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Cutting-edge communications solutions — such as VoIP, conferencing technologies, and integrated voice and data messaging — are quite popular among small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).  These businesses are increasingly showing interest and adopting a wide gamut of communication solutions, according to a recent study by the International Data Corporation (IDC).

But these SMBs are adopting and using these solutions on a piecemeal basis, falling short of a comprehensive end-to-end unified communications system (UC). 

Enhanced connectivity, collaboration and communication capabilities that go beyond the mere sum of their divergent parts are some of the major benefits of UCs.  All of these benefits lead to enhanced productivity, efficiency and overall performance in the workplace.

However, it appears that there is a lack of knowledge, among decision-makers at SMBs, about the advantages of UCs.  This lack of knowledge is probably why more SMBs have not implemented end-to-end UC systems.

Key findings of IDC’s study reveal that SMBs are keenly interested in UC technologies, and 55% of companies plan to add one UC component in this year. VoIP has a solid foothold in the medium-size business segment, and more than 30% of firms with 100-199 employees utilize it in some way or the other. Small enterprises appear reluctant to adopt VoIP due to various factors, primarily lack of knowledge of the benefits and misconceptions about call quality and power outage issues. Service providers should address these concerns to increase the prevalence of these UC solutions.

International Data Corporation is a Massachusetts-based global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications and consumer technology markets.

The younger generation does not give any importance to security issues, and are only concerned with freedom of access to social networking sites, according to a recent Cisco report based on results from its survey of college students and young professionals.

The third installation of Cisco’s “Connected World Technology” report released Dec. 14, 2011 reveals some surprising facts and figures on the attitude and approach of younger employees to IT policies.  For example:  There is a lack of concern about privacy and security, coupled with a carefree attitude about flouting IT policies.

This Cisco study reveals that 61% of young employees felt that corporate IT security was the responsibility of the company or the manufacturer of the device — not their problem. The young employees surveyed consisted of 1,400 college students between 18 and 23 years old, and 1,400 professionals younger than 30.

Out of 10 such employees, seven ignored company IT policies. Also among the employees, 67% of them stated that existing IT policies on social media and device usage were outdated and needed to be modified to meet the current needs of Internet access and enhanced flexibility at work. The expectations and needs were different among the young employees on restrictions at work.  This aspect could become a deciding factor on work choices and preferences, according to Scott Olechowski, Threat Research Manager at Cisco.

These students and professionals had grown up in a computerized environment and were used to unhindered access to the Internet and the free flow of information. They were looking for a more open and unrestricted access to information and social media, stated John Stewart, Chief Security Officer of Cisco.   Given that, IT and security policies must change to enable mobility and productivity, while keeping tabs on security and risk.

Desk phones, long considered a staple for telecommunications, are being replaced by the myriad models of mobile devices now available, from smartphones to tablets of various shapes and sizes.

As these gadgets continue to gain popularity in the work world, the need for more Wi-Fi solutions to boost performance gets stronger. And, with increasing usage of mobiles devices by the workforce, there is a growing need for the integration of advanced Wi-Fi and VoIP technology.

Ruckus Wireless and ShoreTel® are filling that need, particularly for its small- and mid-sized business customers.  The two industry leaders have teamed up to launch a Mobile Unified Communications (UC) Starter Kit that integrates Wi-Fi and Voice over IP (VoIP).

The Mobile UC Starter Kit provides UC and wireless networking solutions which support the voice and data needs in a single, user-friendly and cost-effective package.  The UC Starter Kit is an ideal solution which enables professionals to utilize UC on their mobile phones, regardless of location — and at reduced costs.

“ShoreTel and Ruckus now give organizations a complete turnkey system that takes advantage of the best VoIP and Wi-Fi technologies to easily and securely integrate employee smartphones into their existing network framework,” stated said Denis Maynard, Vice President of worldwide sales for Ruckus Wireless.

