixed and mobile devices into a UC deployment. Larry Hettick 2012-02-14T03:48:40-04:00 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/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/2011/121911convergence1.html?source=nww_rss ShoreTel is in the news again with two separate announcements: It has extended virtualization support to the enterprise contact center and it has partnered with Ruckus Wireless to deliver a "Mobile Unified Communications Starter Kit" targeting SMBs. Larry Hettick 2011-12-16T12:48:06-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/converg/2011/120511convergence1.html?source=nww_rss We observed in our newsletter a week ago that the integration of business apps on mobile devices was very important to business, but we weren't quite sure businesses were willing to "cut the cord" in favor of wireless substitution. However, based on results published this week in the BroadSoft 2011 Mobile Enterprise of the Future Survey, enterprises appear more likely to adopt mobile-only communications than we thought. Larry Hettick 2011-12-02T11:59:41-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/converg/2011/102411convergence1.html?source=nww_rss One acquisition and one divestiture to report in this edition: Avaya has acquired Aurix to add speech analytics features to its portfolio while Alcatel-Lucent has announced the selling of its Genesys contact center business to a private equity firm. Larry Hettick 2011-10-21T11:34:34-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/converg/2011/101011convergence1.html?source=nww_rss BroadSoft has acquired Phoenix, Ariz.-based iLinc Communications as a move to enhance its portfolio by adding iLinc's Web collaboration tools. iLinc's collaboration features will become BroadCloud Web Collaboration -- a software-as-a-service (SaaS) offering that extends BroadSoft's unified communications (UC) services. Larry Hettick 2011-10-07T02:15:10-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/converg/2011/100311convergence2.html?source=nww_rss Avaya announced that it has acquired Sipera, unified communications (UC) infrastructure supplier with a portfolio that includes session border controller (SBC) functionality and UC security applications. The acquisition is being undertaken to help Avaya accelerate development of integrated, SIP-based security capabilities for unified communications and contact center environments. Larry Hettick 2011-10-04T04:06:56-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/converg/2011/092711convergence2.html?source=nww_rss Webtorials has released another excellent research and analysis piece; the report is titled "Unified Communications & Collaboration Potential: Goals, Obstacles & Savings." Based on research sponsored by Avaya with analysis provided by Steven Taylor, Joanie Wexler, and Leslie Barteaux, the report discusses the state of Unified Communications and Collaboration (UCC) in the enterprise and IT's expectations with it -- particularly in the increasingly mobile workforce. There is special focus on SIP and a section that calculates sample savings scenarios using UCC in various-sized organizations. Larry Hettick 2011-09-27T02:21:39-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/news/2011/092011-lync-enterprise-251059.html?source=nww_rss A gap between what Microsoft promises with Lync's telephony and what it delivers makes Lync a poor choice as an IP PBX replacement for large organizations, according to a former Microsoft "Most Valuable Professional" who now works for Avaya. A current Microsoft MVP also says that Lync in its current form is a mediocre choice for a large enterprise, but that it works well for the SMB and is really geared toward smaller businesses anyway. Julie Bort 2011-09-20T03:02:24-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/converg/2011/082911convergence1.html?source=nww_rss Today, we'll wrap up our summer series on the evolutionary history behind unified communications and collaboration (UC&C) with a quick topical recap, some analysis of what brought each of the five elements into the UC&C portfolio, and a brief look at what we expect to be the most dynamic factors affecting UC&C in the coming year. Larry Hettick 2011-08-26T10:27:32-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/news/tech/2011/082411-uc-assurance-250054.html?source=nww_rss Unified communications (UC) requires many components, protocols, back-end processes and pieces of communication equipment to work together seamlessly. But users don't care about the complexities involved. If they experience poor voice quality, frozen screens or inconsistent performance, they won't use any solution, no matter how cutting-edge. Bob Hockman, product manager, Empirix Inc. 2011-08-24T11:44:43-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/converg/2011/081511convergence2.html?source=nww_rss Continuing our mini-series, today we will discuss unified messaging, unified communications and the importance of presence as contributors to the evolution of unified communications and collaboration. Larry Hettick 2011-08-16T10:22:38-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/converg/2011/081511convergence1.html?source=nww_rss We'll continue today with our brief historical review on factors that have contributed to the evolution of unified communications and collaboration, picking up where we left off last time when we discussed how carriers first chose to use Voice over IP in the PSTN -- focusing on how the IP PBX came into being. Larry Hettick 2011-08-12T09:27:51-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/converg/2011/080811convergence2.html?source=nww_rss For all of our readers who have read this newsletter faithfully over the last decade, we hope you can enjoy the next few editions as a trip down memory lane. And for those who are telecom neophytes, we hope you will enjoy learning