Unified communications

Unified communications (UC) is an umbrella term for the integration of multiple enterprise communication tools -- such as voice calling, video conferencing, instant messaging (IM), presence and content sharing -- into a single, streamlined interface, with the goal of improving user experience (UX) and productivity.. See complete definition.

News 06 Jun 2024
Zoom opens immersive Experience Centre in London

Leading collaboration and communications technology firm looks to raise bar of international footprint and strengthen UK commitment with major investment Continue Reading
News 06 Jun 2024
UK firms still struggling to enable hybrid work

Survey reveals UK firms are still struggling to make hybrid work effective, with 62% of workplaces changing policy in the past four years and failure to adopt suitable digital tools leading employees to feel overwhelmed and frustrated Continue Reading

News 05 Jun 2024

Collaboration suffers as businesses fail to adapt workplace technology

Research reveals critical gaps in workplace tech affecting productivity and collaboration among workers in the UK, with businesses failing to adapt IT infrastructure to suit different personality types Continue Reading
Report 30 May 2024

Avaya ‘roaring forward’ in the age of experience

From beating the J-curve, riding the upward trajectory of a U-curve to a simple formula to drive business growth through enhanced customer experience. We report on the transformation taking place at Avaya Continue Reading
Definition 23 May 2024

unified communications (UC)

Unified communications (UC) is an umbrella term for the integration of multiple enterprise communication tools -- such as voice calling, video conferencing, instant messaging (IM), presence and content sharing -- into a single, streamlined interface, with the goal of improving user experience (UX) and productivity. Continue Reading
Feature 22 May 2024

Neom: The tip of the tech iceberg in the Saudi desert

What is known about plans for Saudi Arabian smart city Neom could be just the tip of the iceberg Continue Reading
News 21 May 2024

Enterprise sector shines in steady Q1 for Zoom

Zoom’s latest financial results show continued growth beyond its roots, driven by a commitment to meet customer needs and enhance productivity Continue Reading
News 16 May 2024

Vodafone Business Ireland and RingCentral team for hybrid work collaboration

Business division of telco and cloud comms service provider add Ireland to territories for unified communications and collaboration solutions designed to allow businesses to embrace the evolving landscape of hybrid work Continue Reading
News 15 May 2024

HP, Google bring Starline collaboration out of lab and into workplace

Tech firms unveil collaboration technology project based on AI and 3D imaging, designed to make co-workers feel like they’re together from any distance Continue Reading
News 23 Apr 2024

Vodafone Business aims to help SMEs boost productivity and security

Following research showing how small and medium-sized businesses could increase profits and efficiency by making better use of digital tools, UK comms provider unveils campaign to help SMEs source digital tools to boost productivity and security Continue Reading
News 16 Apr 2024

Major UCaaS-related outages experienced by 97% of enterprises in 2023

Survey from provider of performance management, cyber security and DDoS protection services calculates that UCaaS outages can cost up to $1m or more in lost sales and productivity Continue Reading
News 02 Apr 2024

Microsoft pushes Teams out of M365 and O365 bundle globally

Microsoft claims Teams push out of bundle will simplify pricing, with enterprise IT buyers possibly better off Continue Reading
News 28 Mar 2024

Vonage boosts conversational commerce with GenAI

Ericsson-owned cloud comms tech provider integrates generative AI capabilities with Conversational Commerce service to let contact centre agents generate creative content, automate tasks and improve user experience Continue Reading
News 27 Mar 2024

RingCentral goes global with AI-powered contact centre solution

Provider of artificial intelligence-driven cloud solutions expands global footprint and drives adoption momentum of contact centre products with CRM integrations that enable integrated, immersive agent experience Continue Reading
News 27 Mar 2024

Avaya announces Zoom strategic partnership for collaboration

Avaya selects Zoom’s recently launched AI-powered Workplace platform to integrate with its Communication and Collaboration Suite to help enterprises ‘reimagine’ teamwork Continue Reading
News 27 Mar 2024

Cisco unveils enhanced collaboration tech for the hybrid workforce

Multifunctional devices from Cisco aim to enhance collaboration in offices through optimised cameras and AI-powered collaboration features for hybrid teamwork Continue Reading
News 26 Mar 2024

