Unified communications

Article (12)
  • UC with a chance of cloud: the emergence of cloud-based unified communications
    Unified communications offers a tantalising mix of productivity benefits, but the cost of a full-blown enterprise-grade deployment is prohibitive to many organisations. However, with the emergence of cloud-based unified communications services, these benefits are becoming available to more and more Australian businesses, as Stephen Withers found out.
  • Tips for a successful unified communications strategy
    Without an overarching strategy to guide the use of unified comms technology, a UC deployment is nothing more than another technology replacement program. This article, from iVision CTO Shervin Fathinia, explains how to make the most of UC tools by developing a solid strategy for the use of UC in your organisation.
  • Beyond the EHR: telehealth technologies in Australia
    Recently in Voice+Data we looked at the plans for Australia’s national e-health network and, in particular, the politics that have delayed its introduction. This month Andrew Collins takes a look at the actual technologies involved, the benefit they bring to remote areas and obstacles to their adoption. There is hope but there is a long way to go.
  • The road to unified communications
    After the global final crisis, 2011 is looking brighter on the economic front and companies are still looking for smarter ways to streamline their internal IT structure - unified communications is one of those areas.
  • Unified Communications key to flexible comms in 2011
    As the debate about the NBN rages, there is growing public awareness that the future of voice communication is Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and not traditional lines. As a result, the VoIP for business market will hot up substantially in 2011. And, due to persisting global economic uncertainty, companies will look for quick return on investment in case the economy was to rapidly shift back into a downturn, predicts Marc Englaro, Fonality Australia’s Managing Director.
  • Are we there yet?
    Unified Communications has been the subject of much discussion in recent years with vendors, analysts and the media all putting forward views and predictions. Yet, for many, the profusion of information has simply been confusing and it appears that for now, only those organisations with distributed, remote and mobile workforces seem to be reaping its clear advantages, reports Pushkar Taneja, managing director of GlobalConnect.
  • Unifying the changes
    No one can deny the way we work has changed dramatically in the past five years. Business requires us to navigate complex inter-company networks of customers, colleagues and partners. Up to now, however, organisations have struggled to truly succeed in adapting collaboration technologies. Cisco’s Peter Hughes elaborates on ways to make these new technologies work for your business.
  • Customer feedback feeds success
    As the Managing Director of GlobalConnect, Pushkar Taneja has one abiding aim for the company and that is customer satisfaction. He even goes as far as saying that’s why they are there. Voice&Data’s Merri Mack spent an engrossing hour with Taneja to find out what his challenges are.
  • Disrupting the status quo is the way forward
    Orcun Tezel tells Voice&Data why there has never been a better time for corporations to get maximum value from their network vendor.
  • A perfect storm
    The Integ Group’s CEO, Ian Poole, believes we are heading for the perfect storm but it’s not the sort of storm that will sink the ship if organisations have the foresight to prepare for the inevitable disruption, then they will be the ones that prosper.
  • Virtualisation - key to the use of ICT assets
    While there are signs of improving economic conditions, companies are still closely monitoring their operations and looking to do more with the resources already at their disposal. IT budgets are invariably being scrutinised and companies are looking at ways of moving capital expenditure to operating expenses to meet the same business goals. AT&T’s Fred Girouard looks at cost-effective IT solutions which can be deployed seamlessly across multiple locations to meet these needs.
  • Outsourcing UC management
    Paying someone to do grunt work is one of the more satisfying aspects of running a business. And for some small and medium businesses, outsourcing is the best way to deal with managing a UC deployment, reports Andrew Collins.
Feature (8)
  • Multiple approaches to mobile UC
    The integration of mobility into the corporate network continues to be a challenge for enterprises of all sizes. Ovum’s research shows that most companies struggle with separate fixed and mobile devices, independent infrastructures and separate voicemail systems. Ovum oulines four different approaches: device convergence, voice platform convergence, software collaboration platform convergence and cloud convergence.
  • Clouds are looming for UC
    UC cloud-based services are becoming more prevalent.
  • Managing change — go for UC&C for business success
    Unified communications and collaboration, if done properly, can have a very positive impact on business today.
  • Unified communications and the financial crisis
    Interest in unified communications (UC) has seen strong growth the last few years as organisations keen to boost employee productivity have investigated the new avenues that UC provides. But the question has to be asked, will this growth continue?
  • Videoconferencing contributes to productivity
    Videoconferencing, which is seeing a strong push in Australia, has the potential to be a "transformative" technology, analysts say.
  • Achieving true UC for Australian businesses
    Kylie Wilson-Field investigates the extent of unified communications' push into the Australian enterprise space.
