Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• 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

• How do you record Zoom meetings using OBS?

  Open Broadcaster Software is becoming an essential tool for companies requiring advanced recording features for Zoom. The software also makes it easy to livestream meetings.  Continue Reading

• AI speech technology offers enterprises benefits, risks

  AI offers intriguing prospects to companies looking for ways to get more value from their speech recognition systems. But be wary of expecting too much, too fast.  Continue Reading

• RCS vs. SMS: What's the difference?

  SMS is being supplanted by RCS to let carriers compete against WhatsApp and Messenger and open new avenues to business messaging. Learn the difference between RCS and SMS.  Continue Reading

• How to enable a Teams-contact center integration

  Explore the three ways Microsoft supports integrating a contact center with Teams to enable more advanced calling and collaboration features for agents.  Continue Reading

• SIP trunking vs. VoIP: What's the difference?

  SIP trunking and VoIP share some similarities, but they have key differences in origin and functions. Learn how together they form the cornerstone of IP telephony.  Continue Reading

• Telepresence vs. video conferencing: What's the difference?

  Though seemingly similar in concept, telepresence and video conferencing have different approaches to virtual meetings.  Continue Reading

• How to use Webex with OBS to enhance meetings

  As the working world shifts to hybrid, companies look for ways to improve virtual meetings. OBS facilitates this by providing enhancements to video calls for Webex users.  Continue Reading

• What is a jitter buffer used for?

  Jitter buffers play a key role in supporting audio quality and mitigating network anomalies. Learn how jitter buffers work and their potential drawbacks.  Continue Reading

• How do you build a CPaaS business case?

  No matter how big or small the deployment, building a business case for CPaaS is essential to creating a more flexible and controlled communications environment.  Continue Reading

• Understanding UC interoperability challenges

  The growth of remote and hybrid work has driven demand for better interoperability among collaboration tools. But supporting interoperability isn't without its challenges.  Continue Reading

• Comparing visual collaboration and ideation for productivity

  Visual collaboration and ideation each play a specific and significant role in increasing worker productivity, while also working toward growing today's market.  Continue Reading

• Can Microsoft Teams send text messages?

  As more companies move to remote work, IT teams can enable sending text messages through Microsoft Teams for quicker and easier communication among users.  Continue Reading

• What are SBC configuration best practices?

  Proper SBC configuration requires partnering with providers and security teams to examine circuits and potential traffic. Learn the best practices for implementing an SBC on your network.  Continue Reading

• Hot desking vs. hoteling: What's the difference?

  More and more companies are adopting hybrid workforce models, but as physical office spaces shrink, what are some options to support employees who do come into the office?  Continue Reading

• How to record Zoom breakout rooms

  Zoom doesn't make it easy to record a breakout room, but with a few extra tweaks, it can be done. Here's why it's worth the effort.  Continue Reading

• How asynchronous video communication boosts remote work

  When it's time to share information with colleagues, a full-blown video conference isn't always necessary. Maybe an app like TikTok could help.  Continue Reading

• Are Microsoft Teams calls encrypted?

  Microsoft Teams calls are encrypted at rest and in transit. But organizations that want an additional layer of security can enable end-to-end encryption for one-on-one calls.  Continue Reading

• UC hybrid models reap benefits but require good planning

  Hybrid unified communications is getting more attention as remote working becomes standard at many organizations. But be sure to understand how applications are being delivered.  Continue Reading

• Virtual whiteboard vs. ideation system: Which is best for you?

  Digital whiteboards are useful when tackling short-term needs, but a full-featured ideation system might be the best option for more sophisticated and mission-critical projects.  Continue Reading

• How do you measure ROI for virtual events?

  Businesses and industries are using virtual events to reach customers. Determining ROI of these events isn't as easy as it was for physical conferences, but it can be done.  Continue Reading

• The difference between a traditional and hybrid meeting room

  Hybrid meeting rooms differ from traditional rooms that focused on in-person attendees. Learn the challenges facing large and small rooms in supporting hybrid meetings.  Continue Reading

• How do you evaluate UC applications for frontline workers?

  UC offerings differ depending on business goals and intended users. When evaluating tools for frontline workers, consider factors based on communication, endpoints and workflows.  Continue Reading

• What is a hybrid meeting?

  Employees are now signing into meetings from a variety of locations. What's the best way to support hybrid meetings and to ensure that workers remain productive and engaged?  Continue Reading

• VoIP gateway vs. PBX: What is the difference?

  When calls are transmitted over a VoIP gateway, voice data packets are assembled at the edge of the network. An IP private branch exchange uses a much different model.  Continue Reading

• Where do Zoom recordings go? How to find saved recordings

  Zoom meeting recordings are saved and stored on your desktop or the Zoom cloud. But your organization may have security rules that restrict meeting recordings.  Continue Reading

• How will VR collaboration transform meetings?

