VoIP and IP telephony
A strong unified communications strategy starts with voice technology. Explore all facets of enterprise telephony, including hardware and devices, architecture, and standards and protocols like SIP and H.323.
Top Stories
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Answer
15 Jun 2023
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
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Feature
05 Jun 2023
Explore UCaaS architecture options and when to choose them
The first step to a UCaaS migration is choosing the deployment architecture. Learn how to choose which UCaaS architecture best suits your organization's needs. Continue Reading
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News
03 Apr 2023
Source of 3CX supply chain attack unclear as fallout continues
Multiple statements originally referenced a third-party library as the apparent source for 3CX's recent supply chain attack, but that may no longer be the case. Continue Reading
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News
30 Mar 2023
3CX desktop app compromised, abused in supply chain attack
3CX customers noticed that several threat detection platforms began flagging and blocking the UC vendor's desktop application last week due to malicious activity in the executable. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Mar 2023
Enterprise Connect 2023 highlights Microsoft Teams, ChatGPT
The annual unified communications conference once again spotlights current and future industry trends as IT leaders weigh their business and technology investments. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 Mar 2023
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
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Tip
27 Feb 2023
The state of PSTN connectivity: Separating PSTN from UCaaS
UCaaS isn't for everybody. Some organizations are keeping their phone systems on premises to maintain control over PSTN access, cut licensing costs and ensure service reliability. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Feb 2023
UC vendors extend mobile telephony capabilities
UC providers like Cisco and Microsoft are expanding mobile voice services in their platforms, enabling employees to use native dialing and more advanced mobile features. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jan 2023
Compare Microsoft Teams Operator Connect vs. Direct Routing
As more companies migrate their telephony to Microsoft Teams, IT departments have two options to bring their current PSTN provider to the Teams platform. Continue Reading
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Answer
29 Nov 2022
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
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Tip
19 Oct 2022
How to combat voice security issues in collaboration platforms
Enterprise collaboration is an integral part of doing business. But companies must learn to guard against voice security issues that could compromise their networks. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Oct 2022
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
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Tip
20 Sep 2022
5 steps to manage desktop phone systems for hybrid work
Even as hybrid work gains traction and video communications grows, some employees still prefer using desktop phones. Supporting these devices means making sure they're up to date. Continue Reading
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News
07 Jul 2022
Zoom One bundles services to draw single-vendor customers
Zoom ties its services together in Zoom One as it evolves from a video conferencing app to a communications platform. The company targets firms that want a single UC vendor. Continue Reading
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News
13 Jun 2022
Cisco adds calling during internet outages to Webex
Cisco will make Webex Calling less reliant on internet connectivity to increase its appeal to healthcare and other industries requiring a highly reliable phone service. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 May 2022
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
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News
22 Apr 2022
Microsoft bolsters Teams Operator Connect options
Microsoft plans to bring more telephone companies into its Teams Operator Connect program. The initiative pairs telcos with integrators experienced with Teams telephony. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Mar 2022
Build a strategy for compliance with federal 911 laws
Federal 911 laws are now fully in effect. Learn what your organization's obligations are to ensure PBX and phone system compliance with Kari's Law and RAY BAUM's Act. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Dec 2021
UCaaS for frontline workers poised for adoption 'explosion'
The unified communications and collaboration market has historically neglected customer-facing and field workers. But experts suggest a frontline UCaaS boom could be on the horizon. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Dec 2021
5 key strategies to ensure E911 compliance
A mobile and hybrid workforce makes phone location and 911 call routing challenging. Here are some ways to ensure your company is doing all it can to protect employees in an emergency. Continue Reading
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News
30 Nov 2021
Zoom to blur lines between video, phone meetings
Zoom Phone head Graeme Geddes said the lines between video meetings and phone calls will blur, allowing workers to choose the best communication tool for their needs. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Nov 2021
5 ways AI can turbocharge enterprise voice for a new era
Five trends spotlight how AI could revolutionize how an old technology -- voice -- will be deployed in tomorrow's work environment. Continue Reading
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News
20 Oct 2021
Cisco Webex Calling bolsters business calls on private phones
Cisco Webex Calling will soon let customers' employees use their private phones to make business calls securely and in compliance with corporate policies. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Sep 2021
How to integrate your phone system with Microsoft Teams