  • The unified communications rollercoaster
    Unified communications (UC) has quickly become the communications buzzword of the moment
  • A unified world
    The research firm AMI-Partners predicts the debut of unified communications appliances that integrate triple play convergence plus security and mobility for the SMB segment in 2008
Product (39)
  • Polycom RealPresence with TIP support
    A software update to the Polycom RealPresence Platform allows customers using Polycom and other standards-based video collaboration solutions to join calls with non-standard Cisco TelePresence Systems and vice versa.
  • Internode hosted unified communications service
    Internode has announced an offering for business customers to achieve benefits of hosted VoIP telephony.
  • Aastra Telecom 700 UC solution
    Aastra 700 is a UC solution for small and medium-sized businesses wanting the benefits of UC for mobile employees and to cut call costs and roaming charges.
  • ShoreTel Mobility extends UC to smartphones and tablets
    ShoreTel has announced an update to ShoreTel Mobility, a smartphone solution that integrates leading smartphones and tablets with leading IP PBX systems extending full UC and cost-saving calling capabilities to the mobile workforce.
  • Digium Switchvox 5.1 unified communications solution
    Digium has released Switchvox 5.1, which adds fixed mobile convergence and further integration with third-party business applications into its VoIP unified communications solution, designed for small to mid-sized businesses.
  • Jabra ANZ unified communications headsets
    Jabra ANZ has launched four unified communications headsets.
  • Infor Pathway 3.06 social media integration software
    Infor Pathway 3.06 web-enabled software allows greater integration with the consumer web and social media assets like YouTube videos and Flickr images, allowing government authorities and councils to more effectively interact with communities.
  • ShoreTel 12 UC software
    ShoreTel 12 UC software integrates, streamlines and improves telephony-based communications for enterprises. It provides easy access to high-definition (HD) audio conferencing, zero-download desktop sharing, XMPP-based Instant Messaging, presence, Microsoft Outlook scheduling and multimedia recording, all integrated in the core platform and available at the user’s fingertips.
  • Quest Software vWorkspace Connector for Android version 1.0
    Quest Software’s vWorkspace Connector for Android version 1.0 enables users to securely access virtual Windows desktops and applications from Android tablets and cell phones.
  • BT Onevoice converged communications platform
    BT has announced the availability in Asia-Pacific of its converged communications platform, Onevoice, with Microsoft Lync (Office Communications Server 2010).
  • Jabra PC Suite v2.4.3 software
    The Jabra PC Suite v2.4.3 software provides easy-to-implement remote call control capabilities for Cisco UC client users.
  • Avaya real-time enterprise video communications and collaboration
    A range of real-time enterprise video communications and collaboration products and services has been released. The Flare Experience is claimed to be the first, next-generation user experience that delivers collaboration capabilities across video, voice and text. The solutions range from personal desktop to multiscreen room systems and make high-definition, low-bandwidth video collaboration accessible for more employees in more enterprises and use less bandwidth than others.
  • Avaya customer service and collaboration applications
    Avaya has launched a number of applications and services. Aura Contact Center is a multimedia contact centre application that extends to all types of media, including voice, email, web chat and instant messaging/SMS.
  • Nokia Siemens Networks hiT 7300 DWDM platform with TransNet
    An optical transport network that addresses the demand for bandwidth-intensive applications, the hiT 7300 DWDM platform with TransNet, will enable CSPs to migrate existing 10 and 40 Gbps optical networks to 400G with minimal investment.
  • BT IP Exchange platform
    The IP Exchange platform is a wholesale service that enables communications providers to connect VoIP to VoIP and VoIP to traditional voice calls, designed specifically for the global communications market.
  • Internode IBC private internet protocol networks New Zealand extension
    Internode has extended the coverage of its Internode Business Connect (IBC) private internet protocol networks to New Zealand. IBC can be used to provide a private IP network that connects businesses with offices throughout Australia - and now New Zealand - as if they were on a purely internal network.
  • Avaya IP Office communications solution for SMEs
    Avaya has introduced the Avaya IP Office communications solution for SMEs that features UC capabilities that include advanced collaboration tools using voice, instant messaging, presence and video.
  • Ericsson W series mobile broadband router
    Powertec Telecommunications has announced its remote 3G faxing solution with the Ericsson W series mobile broadband router across all of Australia’s 3G mobile networks.
  • Digium Switchvox SMB 4.5 VoIP UC solution
    Wavelink Communications has released the Digium Switchvox SMB 4.5, an updated version of Switchvox, the VoIP unified communications (UC) solution designed for small to mid-sized businesses. Switchvox SMB 4.5 delivers applications traditionally accessed through the web interface directly to phone handsets.