  It may be too soon for virtual reality to play a role in how companies conduct business meetings, but it's not too early to understand its benefits.  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between speech and voice recognition?

  It's easy to be confused about the difference between speech and voice recognition. Each has a specific role to play in business collaboration and contact centers.  Continue Reading

• How do you create a Microsoft Teams template?

  Microsoft Teams templates provide predefined collaboration spaces for specific business processes and team structures. Learn how to create a Microsoft Teams template in five steps.  Continue Reading

• What are types of virtual events and can they be improved?

  Video conferencing software has helped companies connect with their employees and customers, but it hasn't quite filled the bill when it comes to supporting virtual events.  Continue Reading

• Video streaming vs. video conferencing: What is the difference?

  Companies are finding that video streaming and video conferencing can serve the same purpose. That doesn't mean, however, they are interchangeable. Find out why.  Continue Reading

• How secure is Zoom video conferencing?

  Companies can take some simple steps to protect their Zoom meetings, but they should also consider ways to better educate their employees on how to use the software.  Continue Reading

• What are best practices for working with external partners?

  More organizations now use collaboration tools to work with external partners. Learn how to manage external collaboration to support distributed teams and keep company data secure.  Continue Reading

• How do you apply a zero-trust security policy to UC?

  An important piece of remote and hybrid work is keeping UC environments secure. Learn how a zero-trust policy keeps user and app communications secure.  Continue Reading

• How can UC tools create a virtual water cooler experience?

  Even in a hybrid work environment, the water cooler remains a valuable way for remote employees to communicate and stay engaged -- thanks to UC.  Continue Reading

• How do you set up Zoom breakout rooms?

  Breakout rooms might seem difficult to configure, but it's not so challenging once you have the right options enabled. Our expert outlines how to set up Zoom breakout rooms.  Continue Reading

• How can AI improve remote work communications?

  Learn three AI remote work use cases that can address the communications challenges of remote work and improve productivity and collaboration.  Continue Reading

• What are the use cases for programmable video?

  Programmable video is a growing trend in the CPaaS market to integrate video with apps and websites. Learn the use cases driving adoption of programmable video APIs.  Continue Reading

• What are effective ways to secure SIP connections?

  Ensuring a secure SIP environment is critical for enabling employees to communicate over the internet. What are some key strategies to protect your network?  Continue Reading

• What technologies are essential for effective telework?

  Some form of remote work is likely here to stay, even as the worst of the pandemic seems to be over. But employees need the right technologies if they are to remain productive.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between audio and video conferencing?

  Audio and video conferencing each have benefits and drawbacks. Learn the difference between audio and video conferencing to decide which best suits your meeting needs.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between Zoom and Zoom Rooms?

  For some users, Zoom Meetings is all they will need; others may opt for Zoom Rooms. Learn about the features each service provides and the supported use cases.  Continue Reading

• How could BYOD support touchless meeting rooms?

  Organizations have a few options to approach low-touch and touchless meeting rooms. BYOD and employee smartphones are one method to support social distancing and meeting room access.  Continue Reading

• Do you need to manage QoS when deploying VoIP over LAN?

  QoS is an essential component of VoIP over LAN; modern network devices make it easy to implement.  Continue Reading

• Will video fatigue drive users back to voice calls?

  The strain of being on camera all day is beginning to make its mark. Companies are reevaluating the role telephony may play as workers return to the office.  Continue Reading

• What is voicemail and how does it work?

  Voicemail capabilities have evolved since the early days of answering machines. Learn what voicemail is and how features have advanced as the technology became digital.  Continue Reading

• What are the challenges of using multiple team collaboration apps?

  Companies are already using a variety of collaboration platforms, but managing them is hard. What should companies know when juggling multiple team collaboration apps?  Continue Reading

• What are the benefits of vendor-agnostic UC hardware?

  Organizations that want to switch UC platforms without sacrificing hardware investments can find benefits in vendor-agnostic UC hardware. But the benefits can come with tradeoffs.  Continue Reading

• How do you manage cloud telephony E911 location information?

  Tracking E911 location information can be tricky when moving telephony to the cloud. But organizations have a few options to ensure that emergency calls are properly routed.  Continue Reading

• How is remote work affecting enterprise telephony?

  Enterprise telephony is on the decline as remote and home-based workers lack access to enterprise phone systems or seek alternative modes of communication.  Continue Reading

• What does 'bring your own carrier' mean for UCaaS platforms?

  Migrating to UCaaS doesn't always mean an organization can keep its PSTN or SIP carrier. But some providers are taking a 'bring you own carrier' approach to offer more flexibility.  Continue Reading

• Will the pandemic drive further UCC industry consolidation?