Ruckus’ ZoneFlex Smart Wireless LAN (WLAN) is a product verified within the ShoreTel Innovation Network, thereby assuring customers of efficient coordination between the dual platforms for optimum operational excellence.

ShoreTel’s VoIP reach goes far ahead of a wired environment with the Ruckus ZoneFlex Smart Wi-Fi system, enabling business managers and staff to use tablets, other mobile devices, and VoIP telephones in addition to the existing IP solutions.

For organizations looking for trial demonstrations of unified communications, the partners have designed cheaper product packages customized according to customer requirements.

Ruckus Wireless based in Sunnyvale, California is involved in the design, manufacture and marketing of Smart Wi-Fi and Smart Wireless LAN products since 2004. ShoreTel also based in Sunnyvale provides Unified Communications solutions based on their award-winning IP business phone system.

Now it’s even easier to keep up on the latest developments within the burgeoning videoconferencing and telepresence markets, and get data on vendor share for these technologies, thanks to International Data Corporation (IDC).

IDC, the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the IT, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets, has launched a global quarterly review called “Worldwide Enterprise Videoconferencing and Telepresence QView.” 

The videoconferencing and telepresence markets are huge money-makers.  Revenue for this technology sector grew 24.3% year-over-year, and the 3^rd quarter of 2011 shows a continued growth trend. The market is currently $680.4 million.  The single codec telepresence segment of the market shows an increase of 36.6% year-over-year to $379.7 million and now accounts for 55.8% of the total market.

It is only very recently that enterprise networks and videoconferencing technology developed the capability of delivery of collaboration functionality that can initiate a video session, according to Rich Costello, senior analyst, Enterprise Communications Infrastructure, at IDC. This capability has enormous possibilities, as it goes beyond a conference call and is a viable alternative to real-time contact.

The market is also growing at a rapid pace, as video collaboration becomes more popular, and has shown 20% growth in three of the last four quarter of the year. IDC expects a substantial revenue growth in this market to continue over a period of five more years, strengthened by the increasing presence of unified communications, collaboration applications, telepresence systems, and desktop and mobile devices supporting video.

By providing crucial information on technology developments, IDC enables IT professionals, business leaders and managers, and investors to make informed, fact-based decisions on technology purchases and marketing strategies. IDC’s worldwide presence results in the availability of global, regional and local information on technology, diverse industry trends and opportunities in more than 110 countries. This service gives strategic ideas and additional inputs which help companies accomplish their marketing targets.

Mobility, enabled by the latest technology, may make business managers and owners happy because then, they don’t have to spend as much money on overhead expenses.

But are mobile or telecommuting workers any happier because they are not tethered to traditional workspaces in an office? 

Not so much, according to a recent study commissioned by The Institute of Work Psychology at the University of Sheffield in England.  The study, titled “Well-being of the Mobile Workforce,” compares the finding from the reports of the iPass Mobile Workforce with results from academic research on employee well-being and contentment.

Results from the study indicates that many of the mobile workers who work outside the traditional office environment, either at home or elsewhere, tend to put in more hours per week.  Among such workers, 47% work 5 to 10 hours more per week while 26% even put in 15-20 hours extra each week.

Apart from the additional workload, several other aspects appear to be detrimental to employee well-being. These include a problem with the work-life balance, with a negative impact on personal and family commitments, together with more stress due to the flexibility of the work style.

Increasing mobility is leading to fretful lives, with 32% stating that they felt tied to their smartphones even while on holiday. Working at night is common and sleep deprivation is having an adverse effect on health. The long hours at work are not just tiring the mobile workforce, but also making them far less productive.

People should learn to demarcate the two diverse spheres of work and home, so that the tendency to overwork and the blurring of work-home boundaries is avoided to some extent, said Dr. Carolyn Axtell of the Institute of Work Psychology.

