Latest ShoreTel 13 Now Available Globally

Unified communications (UC) provider ShoreTel (News - Alert) released the latest version of its software, ShoreTel 13, now available in 48 countries around the world.

The latest upgrade of the software hypes improvements in performance and ease in deployment, management, scalability and use across a single-image system.

The updated ShoreTel Communicator allows users to participate in room-based video conferences using desktops or laptops that support the H.264 industry standard. ShoreTel has already begun integrating its offering with systems from LifeSize Communications, Logitech’s (News - Alert) video communications business and Polycom.

The firm is working to become certified with other vendors as well, according to Jeff Ridley, ShoreTel’s director of product management.

"Video collaboration solutions are transforming communications in more companies, across more industries," said Ron Myers, senior vice president of Global Channels at Polycom (News - Alert). "Both ShoreTel and Polycom share a vision to deliver easy to use UC and video collaboration solutions – whether you are in the office, at home or mobile - to power richer conversations, increase productivity and change the way we work and live."

ShoreTel 13 comes with instant message capability for ShoreTel Communicator with Personal Access, as well as extended enterprise contact center agent capabilities based on services enabled from SIP trunking service providers. Enterprises can also utilize standards-based IM servers such as ShoreTel XMPP IM server, or protect existing investments in already-installed technologies, such as Microsoft (News - Alert) SIP-based Lync, for ShoreTel Communicator.

With video playing such a large part in how businesses communicate, flexibility in how video solutions operate is key. The new release from ShoreTel allows users to move from their desktop to the corporate boardroom and with customers and partners all over.

The upgrade to ShoreTel 13 is free to existing customers with a ShoreTel maintenance agreement, Rencken and Gavin said in the release.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO West 2012, taking place Oct. 2-5, in Austin, TX. ITEXPO (News - Alert) offers an educational program to help corporate decision makers select the right IP-based voice, video, fax and unified communications solutions to improve their operations. It's also where service providers learn how to profitably roll out the services their subscribers are clamoring for – and where resellers can learn about new growth opportunities. For more information on registering for ITEXPO click here.

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