Zoom aims to reimagine teamwork with Workplace AI collaboration platform

Comms and collaboration specialist unveils artificial intelligence-powered platform to help reimagine teamwork, facilitate connections and improve productivity intelligence within familiar experience Continue Reading
News 26 Mar 2024

RingCentral looks to ‘reimagine’ business phone system with real-time AI

Cloud business communications provider adds artificial intelligence to provide immersive employee experience, with capabilities including real-time call notes, conversation intelligence, message translator and generative search Continue Reading
News 21 Mar 2024

BICS partners with SaaS startup

Recently rebranded software-as-a-service customer engagement company switching up its communication partner to BICS as it looks to consolidate and expand across Europe Continue Reading
News 20 Mar 2024

Global UCaaS market set for over 130 million users by 2028

Study from specialist comms research and consulting firm finds growth in UCaaS market continues apace, but price pressures are driving interest in value-added services Continue Reading
News 18 Mar 2024

Budgets rise as IT decision-makers ramp up cyber security spending

Few IT leaders surveyed in the TechTarget/Enterprise Strategy Group 2024 Technology Spending Intentions study say they are spending less this year Continue Reading
News 07 Mar 2024

Western Sydney Metro deploys mission-critical communications for driverless transport

Nokiar teams with industrial partner to provide IP/MPLS backbone communications network and security solution for new Metro line connecting Australia’s largest city to airport Continue Reading
E-Zine 27 Feb 2024

Microsoft’s ‘unfair’ cloud licensing under scrutiny

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we examine claims that Microsoft’s licensing policies are damaging competition in the cloud. Our latest buyer’s guide asks if hybrid cloud is now CIOs’ end goal, and not just an interim step on the journey. And we look at how the focus on customer experience is impacting the unified communications market. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
News 20 Feb 2024

Telefónica, Matsuko launch holographic meeting experience

Telco and spatial computing firm to unveil holographic conferencing service to help users gain more effective communication and emotional connection in meetings Continue Reading
News 20 Feb 2024

Vodafone teams with vcita to boost small business digital productivity

Telco and software management firm launch digital business management service intended for small businesses, replacing time-consuming and manual tasks with automated and digital services Continue Reading
News 15 Feb 2024

Nokia intros first OT-compliant GenAI service for connected workers

Comms tech provider says it has become the first company to adapt GenAI large language model technology for operational environments Continue Reading
News 08 Feb 2024

Cisco taps Apple, Nvidia to achieve distance zero and propel collaboration in new workspace

Networking and IT tech and services firm reveals solutions and partnerships with leading CE and processor manufacturer to support business in the new world of world where workspaces are being reimagined Continue Reading
News 26 Jan 2024

8x8 enhances experience communications as a service suite

XCaaS platform to now include capabilities such as AI-generated post-meeting smart summaries and action items, omnichannel experiences, global workforce support, and deeper technology partner integrations Continue Reading
Tip 26 Jan 2024

On-premises vs. cloud vs. hybrid UC deployment models

When deploying unified communications, organizations need to carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks of on-premises, cloud and hybrid deployment models. Continue Reading
Feature 23 Jan 2024

Top 10 must-have unified communications features in business

Unified communications systems have evolved to reflect changing business processes. As a result, enterprises need to prioritize their must-have UC features. Continue Reading
News 22 Jan 2024

AI ushering new era of intelligent CX

Annual customer experience trends report reveals that 68% of UK customer experience leaders believe chatbots can help build a stronger emotional connection with clients, with AI now the norm Continue Reading
Answer 19 Jan 2024

Can Microsoft Teams chat be monitored?