Despite these drawbacks, mobile employees enjoy flexibility and freedom, leading to greater job satisfaction and enhanced psychological well-being.  Most manage a well-balanced work-life schedule. The advantages of unified communications, video-conferencing and ongoing collaboration are there for all to utilize and usher in a better-organized working life.   

Keep this in mind: Technology isn’t always the problem.  Sometimes, the problem stems from how people use technology, and how people manage their time.

Around the world, more and more workers are leaving their desks behind and working beyond the confines of a traditional office setting, according to the findings of the BroadSoft® 2011 Mobile Enterprise of the Future Survey.

BroadSoft Global’s survey results indicate that numerous companies across the globe are quickly adopting and deploying a mobile workforce while rapidly expanding their unified communications capabilities.  The swift pace at which businesses are implementing (or planning to implement) mobility into their workforce is likely to have significant and positive ramifications for mobile network operators, service providers and providers of telecommunications solutions.  Translation:  Opportunities are abound for the mobile communications industry!

Conducted by Cohen Research Group®, the BroadSoft survey was based on information gathered from 200 IT leaders in the United States and 200 from the United Kingdom.  In many instances, the companies represented in this survey have workers throughout the world.  Researchers reached out to a range of business enterprises differing in size and specialization.  Approximately three-fourths of the respondents were the chief decision-makers in the purchases of their companies’ mobile and unified communications solutions.

Another interesting finding: Sixty percent of the IT leaders said that approximately one-quarter of their workforce is mobile, and 44% had nearly 25% of their employees functioning only with a mobile device. Results from the U.S.-based and U.K.-based respondents almost mirrored each other. Instead, the differences were more apparent among companies of varying sizes.  Companies with more employees tended to have more mobile workers.

If the respondents of this survey are correct, the days of the office desk phone may be numbered.  One-fourth of the decisions-makers surveyed said they strongly believe that mobile phones will replace desk phones in the next two years — and 82% of the companies already have employees using mobile devices and applications for communication and collaborations.

The future looks bright for all aspects of the mobile communications industry … maybe not so bright for the traditional office desk phone.

Think of the VoIP service add-ons — the extra features and functionalities beyond the basics — as items on a restaurant menu.  You may be told how creamy the cheesecake is and how heavenly the chocolate cake is today. 

But what if you are full after your dinner?  What if you really don’t want, or you can’t afford, anything else beyond your main dish?  Should you buy something you don’t need or want, or can afford, just because someone is telling you how good it is?  Most of us would say “no.”

The same is true for VoIP service and related items purchases.  A good salesperson can convince you of anything.  However, it’s up to you to consider what is best for you — what it is you really want or need regarding your VoIP service — so you can spend your money wisely.  The way to do this is to amass as much basic information about VoIP as you can before you make your final decision on which VoIP service provider to choose.

Keep in mind that VoIP service providers offer a number of useful add-ons along with your basic service.  Shop around and compare prices for add-ons.  Also, make sure you are not paying for add-ons and features you don’t need.

Perhaps the most important criterion in distinguishing the level of service you’re getting from your VoIP provider is the voice packet to data packet ratio.  A company which doesn’t focus on voice packets is likely in the VoIP game secondarily, and has much more interest in classic internet service.  If you want the best VoIP service possible, you’ll need to get together with a provider which gives you their full assurance that data packets are their primary focus. 

If you’re not a large business, you’re probably not going to need the super-deluxe package.  Keep your focus on the essential VoIP service and then give thought to features and add-ons which can be beneficial to your company. 

In short, you ought to understand exactly what the various service packages will mean for the overall quality of your VoIP experience.  Arming yourself with information about VoIP makes it more likely that you will fulfill your business’ basic needs while only getting the extras you can use … and that you can afford.

There are a couple of schools of thought when it comes to government regulation.  Some believe that it’s all bad, and that it hinders the performance of the market.  Others see it as a necessary evil.  The truth is that it depends on what product, service or industry is being regulated — and for what reason.

