Unified Communications Week in Review

Communication is the key in running any successful business. With so many aspects of a business to adhere to, the focus on keeping communication up to date may fall to the way side on the list of priorities. That is where a Unified Communications (News - Alert) system becomes handy, enabling businesses to keep numerous communication services all in one place. The realm of Unified Communications is alive and well, with news this week of the benefits of a UC system to businesses as well as entire communities and the release of new, innovative programs.

The use of a UC system among businesses is definitely not slowing down. According to a report by Frost & Sullivan (News - Alert), “UC is likely to grow at an annual rate of 32.7 percent per year through 2017 in North America alone,” revealing Unified Communication systems as a prospect many businesses are looking into. Companies are evaluating whether or not a UC system may fit their needs, and if having a set network of all your communication systems in one spot sounds good, the correct answer maybe ‘yes.’ This week TMCnet web editor Rory Thompson laid out 5 ways a small business can benefit from a UC program, which may open your eyes to the convenience and accessibility involved with the implantation of  a UC system.

Mobile social communication program for smartphones, WeChat, has recently announced it is now certified by TRUSTe, a global DPM company which provides privacy assessments, certifications, monitoring tools as well as compliance controls. WeChat has provided high level security protection for users’ privacy, which allowed WeChat to meet the requirements of a TRUSTe program. WebChat is not the only UC program making waves this week. The county of Maui, Hawaii is now using ShoreTel – a company providing simple phone systems and UC solutions – for all of their UC needs. "The Hawaiian Islands are among the most remote in the world – we have limited network connectivity on our islands and to the mainland, so resiliency was a huge priority in our vendor selection," stated Bill Conant, section head of technology operation services, IT services division, County of Maui. ShoreTel (News - Alert) aiding Maui county, Hawaii is just another example of a Unified Communications system being put to good use.

For all of your UC news catch us next week on TMCnet!