  • Integrated mobile and fixed line systems
    Sybase and Siemens Enterprise Communications (SEN) have partnered to provide customers with a fully integrated mobile and fixed line, voice and data solution that supports and includes the management of a range of device types through a completely heterogeneous environment.
  • Unified communications applications suite
    Unified communications software solutions for the Nortel CS1000 platform have been released by IPFX.
  • Enterprise media software
    Zultys has released Version 5.0 software for its MX250 and MX30 Enterprise Media eXchange products. Version 5.0 provides added features for contact centre managers and companies supporting teleworkers and remote offices. Zultys Release Version 5.0 eliminates the need for licences for SIP trunk support in a continuous effort to simplify customers’ access to the latest technologies.
  • Mobile softswitch
    Huawei has released its latest mobile softswitch solution (MSS) with enhanced capability in network security, maintenance and operating expenses reduction. 
  • Modelling UC tool
    NEC Australia has launched an in-depth modelling tool designed to quantify the expected ROI for unified communications deployments. Using the tool, NEC found that the typical business in Australia can expect to save about $100,000 in one year, with a payback period of just six months.
  • Integrated UC package
    IBM Lotus users can now access Avaya unified communications capabilities through Lotus software.
  • Unified comms portfolio
    Orange has updated its Business Together with Microsoft portfolio with the recent versions of the Exchange Server 2007, Office Communications Server 2007 and Office SharePoint Server 2007 unified communication and collaboration offerings.
  • Unified communications suites
    The Mitel unified communications (UC) portfolio is packaged under a role-based software licensing approach.
  • IP communications platform
    Interactive Intelligence has integrated its all-in-one IP communications platform with Microsoft OCS 2007. The integration is designed to help organisations communicate more effectively by adding contact centre and IP telephony functionality to OCS environments.
  • Unified communications system
    HiPath Open Office ME is an entry-level unified communications system for businesses with 20 to 150 employees.
  • Remote meetings
    The Telepresence T3 solution offers remote meetings and interoperability with standards-compliant video systems.
  • HD conferencing
    Videoconferencing with high definition can improve the videoconferencing experience by providing a clearer, crisper and higher quality video picture for customers with high-definition-capable video equipment.
  • Gateway software upgrades
    Juniper has made available version 6.0 of the ScreenOS operating system for the Integrated Security Gateway (ISG) and Secure Services Gateway (SSG) firewall/VPNs, as well as version 4.1 of the Intrustion Detection and Prevention (IDP) software for IDP products.
  • Live Business Gateway
    Mitel Live Business Gateway provides simple, out-of-the-box integration between a Mitel IP telephony solution and Microsoft Live Communications Server and Microsoft Office Communicator.
  • Voice and multimedia platform
    The Service Convergence Integrated Platform enables VoIP and multimedia services, as well as offering a start for operators for smooth transition to an IMS-based next-generation network (NGN) in the future.
  • Unified office appliance
    Packeteer has introduced the iShaper, an appliance which delivers unified branch office capabilities.
  • Unifying server
    The Tandberg Video Communication Server is a multi-application network device which includes the unified communications application, FindMe.
  • Communication growth package
    OfficeServ 7100 is designed for the small business wanting control over its communication growth in an all-in-one package.
  • Fax server
    GFI FAXmaker is a fax server that makes sending and receiving faxes an efficient, simple and cheaper process.
  • Mobile software and phone
    The BlackBerry Connect software on the Dopod 838Pro supports wireless email access, wireless email reconciliation and attachment viewing in conjunction with both BlackBerry Enterprise Server and BlackBerry Internet Service.
News (13)
Case Study (24)
  • IP telephony sends GOMED boss on holiday
    Goldfields Occupational Medicine (GOMED), an independent occupational medical facility, has let go of its legacy technology and telephony provider after the facility experienced three months of IT downtime in two years. A new telephony solution has given GOMED’s boss, Tim Spokes, the peace of mind to set out on an overseas holiday.
  • Demons call on the power of unified comms
    The Melbourne Football Club (MFC) - also known as ‘The Demons’ - has ditched its 10-year-old POTS phone system in favour of a unified communications (UC) system that provides the club with free interoffice calls and greater mobility.
  • Unified comms helps clinic cope with growth
    With plans to open a second practice near its Melbourne location, Airlie Women’s Clinic replaced its existing phone system with a unified communications (UC) solution, to help improve efficiency and reduce costs.