The quick answer is yes -- IT administrators can monitor employees' messages in Microsoft Teams. But organizations need the proper license plans and policies in place. Continue Reading
News 11 Jan 2024

Cisco fixes high-impact flaw in unified comms platform

Cisco unified comms customers are urged to patch a critical vulnerability in Unity Connection, a messaging and voicemail product Continue Reading
News 20 Dec 2023

Inside Zoom’s generative AI strategy

Zoom’s federated approach towards generative AI allows it to use a combination of models that are most suitable for the task on hand while lowering costs for itself and customers Continue Reading
E-Zine 19 Dec 2023

The ransomware threat to UK critical infrastructure

In this week’s Computer Weekly, a parliamentary report warns that a lack of ransomware preparedness at the highest levels of government is leaving UK critical national infrastructure dangerously exposed – we analyse the risks. We examine how AI tools are helping to enhance cloud security. And the CTO at jewellery retailer Pandora discusses organisational change in IT. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
11 Dec 2023

Supporting a hybrid workforce

The now permanent shift to cloud services and the necessity of dealing with a hybrid workforce have changed modern IT Continue Reading
Feature 11 Dec 2023

Supporting a hybrid workforce

The now permanent shift to cloud services and the necessity of dealing with a hybrid workforce have changed modern IT Continue Reading
Opinion 07 Dec 2023

Considerations for the security of evolving workspaces

Remote working has enabled people to work from almost anywhere but has piled pressure on cyber pros. Three years after Covid, how are best practices evolving and what can we expect going forward? Continue Reading
05 Dec 2023

Sowing the seeds of growth through IP communications

One of the largest food processing companies in the US takes to cloud-based communications to bring about agility, mobility, efficiency and productivity gains, as well as cost reductions that are, quite literally, not small potatoes Continue Reading
E-Zine 05 Dec 2023

Technologies to support hybrid working

In this week’s Computer Weekly, our latest buyer’s guide looks at technologies to support hybrid working – even when your business is as unique as farming. We examine the new guidelines on AI cyber security published by G7 government security chiefs. And we find out how the Jaguar Formula E racing team is using digital twins to improve electric vehicle performance. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
News 04 Dec 2023

CCaaS platform subscriptions to generate $18bn revenue by 2028

Study finds contact centre as a service set for strong revenue gains, driven by growth of RCS and OTT messaging apps as leading providers reduce data silos Continue Reading
Opinion 04 Dec 2023

Cyber and remote working: How Covid moved the cursor

Remote working has enabled people to work from almost anywhere but has piled pressure on cyber pros. Three years after Covid, how are best practices evolving and what can we expect going forward? Continue Reading
01 Dec 2023

Supporting a hybrid workforce

The now permanent shift to cloud services and the necessity of dealing with a hybrid workforce have changed modern IT Continue Reading
Opinion 01 Dec 2023

Security Think Tank: Four steps to secure remote workers

Remote working has enabled people to work from almost anywhere but has piled pressure on cyber pros. Three years after Covid, how are best practices evolving and what can we expect going forward? Continue Reading
News 29 Nov 2023

AI to drive Zoom to new levels in 2024

Collaboration and communications company’s GenAI technology to be cornerstone of hybrid workspace where technology aligns with real user needs Continue Reading
News 24 Nov 2023

Eir Ireland transforms contact centres to enhance customer experience

IT service provider announces partnership with leading Irish telco and technology firm to transform customer service, replacing legacy call centre systems with an API-first experience orchestration platform Continue Reading
News 22 Nov 2023

Enterprise, large accounts get Zoom ahead of guidance in Q3

Communications and collaboration firm’s third quarter results for 2024 fiscal year show better-than-expected performance Continue Reading
News 13 Nov 2023

Dubai Electricity & Water Authority, Avaya extend customer centre alliance

Dubai utility firm enhances its customer care centre to become integrated digital interactive hub, enabling customers to access a wide range of services through an interactive voice system Continue Reading
News 07 Nov 2023

LSE Behavioural Lab highlights critical role of technology in boosting collaboration

Study at behavioural lab of leading UK education establishment finds quality of collaboration outcomes are proportional to quality of meeting technology used by both office-based and remote/hybrid workers Continue Reading
News 31 Oct 2023

Zoom extends AI Companion as it hits million meetings milestone for summaries

Collaboration and communications company’s generative AI assistant sees expanded support for 32 more languages and added capabilities for events, in-meeting questions and meeting coaching Continue Reading
News 30 Oct 2023