Fortunately, VoIP is not regulated very much at all … at least, not now.  The United States government categorizes VoIP as an information service, rather than a communications service.  Sure, it sounds like a semantics issue.  However, this matter of semantics has saved people and business owners tons of money.

If and when Congress changes that classification, it probably will be for one major reason:  Old school phone companies see the money-making future, and it is VoIP.  Those phone companies use their resources to jump in on the action.  Thus, we have convergence of industries, a resultant convergence of definitions, along with new fees, taxes, and … you guessed it:  Regulations, which can require VoIP service providers to spend more money.  Some of those costs may be too larger for the VoIP service providers to absorb.

But that day hasn’t come yet.  So, don’t give up on VoIP. 

Plus, even if or when it does, VoIP is still going to be much more affordable than traditional phone lines because VoIP providers have much smaller overhead expenses and can afford to keep service prices very reasonable.

Meanwhile, consumers should try to get in on the ground floor of VoIP communications now.  True, the technology has been around for many, many years.  But VoIP has picked up in popularity recently.  It is what’s “Now.”  Even more importantly, VoIP is the future.

So … you’ve made the decision to get a VoIP system instead of, or in place of, a traditional telephony system.  Great!

Now, you want to make sure you get your money’s worth and have the best VoIP experiences possible.

To that end, here are a few points to consider and some tips to implement.

The number one way to make sure you’re getting the best possible VoIP service is to put it on a separate line.  This will keep other data from interfering with the voice packets.  Lots of customers have problems in this area.  Many of those customers don’t do anything about it because they don’t understand that the solution is simple and inexpensive. 

It is very important that you have adequate bandwidth so that your VoIP service functions properly.  You already know what kind of quality to expect if you’re on a 56K modem.  With cable, Wi-Fi, or Broadband, your prospects are obviously better.  There is no need to invest in avant garde technologies.  But, what you do need is a good quality connection. 

The hardware that you use for VoIP ought not to be scrap metal garbage.  Many consumers spend a fortune on their service plans and then purchase hardware as a perfunctory afterthought.  This is not a good practice.  Service problems for this particular industry are often related to low-quality hardware.  As a general rule, if the hardware costs less, it’s probably worth less. 

Another influence on your VoIP experience is the weather.  Unfortunately, this is an area where there isn’t very much that you can do.  Major storms and high winds put a strain on communication lines, and make for poor internet voice quality.  Your provider will need to address these issues.

Your router can make a difference between a good VoIP experience and a lousy experience.  A good router will have adequate compression and security.  There is also some terrific new technology that allows for echo cancellation.  It would be ideal for you to include this technology, or something similar, in your overall VoIP package.

Consider these factors and follow these tips … and you’re more likely to have the best VoIP experiences possible.

Kudos goes to Avaya Inc., winner of the 2011 New Product Innovation Award for Global Desktop Videoconferencing Endpoints from Frost & Sullivan.

Avaya won for its Desktop Video Device (ADVD).

The parameters for winning the award were product innovation, value-added features and benefits, return on investment by the customer, use of cutting-edge technology and customer penetration potential. On all these counts, Avaya’s global desktop video device scored high, especially in the category of product innovation.

The ADVD is a desktop video device that is WIFI-enabled with an 11.6-inch touchscreen and an integrated HD video camera. The device supports the Avaya Flare® Experience and is a solution that comprises multiple interactions in a single communication interface. The ADVD enables communication through various kinds of media.  It also provides access to social media, desktop video, instant messaging, and audio/video/web conferencing — all in one central location.

Frost & Sullivan, in their citation, noted: “A key aspect of the Avaya Desktop Video Device and the Avaya Flare Experience is that it provides one unified, people-centric view for all relevant communications in an easy to use and intuitive way. As a result, placing a video call is as easy as making a phone call, a moniker that the Videoconferencing industry has been targeting for years.”