  • Meat processor forgoes 'Taj Mahal' of unified comms
    T&R Pastoral, one of Australia's leading meat processors, has opted not to install a large, all-in-one unified communications (UC) system, but instead implement what it calls a "small" system, with the option of adding more later on.
  • University of Western Sydney goes live with unified communications system
    A converged voice and data network costing $1.2 million from NEC is set to deliver productivity gains for the University of Western Sydney (UWS).
  • RACV to roll out new communication networks
    NEC Australia has signed a five-year contract with the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) to upgrade the organisation’s existing data and voice networks across all of its sites - operational headquarters, two club locations in Melbourne and Healesville, resorts in Victoria and Queensland (6) and retail outlets (40) - supporting over 2500 employees.
  • Country fire authority enhances communications
    New Cisco-based network allows faster, improved information flow between Country Fire Authority of Victoria's bases and firefighters.
  • Amer Sports scores improved network efficiency
    Amer Sports, the Finnish sports equipment manufacturer that owns the Salomon, Wilson, Atomic, Suunto, Precor, ArcTeryx and Mavic brands, has improved bandwidth capacity at reduced cost by utilising multiple, local carriers across its geographically diverse global operations.
  • Mater Health Services’ smart hospital strategy
    By allowing access to clinical information systems wherever they are needed, medical staff can access patient records, pathology and radiology results and key clinical information right at the bedside or point of care. This highly secure Cisco mobility solution untethers medical staff and supports different workflows and maximises their efficiency.
  • Hollywood unifies voice communications
    Perth’s Hollywood Private Hospital, which is part of Ramsay Health Care, has deployed a new healthcare voice communications solution from Nortel that allows it to retain existing phones while adding modern call functionality and providing an easy upgrade to unified communications.
  • Teachers Credit Union deploys unified communications
    Australia’s second-largest credit union, the Teachers Credit Union, has deployed a 126-seat unified communications call centre solution from Interactive Intelligence. The Interactive Intelligence Customer Interaction Centre (CIC) application suite provides a multimedia contact centre capability which is being used to manage communications across five locations in New South Wales, Canberra and Perth.
  • Unified comms saves Cooma-Monaro Shire money
    A unified communications (UC) solution has garnered for the Cooma-Monaro Shire Council savings to the taxpayer of $1600 per month in voice-link costs, a 50% reduction in power consumption, up to 60% less TCO than other systems, and an ROI, including maintenance costs, of less than four years.
  • Importer unifies staff with unified comms
    ANZ-based chemical importer Redox has deployed a new communications system to improve coordination of its staff across offices and between countries.
  • Airline launches communications infrastructure
    Virgin Blue is set to deploy a unified communications system to improve its customer service, as part of its New World Carrier strategy.
  • Credit union unifies comms
    New England Credit Union (NECU) will soon deploy a unified communications solution in order to improve customer service and reduce operating costs.
  • Charles Sturt signs up for unified comms
    Charles Sturt University has signed Interactive Intelligence to deploy unified communications across the university’s multiple campuses.
  • OfficeMax consolidates voice and data network
    OfficeMax, one of the world’s largest office product supply companies with a major B2B presence in the Australian market, has deployed a new unified communications network from Nortel with the intention of cutting costs, improving its environmental credentials and taking its customer service standards to the next level.
  • Gizmo stays in contact
    Sydney-based Gizmo, a provider of technical support for a wide range of computer-related technologies, has successfully migrated to a fully fault-tolerant Mitel unified communications solution to support the company’s rapid growth and improve the efficiency of its 10 Australian offices and large field services workforce.
  • Luther College implements a UC system
    Luther College is a private senior school in Melbourne's outer eastern suburbs which prides itself on providing high-quality education to more than 1000 students.
  • Bicycle wholesaler unifies communications over IP
    Trek Bicycles Australia, a wholesale business, grew out of a long-established Sydney bicycle retail business called Clarence Street Cyclery
  • Unified communications unifies company
    Peabody Energy is one of the largest coal mining companies in the world, mining almost 240 million tonnes of coal in 2005
  • Call centre listens to employees
    Restaurant Brands owns the Pizza Hut, KFC and Starbucks franchises in New Zealand. To take food orders, the company runs one of the busiest food call centres in the land of the long white cloud
  • Management via video-conference
    Award winning chef Neil Perry has utilised a high-speed data link from his Rockpool restaurant in Sydney in order to keep a close eye on the quality of offerings in his newly-opened Melbourne restaurant
  • Blue Mountains Council moves to internet platform
    The Blue Mountains City Council has deployed a Cisco Unified Communications network system to improve customer service at its Katoomba contact centre, increase staff productivity and reduce operational costs
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