Unified communications: a strategy, not a product

Over the last couple of years, unified communications (UC) has arguably been liberally quoted without there being too much understanding of what it means � and what it can achieve for organisations.

Arguably the term itself is so broad, it can be tailored to the needs and demands of both users and vendors. What is clear however is that UC is a strategy, not a product.

From the organisation�s standpoint, some of the strategic questions they should be asking when considering a UC solution include:

�How can we make conversations evolve more dynamically and efficiently in our organisation?� �What is the process of going from an �instant message� to a �video call� to sharing content?� �How efficient is the process that exists for our company today?� �How can the process of clients contacting the company through social media be more streamlined?� �How can social media mentions get the accurate response from the right contact within your organisation?�

It has been suggested that UC strategies should be broken into stages: short and long term. Users should consider what can be implemented today with the resources at hand that also align with the long term communication strategy. Often, many companies are too focused on one way or the other, missing out on opportunities to improve efficiency today or failing to have a cohesive vision of how products may fit into the long term end goal.

The CBR-Arkadin dinner will explore these topics around the table and take the temperature of unified communications within organisations.