What is Unified Communications and why is it important?
Most broadcast in business use more than one form of communication, be that telephone, email, voicemail, chat or fax. The concept of unified communications is that all forms of communications are more converged. For example enabling voicemails to be opened and listened to in mailboxes and vice versa.
The key drivers of this technology are the Telephone System manufacturers who are working closely with Microsoft and other software developers to ensure ordinary protocols are used which encourage interoperability.
Telephone systems used to be PBX systems that would have digital or analogue end points, but in recent years telephone system manufactures such as Avaya have realised that connecting to a companies IP network meant that software to support and compliment handsets could be produced and that this would provide them with a USP.
Over time other manufacturers have caught up with Avaya and each has their own suit of supporting software. Although each manufacturer has their own ‘flavour’ of software the concepts are similar allowing users to see real time if another user is available and on what device. In other words it enables all the systems that a person might use to work together real time.
How will this benefit my business?
A key benefit of unified communications is reduced latency. Messages are delivered quicker and therefore actioned quicker. By using a unified communications enabled Telephone System in environments where workers are often on the road or not at their office desk it allows other users to see where a user is working and if they are available.
What’s the possibility of unified communications?
As data relations including broadband get quicker and more reliable, more applications and uses will be added to the unified communications theatre. Video technology is the latest newcomer and is by now being rolled out in larger organisations as a ordinary feature. Both Avaya and Cisco have made large investments in video technology believing this is where the possibility of communications lies. It is only a matter of time before this technology becomes a more ordinary feature in the software sets available to smaller organisations and home users.
Where can I get this technology?
Telephone system manufacturers tend to sell their equipment and software through value added resellers who can offer line and call packages as well as training and peripheral products. Manufacturers differ in their options for unified communications products and in their ability to integrate with 3rd party software and equipment. Avaya, Cisco, Mitel, Alcatel and Shoretel have the best options and Panasonic, NEC, Siemens and LG have very limited options.
South African born Keith has lived in the south of England for most of his life. After graduating from University with a degree in Business Information Systems Management he chose to start Strawberrysoup; a website design company based in West Sussex and Dorset.
Keith successfully gained entry into the Southampton University Air Squadron and spent over 12 months training to glide. In view of the fact that then he has continued to stay on his interest in flying and has now started his own training in the form of a Confidential Pilot’s Licence.
Keith also spent 13 months working within the Persona and Printing Group at Hewlett Packard in Bracknell. Throughout his time there, he was responsible for many activities including events organisation and website design and maintenance.
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