  COVID-19 may drive further UCC industry consolidation as vendors look to develop new capabilities to support the communications needs created by remote and hybrid work.  Continue Reading

• What are the benefits of centralized SIP trunking?

  More efficient management and lower costs are just some of the advantages of centralized SIP trunking. Find out why it's better to place trunking components in one place.  Continue Reading

• How has COVID-19 driven CPaaS API adoption?

  New CPaaS use cases are emerging as business requirements for digital communications services evolve in response to COVID-19.  Continue Reading

• How has Twilio SIP trunking disrupted the market?

  Making it easier for companies to deploy a SIP trunk was just part of Twilio's strategy. It was Twilio SIP trunking pricing that really changed the game.  Continue Reading

• How do NG911 standards make the technology superior to E911?

  NG911 standards mean more accurate location tracking for emergency calls on IP-based communications systems, and more efficient response by police, EMTs and firefighters.  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between UC-certified and MS-certified?

  Both UC-certified and MS-certified products are available to enterprises. But one designation carries more weight than the other, our expert writes.  Continue Reading

• What will touchless collaboration in meeting rooms look like?

  Touchless collaboration will determine how employees use meeting room equipment in the future. Learn about three options -- one of which represents the worst alternative.  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between social media and social networking?

  Social media and social networking appear to be interchangeable terms, but they serve different use cases. Learn the difference between social media and social networking.  Continue Reading

• What are use cases for business live event streaming services?

  Business live event streaming services can transform webinars and virtual events to be more interactive and create engaging experiences for customers.  Continue Reading

• What does it mean if a device is UC-certified?

  IT leaders determining which UC devices and endpoints to support organizationwide should look for a UC-certified label, which is an indicator of platform compatibility.  Continue Reading

• How should companies manage huddle room size amid COVID?

  Companies are being forced to rethink huddle room size guidelines as they begin to plan how employees will be able to work together. Find out how technology can help.  Continue Reading

• Will remote work spur unified communications interoperability?

  Unified communications interoperability is gaining more attention as more employees work from home. But, while some progress is being made, there is a long way to go.  Continue Reading

• How can mobile collaboration support workers in a pandemic?

  Mobile collaboration apps help remote workers keep in touch during stay-at-home orders. They are also key to communications flexibility as workers begin returning to the office.  Continue Reading

• How can speech recognition technology support remote work?

  Today's speech recognition technology is much more sophisticated than legacy versions. Find out how speech recognition can make remote workers more productive.  Continue Reading

• Do you really need 4K video resolution in the enterprise?

  Organizations may not need 4K video resolution today, but it might be a good idea to prepare your infrastructure to support the higher-resolution format for tomorrow's demands.  Continue Reading

• What are the benefits of a virtual session border controller?

  A virtual session border controller can help companies meet increased demands without requiring the installation of costly and dedicated hardware.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Teams vs. Zoom: Can Teams replace Zoom?

  Organizations weighing Microsoft Teams vs. Zoom conferencing must consider the long-term licensing costs, collaboration features and UX of the services.  Continue Reading

• How can CPaaS technology support remote work?

  CPaaS technology offers a lot of benefits, but it's not a quick fix for enterprises considering how they might use it to support increasing amounts of remote workers.  Continue Reading

• How do you compare the TCO of on-premises UC vs. UCaaS?

  While TCO can be a helpful metric when weighing on-premises UC options, it's less relevant for evaluating cloud services. Comparing on-premises UC vs. UCaaS has two considerations.  Continue Reading

• How do you measure jitter and what tools can you use?

  What's the best way to accurately measure jitter? There are a variety of tools, but it's important to pick the one that's right for you.  Continue Reading

• What collaboration metrics determine an app's business value?

  Collaboration tools offer organizations benefits, including increased productivity. Learn which collaboration metrics can provide insight into the business value of these tools.  Continue Reading

• How do you address QoS in cloud communication networks?

  To ensure UCaaS traffic runs smoothly across your network, provision sufficient WAN bandwidth, provide low latency and implement QoS controls on WAN routers.  Continue Reading

• What role do legacy UC devices play in a cloud migration?

  Migrating to UCaaS doesn't mean organizations need to leave legacy hardware behind. But organizations must ensure UC devices are compatible with cloud provider platforms.  Continue Reading

• Should you buy communication APIs from a UC or CPaaS vendor?

  Organizations can deploy communication APIs from their UC provider or a stand-alone CPaaS provider. Learn why communication requirements will influence the vendor decision.  Continue Reading

• Private cloud shifts benefits of cloud-based unified communications

  Private cloud UCaaS is giving companies some compelling reasons to reassess their cloud-based unified communications strategies. Better performance is just one factor.  Continue Reading

• How can IT manage video conferencing interoperability?

