ShoreTel has announced global availability of it latest release with ShoreTel 13, with enhancements designed to improve video communications and instant messaging. With the release, ShoreTel Communicator, the call manager application, enables participation in room-based video conferences using H.264 AVC technology -- making it easier for users to communicate via video from their desktop or laptop. ShoreTel is also working closely with partners to encourage wider adoption of video standards including H.264 SVC.
BACKGROUND: It's time to take another look at H.264 SVC
Both Polycom and LifeSize are onboard with the enhancements that will provide greater interoperability between ShoreTel and other collaboration infrastructure providers. Commenting in a statement, Ron Myers, senior vice president of global channels at Polycom, said, "Both ShoreTel and Polycom share a vision to deliver easy to use UC and video collaboration solutions -- whether you are in the office, at home or mobile -- to power richer conversations, increase productivity, and change the way we work and live."
Sandra Hill, director of channels, LifeSize, added, "The integration between ShoreTel Communicator and LifeSize room systems now allows organizations to further maximize their investment in unified communications through multi-modal communication."
ShoreTel 13 also provides instant message (IM) capability at no additional cost for users through ShoreTel Communicator with Personal Access. Other improvements include extended enterprise contact center agent capabilities through SIP trunking features offered by service providers.
Kevin Gavin, chief marketing officer at ShoreTel, commented saying, "ShoreTel fully embraces the complete circle of unified communications by integrating video, voice, and data across any device to streamline collaboration and enhance productivity with IM, presence, audio and Web."
As with other ShoreTel software releases, this upgrade is included at no charge to all existing customers with a maintenance agreement.