Everdome unveils Spaces metaverse-as-a-service platform

Citing a McKinsey report that reveals 60% of users are eager to transform everyday life, Dubai-based metaverse project releases metaverse-as-a-service product line, which aims to make the immersive platform more accessible for all Continue Reading
News 26 Oct 2023

Nimo Planet completes spatial computing system for hybrid work

Spatial computer productivity platform provider launches proprietary hardware and OS to enable virtual workplace system comprising personalised, multi-screen workspace experience to hybrid workforce Continue Reading
News 23 Oct 2023

Magdi Yacoub Global Heart Centre completes contact centre upgrade

NGO dedicated to offering free-of-charge medical services to the Egyptian people chooses premise-based advanced comms platform to underpin each layer of communication at new facility Continue Reading
News 19 Oct 2023

Gitex Global: Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism builds AI engagement platform

Citizens of emirate set to gain access to platform designed to streamline the creation of business licence applications using artificial intelligence to solve the most common pain points in the journey and providing instant digital access to experts on demand Continue Reading
News 18 Oct 2023

Gitex Global 2023: Motul looks to deliver ‘effortless’ experiences in cloud comms

Global oil and lubricants company adopts suite of cloud-based contact centre and unified communications solutions to improve customer experience and enable global employees to collaborate better across borders Continue Reading
News 17 Oct 2023

Gitex 2023: Avaya plots generative AI-powered future for customer experience

Leading comms and customer experience technology provider unveils Generative CX concept showing how artificial intelligence can sit at the core of experience transformation Continue Reading
Feature 16 Oct 2023

Sowing the seeds of growth through IP communications

One of the largest food processing companies in the US takes to cloud-based communications to bring about agility, mobility, efficiency and productivity gains, as well as cost reductions that are, quite literally, not small potatoes Continue Reading
News 12 Oct 2023

Hybrid work flexibility the leading driver underpinning successful work experiences

Study finds that while just over half of CEOs strongly believe their organisation is recognised as an employer of choice, less than half of firms provide employees with the technology they need for hybrid work Continue Reading
News 10 Oct 2023

IT and contact centre leaders embrace conversational AI or fear falling behind

Study finds contact centres are on the precipice of a new era as AI begins to deliver and users are increasingly turning to digital channels for information, purchases and support. But efficiency and effectiveness a point of contention Continue Reading
News 06 Oct 2023

Isle of Wight NHS Trust gives shot in the arm to unified communications

As part of its mission to help organisations of all sizes drive digital transformation, systems integrator works with NHS Trust to ensure it can achieve improved communications service Continue Reading
News 26 Sep 2023

BT announces regional roll-out schedule for Digital Voice

Despite its plan for making voice services an add-on to broadband, rather than a service in its own right, UK leading telco asserts that the landline is here to stay as it reveals strategy to change analogue services to digital Continue Reading
News 25 Sep 2023

Virgin Media O2 trials connected farm of the future

UK operator enables mobile communication from anywhere on a farm, and installs network of sensors to monitor items such as soil conditions, machinery, livestock and land boundaries Continue Reading
News 13 Sep 2023

Storm-0324 gathers over Microsoft Teams

An initial access broker associated with several different ransomware operations is now conducting Microsoft Teams phishing attacks Continue Reading
News 12 Sep 2023

Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise and Nokia on board for Grand Paris rail project

Technology for Good partnership between leading comms tech provider and networking, communications and cloud solutions firm supports transportation service in the Grand Paris area Continue Reading
Feature 05 Sep 2023

Gearing up for the industrial metaverse

With the hype around the metaverse probably at an all-time low since the former Facebook invented it, it could be argued that its potential is at an all-time high. Where will this potential be exploited and though what tools? Continue Reading
News 05 Sep 2023

Zoom looks to transcend AI hype with Companion

Collaboration and comms technology firm makes further addition to comms platform to help improve collaboration and productivity through generative AI-powered assistant Continue Reading
News 01 Sep 2023

Zoom takes Notes to collaboration suite

Collaboration and comms technology firm unveils workspace technology to offer clean user experience that allows users to create agendas and notes while staying in core conferencing platform Continue Reading
News 31 Aug 2023

