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UNIFIED COMMUNICATIONS From the September 2004 issue of Communications News |
From voice mail to UC Unified Communications (UC) allows administrators to conduct user administration, system backups, network alerts, remote management and other functions through common network tools. For example, day-to-day user administration can be completed via a common directory. For realization of UC benefits, companies should set a strategy and timeline. The progression from voice mail to a comprehensive and cohesive unified communications solution should be: swift; affordable; conducted with minimal training; and flexible and scalable to meet enterprise and individual needs. To achieve these results, organizations should first designate and prioritize business-critical functions and needs. Start by evaluating specific communications challenges for the prioritized groups and the solutions already in place. As needs dictate and budgets allow, companies should first work to extend existing products with flexible and scalable solutions. This ensures investments are leveraged for maximum return. For example, an organization may recognize the value of UC to its business processes but feel hindered since it lacks the funding to replace a legacy system with a data-compatible PBX. Instead, this company may invest in “glue” technologies that connect the data and voice networks. According to industry experts, the process of choosing such middleware solutions should be done independent of a switch decision to allow for flexibility and scalability. Overall, businesses should ensure a UC server and supporting technologies will integrate with what the companies have today and what they will deploy tomorrow. UC’s speech-recognition capabilities also are important, offering greater access and possibility as a more effective user interface. UC powered with speech-driven functionality delivers more potential application, and thus, freedom. Building on proven, flexible technologies is essential for a solid UC road map. Organizations should look for vendors that offer:
Vendors that demonstrate these capabilities are best positioned to support current and future communication requirements for companies across all industries. The solutions they offer should be designed to tighten the integration between data and voice with evolving features and functionality. Important aspects of an effective application include:
In the field of enterprise communications, standalone, limited applications such as voice mail are being expanded to integrated, evolving UC solutions. No matter current size or budget, companies can handle today’s communication needs with an eye to the future by leveraging current infrastructure with scalable technology.
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