Before organizations migrate their existing phone systems into Microsoft Teams, they need to select the right telephony architecture that fits their business needs. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Jul 2021
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
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Feature
10 Jun 2021
Zoom Phone system offers flexibility, simplified infrastructure
The Zoom Phone system offers simplicity and flexibility to support remote and hybrid work. IT leaders at Enterprise Connect Virtual discuss their Zoom Phone migration strategies. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 May 2021
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
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Feature
28 Apr 2021
5 best practices for a Microsoft Teams telephony migration
When planning a migration to Microsoft Teams telephony, organizations should follow five key best practices that address technical requirements and end-user adoption. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Apr 2021
Microsoft Teams partners extend phone system capabilities
While the Microsoft Teams phone system can meet most needs for organizations, connecting Teams to third-party partners can provide additional features, resiliency and support. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 Apr 2021
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
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Answer
17 Feb 2021
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
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Feature
28 Jan 2021
Evaluating Direct Routing for Microsoft Teams telephony
Direct Routing for Microsoft Teams may be the best path to the PSTN for most companies. But organizations should weigh their specific needs when choosing a Direct Routing partner. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Jan 2021
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
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Answer
11 Jan 2021
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
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Feature
22 Dec 2020
Evaluating endpoints for an Asterisk-based phone system
Enterprises building an Asterisk-based phone system have three endpoint options. Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of these endpoints in this book excerpt. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 Dec 2020
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
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Answer
23 Nov 2020
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
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Answer
04 Nov 2020
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
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Tip
26 Oct 2020
Enterprises mull software-based business phone alternatives
Cellphone usage has outpaced POTS in the home, so why are enterprises still using desk phones? Business phone alternatives can save companies time and money. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Oct 2020
Zoom Phone system users share their success stories and setbacks
Tech leaders at Zoomtopia explained how migrating to the Zoom Phone system provides their employees with an integrated communications experience and improved business continuity. Continue Reading
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News
05 Aug 2020
SIP phones support coming to Microsoft Teams
Microsoft plans to add SIP phone support to Teams next year. The move will significantly increase the phone options for enterprises using the cloud-based collaboration service. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Jul 2020
How to address a Microsoft Teams telephony integration
In this roundup of UC blogs, analysts discuss approaching a Microsoft Teams telephony integration, the latest UC market evolution and Vonage's role in the telehealth vertical. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 May 2020
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
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Answer
20 Apr 2020
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
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Tip
23 Mar 2020
Enterprises need to meet E911 compliance for teleworkers
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt business as usual, enterprises need to meet E911 compliance for teleworkers' emergency calls with accurate location information. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Mar 2020
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
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Tip
05 Mar 2020
The 3 benefits of maintaining T1 and E1 lines
T1 and E1 lines may be old technology, but they have advantages over more modern internet connections. Learn the three benefits T1 and E1 offer compared to internet links. Continue Reading
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News
05 Feb 2020
Avaya details feature roadmap for Avaya Cloud Office by RingCentral
Avaya provided new details this week on the special features it will add to Avaya Cloud Office to make it different from RingCentral's product. Continue Reading
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News
08 Jan 2020
Lenovo launches latest video phone for Microsoft Teams
Lenovo has released a tabletop video calling device for Microsoft Teams designed for home offices, personal desks and the smallest meeting rooms. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Jan 2020
Explore 6 SIP trunk providers with these comparison points
Explore these six SIP vendors and the pros and cons that they each introduce to your company's telecommunications system. Continue Reading
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Answer
31 Dec 2019
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
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Answer
19 Dec 2019
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
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Blog Post
27 Nov 2019
Why organizations need SIP services now
Whether you realize it or not, your company needs Session Initiation Protocol. As legacy telephony networks wind down and cloud-based voice services continue to grow, SIP services are necessary to ... Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Nov 2019
Is your organization prepared to deploy SIP trunking services?