Avaya’s Desktop Video Device supports the entire portfolio of the Avaya Aura® application. Users of the Desktop Video Device can access tools such as the desk phone, video endpoint, and speakerphone in a single device for any type of multimedia collaboration. There is no need for install several devices for diverse applications. This translates into a savings with the elimination of the need for extra hardware, management, maintenance and licenses.

Avaya, a New Jersey-based provider of communication and collaboration solutions, offers unified communications; video collaboration; contact center and data solutions; and other services to companies across the world.

During the early part of the 21^st century, the financial markets were sustained by the technology sector, marking great returns on companies that were updating their aging computer systems for newer options. The companies then went back to the pursuit of the postponed projects, leaving behind the technical sector.  But, since approximately 2010, the corporate world has been investing in technology — which appears to be the only dynamic sector in a slow and sluggish economic environment.

Current communication protocol is luring companies into innovative solutions which require technological expertise. While a simple server cannot run an internal IT infrastructure, managed IT services provide businesses (of every kind and size) access to the latest technological solutions. VoIP has transformed the telecommunications scenario, reducing the costs of long-distance phone calls and providing many additional features which streamline communication and collaboration over long distances and time zones. Business travel is frequently replaced with VoIP, enabling work to be done while saving time and money.  Telecommuters and salespeople can now communicate regardless of location. Hosted VoIP solutions provide these tools to everyone within a reasonable initial cost, as it is accessed over an existing Internet connection.

The Session Initiation Protocol, also known as SIP, is another amazing breakthrough in technology.  SIP enables communication enquiries to access the correct destination, regardless of the individual’s location. SIP supports the wide gamut of online communication, such as instant-messaging, video, voice and collaboration applications.

Corporate enterprises in all sectors and locations are going in for these technological advances, thereby reviving their business operations and enhancing performance and productivity. This revival is set to improve financial bottom lines and create more job opportunities. The movement of money and financial revival is bound to help speed up the economic recovery.

The current slowdown in the economy has business owners and managers scrambling to find ways to save money — and one of the first areas they try to trim is their telephone/communications budgets.  But spending cuts here could mean a reduction in quality and service as well.

ITP VoIP is the answer for cutting costs without sacrificing quality or dependable service.

Brooklyn-based phone service provider ITP VoIP is offering Internet phone plans with substantially lower pricing plans.  With its efficient and effective system for communications, ITP VoIP has introduced Internet phone plans which can reduce calling costs by approximately 75%.

Here’s another plus:  This Internet phone service is designed specifically for telecommuting workers.  Your staff can work from home (temporarily or permanently), or from another off-site location as needed.  If a permanent work-from-home option is chosen, business managers and owners can save money because they won’t necessarily need much — if any — office space and related overhead. Telecommuting is advantageous for most employees, as well as employers, because it enables workers to save money on gasoline and car repairs. 

The price plans for telecommuters include excellent features in addition to being cost-effective, making this a viable option for business enterprises. Pricing for ITP VoIP’s monthly plans starts at less than $10, and includes a free router plus two months of free service.

The features and functionality are also worthy of note.  The system’s softphone functionality enables employees to make and receive calls on their computers.

In addition to features common in standard VoIP plans, this VoIP plan provides a number of exclusive functions to enhance their communication needs. These include the auto attendant feature, music on hold, three-way calling and caller ID. The call recording and instant online record facility makes it easy to access earlier conversations for review and analysis. Apart from the softphone option for telecommuting or traveling employees, business owners can opt for a dedicated fax line or subscribe to the virtual fax facility.

ITP VoIP offers these options for both residential and business needs at very reasonable prices — much lower than the conventional phone service.

ITP VoIP is a company prominent in the VoIP marketplace, providing standard phone service together with many value-added features and functionality.