Teams unbundled in European economic community

Following the European Commission’s antitrust investigation, the tech giant will offer cheaper Office 365 and Microsoft 365 suites without Teams Continue Reading
News 30 Aug 2023

8x8 adds to AI self-service capabilities with voice interactions for customer assistant

Open beta programme sees launch of service based on conversational artificial intelligence designed to allow contact centre customers to add voice self-service capabilities Continue Reading
News 23 Aug 2023

Kura rolls out Avaya Enterprise Cloud to transform customer experience

UK’s largest independent outsourcer replaces five legacy systems to deliver lower TCO, advanced contact centre features on-demand, scalability and external platform integration Continue Reading
News 23 Aug 2023

Enterprise elevated in Zoom Q2

Collaboration and communications technology provider releases second-quarter results showing steady increase in total revenue and significant rise in enterprise revenue Continue Reading
News 15 Aug 2023

London calling as Zoom opens hub heralding new era of modern work

Communications tech provider makes latest evolutionary step having gained reputation as breakthrough pandemic collaboration company, opening doors on hub in UK capital to support hybrid ways of working Continue Reading
News 11 Aug 2023

Voxnube, Altigen unite for cloud-based Microsoft Teams phone systems in Europe

Partnership to combine voice offerings with multi-channel intelligent routing expertise to allow European enterprises to use Microsoft service as primary communications and collaboration platform Continue Reading
News 10 Aug 2023

Cisco: Hybrid work needs to get better

Cisco’s head of collaboration and security talks up the state of hybrid work and calls for organisations to create magnets rather than mandates for workers to collaborate in the workplace Continue Reading
Feature 09 Aug 2023

CTO interview: Gavin Rea, Gulf Bridge International

GBI ensures service continuity of submarine cable networks, which bring high-speed internet to the Gulf states, supporting the region’s ambitious plans to be one of the world’s leading poles for technological innovation Continue Reading
News 09 Aug 2023

Sourcewell awards Avaya unified communications and contact centre contract

Leading purchasing consortium selects customer experience technology provider for unified communications and contact centre contract covering government, education and non-profit organisations Continue Reading
Feature 04 Aug 2023

Zoom eyes up European opportunities

Zoom boasts a range of communications and collaboration products, and this portfolio is evolving into a broader-based business platform of interest to the enterprise market, with Europe set to be centre stage in this evolution Continue Reading
Tip 28 Jul 2023

How to calculate video conferencing bandwidth requirements

Image motion, frame rates and screen resolution often dictate video conferencing bandwidth requirements. Learn four steps to address remote and office video call bandwidth needs. Continue Reading
News 27 Jul 2023

European Commission starts investigation into Microsoft Teams bundling

The commission will investigate if the bundling of Microsoft’s collaboration software with its office productivity suite breaks competition rules Continue Reading
News 17 Jul 2023

Shift towards ‘smarter’ digital life as broadband security, sustainability become key needs

Cisco survey finds consumer expectations will reshape the needs and economics of the internet Continue Reading
News 17 Jul 2023

Zoom doubles down on customer experience in UCaaS play

Zoom is going beyond its roots in employee experience as it looks to strengthen its position in the unified communications-as-a-service market Continue Reading
News 28 Jun 2023

Zoom brings together in-office, remote employees with Intelligent Director

Collaboration provider expands portfolio and capability with launch of Intelligent Director, which uses AI and multiple cameras to provide optimal images and angles of participants in conference room Continue Reading
Feature 26 Jun 2023

Networking a reconfigured workspace

We find out how one company has optimised its network to support a post-pandemic work environment Continue Reading
News 21 Jun 2023

Avaya expands Google, Alcatel-Lucent alliances to boost customer experiences

Collaboration with leading cloud platform designed to deliver enhanced contact centre solutions as improved Experience Platform enables users to integrate digital capabilities to redefine agent operations Continue Reading
News 20 Jun 2023

Avaya deals Aces to boost customer experiences

Communications and collaboration tech provider unveils what it calls reimagined professional services, prioritising AI, cloud and digital transformation through its core customer experience services platform Continue Reading
E-Zine 20 Jun 2023