a bit about the evolutionary factors we'll highlight. Larry Hettick 2011-08-09T09:38:57-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/converg/2011/080111convergence1.html?source=nww_rss Telesphere, a nationwide managed cloud communications provider for businesses, recently announced commercial availability of VideoConnect as a cloud-based videoconferencing and collaboration service. Larry Hettick 2011-07-29T11:55:33-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/converg/2011/072511convergence1.html?source=nww_rss Avaya recently announced its Aura Contact Center with improved collaboration, integrated social media and greater scalability. In a related announcement, Avaya also introduced new services and capabilities to help businesses more effectively incorporate social media into their customer sales and service strategy. Larry Hettick 2011-07-22T11:37:25-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/converg/2011/071811convergence2.html?source=nww_rss Service provider 8x8 has launched a new cloud-based videoconferencing service based on 8x8's voice and video IP service platform together with Polycom's UC Intelligent Core software platform. The 8x8 Virtual Room service is available in three tiers supporting low, standard and high definition telepresence video. 8x8 Virtual Room is one of four cloud-based services the company offers, adding to its existing portfolio of VoIP, video, contact center and hosting services. Larry Hettick 2011-07-19T04:32:01-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/wireless/2011/071811wireless2.html?source=nww_rss A year after announcing its enterprise-centric Cius tablet, Cisco is poised to finally make the Android-based, Wi-Fi-capable device available at the end of the month. Joanie Wexler 2011-07-19T09:12:20-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/converg/2011/071811convergence1.html?source=nww_rss We've outlined multiple "as a service" offers available in the United States, but wanted to point out today that trend isn't limited to North America. For example, Orange Business Services recently launched its "Business Together as a Service" -- offering unified communications (UC) via the cloud. Larry Hettick 2011-07-15T02:00:03-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/converg/2011/071111convergence2.html?source=nww_rss Polycom and Microsoft have been building on their strategic partnership, as Polycom announced that the Polycom CX7000 Unified Collaboration System becomes the first room video telepresence solution custom-built for full integration with Microsoft Lync. The solution is built to bring the Lync desktop into the conference room to enhance business collaboration and productivity features for room telepresence. Larry Hettick 2011-07-12T12:12:51-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/news/2011/071211-avaya-social-networking.html?source=nww_rss Avaya is betting businesses want to respond as quickly as possible to attacks and criticisms launched from Twitter, Facebook and blogs in order to minimize the negative impact they have. Tim Greene 2011-07-12T10:14:21-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/converg/2011/071111convergence1.html?source=nww_rss We all know that Facebook is used by "Facebook friends" to keep in touch with each other about events and personal stuff like their last date night or telling the world what movie they just watched and whether or not they liked it. So does that also mean Facebook has no use for business? Heck no! Larry Hettick 2011-07-08T03:02:26-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/converg/2011/070411convergence1.html?source=nww_rss Today, we highlight two more valuable reports recently made available on Webtorials. The first piece is a Webtorials State-of-the-Market Report written by Steven Taylor, Joanie Wexler and Leslie Barteaux and it is titled "2011 Report on the Impact of UC on SMB Customer Service." The research provides insight on how small and medium businesses (SMBs) can excel at customer service. The second piece introduces the fifth edition of Jim Metzler's research and analysis on the topic titled "2011 Application & Service Delivery Handbook. " Larry Hettick 2011-07-01T10:46:11-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/frame/2011/062711wan2.html?source=nww_rss In this newsletter, we're wrapping up (for the moment) our discussion of why moving VoIP and UC services into the cloud could be a great choice for you. In particular, our excerpts from the complimentary "2011 Sourcebook for VoIP and UC Services" by Delphi and Webtorials continue, and we encourage you to download the full version (45 pages) to get all of the details. Jim Metzler and Steve Taylor 2011-06-29T12:00:00-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/converg/2011/062711convergence2.html?source=nww_rss Today, we'll focus on some tips from Integrated Research on "Managing Multi-Vendor UC and Collaboration in a Virtual World" and from Verizon Business and Cisco on "SIP Trunking -- Addressing the Hidden Costs of Telephony Networks." Larry Hettick 2011-06-28T04:29:43-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/frame/2011/062711wan1.html?source=nww_rss Throughout most of the evolution of VoIP and UC, the primary implementations have been as a premises-based solution. However, as mentioned in the last newsletter, it's probably time to consider a adding this to your cloud strategy. Jim Metzler and Steve Taylor 2011-06-27T12:00:00-04:00 http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/frame/2011/062011wan2.html?source=nww_rss Over the past few months, Webtorials and Delphi have collaborated to produce the "2011 Sourcebook for VoIP and UC Services." This sourcebook is an extensive reference with comparative information from almost fifty companies on a worldwide basis. Jim Metzler and Steve Taylor 2011-06-22T12:00:00-04:00