Whilst unified communications is not our main area of expertise, we are always keen to find out about all things ‘Cloud’. So earlier this month, Theresa Durrant popped along to the Unified Communications Expo, to see what was the latest news on the communications circuit. Here’s what she had to say:
It was fair to say that this year, we saw more hype around Cloud & Convergence with the key message being about how to reduce costs, whilst making use of existing infrastructure.
Vendors and exhibitors were also keen to pitch their products based on flexibility and mobility, which for the likes of us who are already cloud converts, probably would be forgiven for nodding off during their sales pitch. Having said that, I can definitely say that year-on-year, the technology and the solutions are getting better and more innovative.
The themed zones seemed to prove popular, with a lot of activity around Siemens; Microsoft, which was showcasing applications for UC platform Lync. And, Cisco, who were empathising the benefits of collaboration.
We also bore witness as Aspect revealed their cloud based contact-centre solution, Aspect Social. Cited as going beyond mere social monitoring, it provides a way for companies to respond to their consumers in a social way, whilst still working within the constraints of best practices.
Microsoft Lync was also heavily promoting CT Connect, as the product of choice, for staying connected from any device, from anywhere in the world. They were keen to demonstrate that we are set to see even more capabilities coming out of their communications services, which already boasts Conferencing, Voice and HD Video, along with the Skype package.
AT&T was also keen to make it known that they are now extending their cloud based UC services to countries worldwide, making it easier for enterprises to collaborate fully.
In addition, the keynote speeches proved popular, particularly those by Dave Coplin, Microsofts Chief Envisioning Officer, and Dr Nils Olaya Fonstad, Associate Director at eLab.
Coplin explored the challenges that the web presents as it impacts all areas of our lives, through our mobile devices. He reflected on how, up until now, we have seen little difference in the overall work environment, except for maybe the types of devices being used. But, as enterprises come to understand the power of the web through mobile devices, so too will we see a shift in companies adopting more efficient and effective processes.
Dr Fonstad, argued for how businesses will start to see how investment in unified communications and the cloud, will see businesses becoming more mobile and therefore potentially doubling a company’s cost-efficient through cost savings.
Again points, us ‘Cloudies’ have been arguing for years.