Skype, one of the leading free VoIP telephony solutions providers in the world, recently, launched the Skype 5.4 Beta for Mac users and Skype 5.7 Beta for Windows users. These latest services enable users to conduct a video call with Facebook contacts and friends directly from Skype. The user can also call all Facebook contacts, friends, colleagues and others from Skype, without having to log into the Facebook site.

Video Calling is possible on both Skype and Facebook, depending on which one the user is logged into at that time. As soon as the users link their Skype and Facebook accounts, the new beta updates enable them to send instant messages and to track status updates. Skype intends to strengthen its video rendering to provide a more streamlined experience for users. Group video calls are possible for up to 10 people at a time with a Premium subscription, at the cost of $2.99 per month.

The Skype Premium package has several features, including hosting a group video call when working at home or even while travelling outside. Adding telephone numbers and making calls is another feature of the paid version of Skype 5.7 Beta for Windows. Screen space can be shared with everyone on the same page with easy communication between each of them.

The Skype-Facebook collaboration was an expected development after Microsoft’s $8.5 billion takeover of the former company. The video chat function was on the agenda, according to Neil Stevens, vice president and general manager of Products and Marketing at Skype. In the near future, landline calls could be made from the Facebook site — and the synergy would work to the benefit of both Internet behemoths.

Verizon, the renowned telecommunications services and solutions provider, is on an aggressive expansion spree. Verizon is a global name in the management and delivery of innovative communications, entertainment and data storage. Now, the leading name in VoIP solutions is moving into the Asia-Pacific region, offering its products to the many international corporate houses based there in industrial and commercial centers. Verizon’s foray would enable its customers to utilize the latest applications and unified communications to enhance their performance, productivity and operational efficiency.

Verizon, with its global IP network and range of offerings, is gearing up to provide the latest in VoIP technology to customers in India, Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia. The applications offered include social networking, support for mobile devices, instant messaging, video chatting and much more. A select group of customers is also being offered the popular VIPER feature, a special cloud-based IP-to-IP routing alternative. This feature, which confers inter-company high-definition voice and video capabilities, does away with the additional charges per minute on domestic and international calls between customers who are at VIPER-enabled locations.

Verizon provides voice, data, video and other services through wireless, broadband and global IP networks, meeting the ever-growing demand among individuals and business enterprises for mobility, speed, security and total control over their telephony and communications. Verizon prides itself on its commitment as a corporate entity and claims to utilize the services and solutions to address serious social and corporate concerns which affect our lives.

In the contemporary scenario where technology rules and everything depends on the network, Verizon has one of the most secure and reliable networks in the world. For today’s globalized business operations, the IP-based network that Verizon offers enables connections, communications and collaborations in the competitive marketplace.

Just when it seemed as if Buffalo City Mission was not going to meet its holiday assistance goals for Buffalo’s homeless families and individuals this Thanksgiving, VoIP Supply stepped up to the plate by donating 1,000 Thanksgiving meals.

VoIP Supply, one of North America’s leading VoIP solutions providers, answered the call for help from Buffalo City Mission, which has aided homeless and disadvantaged families and individuals since 1917. Through their programs, such as “Turkey Express” and “Outreach Ministry,” the Buffalo City Mission organizes the preparation and delivery of thousands of dinners to people at the various shelters, to homebound senior citizens, and to families also restricted to their homes.

“With over 64.9% of homeless families experiencing homelessness for the first time, our services are needed more than ever due to families struggling to make ends meet,” Audrey Calhoun, Director of Public Relations Development at Buffalo City Mission said, commenting on the effects of the current economic downturn.

VoIP Supply CMO Garrett Smith was emphatic about the company’s social responsibility and determination to contribute to the community.

“We have experienced remarkable success and feel strongly about giving back to the community,” he said.

Since the company was started in 2004, VoIP Supply has served approximately 60,000 customers across the world, offering VoIP solutions for their communication needs. With more than 2,500 products and a sprawling office headquarters, VoIP Supply is well-equipped to provide a wide gamut of VoIP solutions to cater to every segment.