  Video interoperability is challenging but necessary for today's enterprise. Evaluating vendor partnerships and choosing hardware that supports multiple video services are key.  Continue Reading

• Why is live enterprise video streaming use expanding?

  Live enterprise video use is growing. Learn how changes in culture and technology are encouraging organizations to embrace more livestreaming use cases.  Continue Reading

• How does AI for meetings improve collaboration?

  Reaping the collaboration benefits of AI may take some time. Learn how AI for meetings can improve the collaboration experience through automation and predictive insight.  Continue Reading

• How do collaboration integration and interoperability differ?

  Interoperability between collaboration platforms is scarce, but integrations are abundant. Learn why multivendor collaboration integration has more support than interoperability.  Continue Reading

• E1 and T1 vs. ISDN: What are the differences?

  T1, E1 and ISDN network technology have been used to transmit voice data for years. Compare the similarities and differences between E1 and T1 vs. ISDN links.  Continue Reading

• Is hybrid cloud a long-term UC deployment option?

  Where on-premises UC offers control, cloud-based UC offers agility. Learn why a hybrid UC deployment is a temporary move on the way to a full cloud option.  Continue Reading

• How should organizations approach API-based SIP services?

  Organizations need SIP services to connect and disconnect call sessions. Now some SIP services are offered through APIs, which expand the use cases and capabilities.  Continue Reading

• How can organizations support UC for frontline employees?

  Several challenges can make it difficult to connect frontline employees to communication and collaboration tools. Learn what approaches can improve support for frontline workers.  Continue Reading

• How do you plan for replacing a business phone system?

  A few factors can indicate it's time to replace a business phone system. Learn when it may be time to switch and how to decide on a course of action.  Continue Reading

• What are the benefits of 5G VoIP?

  5G VoIP will have some noticeable benefits over its earlier 4G iteration. Learn how 5G rollouts could improve the VoIP experience with high capacity and low latency.  Continue Reading

• How do no-code applications benefit from CPaaS APIs?

  Low-code and no-code applications are gaining traction in the CPaaS market as vendors offer capabilities that reduce coding requirements for developers.  Continue Reading

• What are the benefits of UC in a cloud-based office suite?

  Adopting the UC tools within a cloud-based office suite may be the most beneficial option if users are already comfortable with the suite's features.  Continue Reading

• How are vendors innovating video conferencing features?

  Now that video has matured, vendors are looking for new ways to innovate video conferencing features. Learn what new capabilities are likely to come to video conferencing.  Continue Reading

• How can UC analytics detect a security breach?

  UC analytics can be the first warning that your UC system's security has been breached. Comparing statistics month to month can help identify potential security problems.  Continue Reading

• Comparing H.323 vs. SIP: What's the difference?

  Discover the similarities and differences of H.323 vs. SIP standards, and learn why SIP has become the de facto standard for voice and video communications.  Continue Reading

• What are the benefits of a UC and contact center integration?

  UC offerings that include contact center integration provide more seamless communications and engagement between office workers and contact center agents.  Continue Reading

• How do you craft an immersive video meeting experience?

  Increasing focus for remote meetings is achieved through crafting an immersive meeting experience. Proper placement of technology such as audio and monitors can enhance immersion.  Continue Reading

• Should you keep your SIP trunk carrier when migrating to UCaaS?

  Migrating UC to the cloud doesn't mean leaving your SIP trunk carrier behind. Learn how bringing your own SIP to cloud services can benefit your business.  Continue Reading

• Which vendors still support on-premises UC infrastructure?

  Not all organizations can migrate UC to the cloud. For those unable to migrate, a few vendors continue to support UC infrastructure on premises.  Continue Reading

• What are the top CPaaS use cases in healthcare?

  CPaaS use cases change from industry to industry. In healthcare, better patient care and streamlined processes are the main focus for CPaaS technology.  Continue Reading

• What areas should hybrid cloud video security address?

  Hybrid cloud provides several benefits to a business. But hybrid cloud video security shouldn't be taken for granted. Learn what four areas should be considered.  Continue Reading

• Does organization size affect a remote collaboration deployment?

  A remote collaboration deployment takes planning. Organizations of all sizes should consider a few guidelines when introducing a new platform.  Continue Reading

• How can IT approach a cloud-based unified communications migration?

  Migrating to cloud-based unified communications can offer organizations greater agility, but benefits need to be weighed against the loss of IT control.  Continue Reading

• How can organizations address VoIP security threats?

  An unguarded VoIP system could be vulnerable to attack. Learn what security measures can help prevent VoIP security threats from affecting your organization.  Continue Reading