This issue of VoiceCon eNews is sponsored by CXtec.

For over three decades, CXtec® has provided new and pre-owned networking, voice, data center and cabling technologies worldwide. We put our own brand of certified pre-owned equal2new hardware through a rigorous testing process and back it with an industry-leading warranty. Each phone we provide is fully tested in a live network at our electrostatic discharge (ESD)-protected facility. We’re an ISO-certified company committed to maximizing value for our customers through needs-based, customized solutions.

www.cxtec.com

VoiceCon eNews: Congratulations to Best in VoiceCon Finalists

Round One of the Best in VoiceCon voting is complete, and we have our seven finalists. They are:

* Acme Packet– Acme Packet Net-Net Session Border Controller in Skype for SIP: Skype has deployed Acme Packet Net-Net session border controllers (SBCs) to simplify the interoperability and feature compatibility of the Skype for SIP beta offering with enterprise IP-PBX equipment.

* Avaya– Avaya Aura Solution for Midsize Enterprises: A single-server, unified communications solution for businesses as small as 100 employees and scalable up to 2400 users and 250 locations. 

* Cisco– Cisco Intercompany Media Engine: A new product that establishes a foundation for cross-organization rich media communications. 

* NET– VX1200 with Extend features: Designed to support the adoption of enterprise voice for Microsoft Office Communication Server 2007 R2 customers, providing branch offices with several key features.

* Psytechnics– Experience Manager 5 with Service Desk Manager: Delivers per session QoE visibility to enable user- experience based IT operations and service management.

* Siemens Enterprise Communications– OpenScape UC Server 2010: The new iteration of Siemens’ next-generation, software-based enterprise communications platform for Voice, UC, Contact Center, Video and Mobility.

* Sipera– Sipera Secure Live Communications (SLiC): A security solution enabling employees to use VoIP, UC, cloud telephony, and other low-cost and feature-rich communications applications on mobile devices.

We had more than 40 entries for Best of VoiceCon, which for the first time ever is a juried award, with entries evaluated by a panel of industry experts. The finalists represent a good mix of companies large and small, as well as products representing broad-scale communications platforms as well as point products aimed at security and management. The fact that two of the products—NET and Cisco–are primarily aimed at connecting diverse network elements shows how important such network “glue” solutions will be in the future.

Another category of vendor that was well represented in the entries, with some interesting product offerings, was service providers. Though none made it into the finals, we saw several entries in these categories that showed that service providers are looking to innovate and be part of the mix as enterprises look to the future of their communications.

One of the reasons why we made this a juried award was that we want to give the award a higher profile and do our part to stimulate a heightened sense of competition among the companies in the industry. Communications equipment vendors and service providers have always tried to innovate, but in the coming decade, their ability to do so will make or break companies and the industry itself.

Between now and VoiceCon, our judging panel will be taking briefings with each of the finalists, letting them make their case and letting us ask our questions, in preparation for our vote to select the Best of VoiceCon winner. I’m excited to see how it all goes.

 
THIS WEEK’S UC EWEEKLY

Will Video’s Momentum Continue?

Anyone attending next month’s VoiceCon Orlando is going to see almost as much video on the exhibition floor as traditional forms of voice and data communications. The story’s the same for VoiceCon sessions, and visitors to NoJitter.com have undoubtedly noticed that the number of articles and blogs that focus on or include video-related content is growing.

While clearly not yet “mainstream,” video is no longer a thing apart from enterprise communications. It’s no longer uncommon to see webcams stuck on office desktop and laptop PCs, and even though they’re often used to connect via Skype to friends and family, as we get into the habit of incorporating video into our personal routines, it’s not much of leap to start setting up ad hoc, business-related videoconferences.

It is for that reason that we’ll devote about 8 hours of session time to examining enterprise use of video during VoiceCon on Monday and Tuesday, March 22-23 — the complete video program agenda is here. These sessions will focus on two key questions:

* What’s the right video mix for your enterprise? We’ll spend three hours analyzing the basic options – room systems, personal video and telepresence – and assessing how you can decide what balance makes the most sense for your enterprise.

* Issues in enterprise video – 2010 and beyond: Session topics include scalable video coding, integrating group video with PBXs and UC architectures, inter-enterprise video and scaling video installations to 1000s or even 10s of 1000s of desktops.

So, does all this mean video’s time has finally come? Well, yes and no.
READ MORE: http://www.nojitter.com/blog/archives/2010/02/will_videos_mom.html

Posted in Carriers, Contact Centers/CRM, Equipment, Management, Market Trends, Tech Trends, Unified Communications, VOIP, Wireless |

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