How to keep network costs affordable

In this week’s Computer Weekly, as demands for networking performance and speed increase, we examine how to keep a handle on costs. Chip makers are investing in PLC technology – the next generation of flash storage – but some think it won’t be worth the effort; we investigate. And we listen in as tech industry leaders and politicians discuss the regulation of AI. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
News 19 Jun 2023

Avaya assures future-proof global communications with Enterprise Cloud

Comms tech provider kicks off user group conference proclaiming company is back, and unveils tech for firms to pursue hybrid cloud models by hosting parts of comms infrastructure in dedicated cloud instance Continue Reading
Feature 19 Jun 2023

Optimising net gains: Building efficient and effective network coverage

We look at how companies can gain efficient and effective network coverage around the world without it costing the earth Continue Reading
News 15 Jun 2023

Qualcomm unveils video collaboration platform suite

Mobile technology giant unveils suite of artificial intelligence-based platforms focused on collaboration devices to accelerate design and deployment of variety video-conferencing product Continue Reading
News 15 Jun 2023

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030: Progress report

Halfway into its plan to give the country a makeover by 2030, Saudi Arabia’s emphasis on technology is starting to pay off Continue Reading
News 07 Jun 2023

Welsh ambulance service upgrades life-saving communications

Welsh ambulances going through major communications upgrade as part of wider NHS programme Continue Reading
News 26 May 2023

Zoom kicks off year with solid revenue growth

Zoom posts results for first quarter of 2024 fiscal year, showing impressive increases in enterprise revenues and growth in number of customers Continue Reading
News 22 May 2023

Telstra makes 400Gbps services available through key Australian city routes

Wholesale division of Australia-based global telco offers customers ability to use 400Gbps wavelength services after enhancements made to advanced, high-bandwidth optical infrastructure based on optical technology Continue Reading
News 18 May 2023

PTC stitches the digital thread for tomorrow’s Industry 4.0 digital transformation

With the software-as-a-service genie well and truly out of the bottle, leading engineering design and manufacturing company outlines roadmap for next generation of digital transformation providing a more agile and collaborative environment of creativity Continue Reading
News 11 May 2023

Webex and Google drive improved collaboration capabilities

Collaboration arm of networking giant reveals enhanced relationship with IT behemoth centred on creating faster synergy offering seamless way to connect through meetings and messaging and to improve automotive meeting experiences Continue Reading
News 09 May 2023

IT Priorities 2023: Collaboration technologies to benefit from future of work investment drive

Research finds that as businesses settle into hybrid work, UCaaS and other collaboration technologies are regarded by IT professionals as crucial tool for driving employee productivity and workflow optimisation Continue Reading
News 05 May 2023

Welsh Water turns on CPaaS tap for enhanced customer experiences

Not-for-profit water company deploys CPaaS-based video comms services to optimise operations, budget control and solve customer issues more quickly Continue Reading
News 20 Apr 2023

3CX incident may be world’s first double supply chain attack

It’s supply chain attacks all the way down as Mandiant publishes information suggesting that the 3CX software supply chain compromise was initiated via a prior software supply chain compromise Continue Reading
News 20 Apr 2023

Huawei: rethinking approaches to networks and computing is critical

Comms tech giant Huawei kicks off 20th Global Analyst Summit affirming commitment to connectivity, computing, storage and cloud and how strategic objectives of industry should drive digital transformation Continue Reading
News 17 Apr 2023

Zoom looks to bolster employee experience with Workvivo acquisition

Latest part of continued expansion of communication and engagement platform sees acquisition of employee experience company to offer hybrid workers new ways to stay connected Continue Reading
News 13 Apr 2023

Webex brings cloud collaboration to US security and defence

Leading collaboration technology provider announces air-gapped trusted cloud for defence industry use case allowing teams to work together through modern meeting, chat and calling experiences on Webex app Continue Reading
News 12 Apr 2023

Stemmer Distribution optimises communications infrastructure

Largest distributor of dental products in France standardises communications through UCaaS to help meet all its needs of reachability and mobility, while rationalising costs for the present and future Continue Reading