Before deploying SIP trunking services, organizations need to make sure they are prepared. Read this FAQ to learn how to prepare and protect SIP trunks. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Nov 2019
4 SIP trunking benefits for cloud migration
SIP adoption continues to grow, even as more organizations migrate their communications to the cloud. Learn the benefits that come from bringing SIP trunking to UCaaS. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Nov 2019
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
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Answer
07 Nov 2019
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
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News
31 Oct 2019
New telephony controls coming to Microsoft Teams admin center
More controls are coming to the Microsoft Teams admin center, but enterprises will have to wait a bit longer for the large-scale configuration tools they need. Continue Reading
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News
25 Oct 2019
UCaaS vendor Intermedia adds Telax CCaaS to portfolio
Intermedia, cloud-based unified communications vendor, has added CCaaS to its portfolio through its acquisition of Telax. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Oct 2019
Test your PBX and phone system for Kari's Law compliance
Starting in 2020, multiline phone systems must comply with Kari's Law. Learn what requirements your phone system must meet and how to test for Kari's Law compliance. Continue Reading
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Answer
27 Sep 2019
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
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Answer
20 Sep 2019
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
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News
12 Sep 2019
Poly targets huddle rooms with Trio 8300
Poly has designed the Trio 8300 for huddle rooms that fit no more than five people. The vendor released a video system targeted at the same market earlier this year. Continue Reading
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News
23 Aug 2019
Cisco adds UC headset management to IT console
Cisco is accelerating its push into the UC headset market with the release of new analytics and management tools for IT administrators. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Aug 2019
VoIP migration requires telephony network planning, security scrutiny
A PBX to VoIP migration requires careful planning to ensure call quality. Learn how to ready the network, evaluate architecture options and set the right security policies. Continue Reading
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News
25 Jul 2019
8x8 launches small-business phone system 8x8 Express
Designed for businesses without an IT team, 8x8 Express offers unlimited calling and gives access to 8x8 Meetings, a platform for collaborative video conferencing. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Jul 2019
Microsoft Teams voice lacks 5 key cloud calling features
While Microsoft Teams voice capabilities have improved, organizations are still lacking certain calling features, such as dial-by-extension and advanced call activity reports. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Jun 2019
Understand UC quality issues and which QoS tools can solve them
Improving UC quality means knowing what causes problems and which QoS tools are available. This mini-glossary will help you navigate the terms related to QoS. Continue Reading
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News
31 May 2019
AWS could disrupt cloud UC with aggressive voice pricing
Amazon Web Services is offering usage-based pricing for its new business calling plan, a pricing model that could shake up the cloud UC industry if successful. Continue Reading
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News
30 May 2019
Avaya-Google integration targets SMBs with cloud UC
Avaya is giving partners the ability to deliver cloud UC through containers running on the Google Cloud, a cheaper and simpler deployment model. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 May 2019
Go back to the basics with a glossary of VoIP terms
This mini glossary defines essential vocabulary associated with VoIP. Read through these VoIP terms to refresh your knowledge of IP-based telephony. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 May 2019
How to structure a VoIP budget when moving to the cloud
When migrating to cloud communications, reevaluate your budgets to consolidate overlapping collaboration features, retire hardware and transition to an Opex model. Continue Reading
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News
17 May 2019
PDP Gaming seeks immediate ban on Poly's use of logo
PDP Gaming is seeking an immediate injunction against Poly's use of a disputed logo. The escalation comes despite the two companies initially pursuing a settlement. Continue Reading
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News
15 May 2019
Call queue, auto attendant enhanced in Microsoft Teams calling
The latest enhancements to Microsoft Teams calling improve auto attendants and call queues, but both features still lack some key capabilities. Continue Reading
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News
03 May 2019
Cloud Skype phones require firmware update by July 1
Businesses face a July 1 deadline for updating the firmware and permissions of cloud Skype phones. Continue Reading
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Answer
24 Apr 2019
How does cloud SIP trunking differ from traditional SIP trunking?
Traditional and cloud SIP trunking perform the same tasks of initiating and ending call sessions, but the method and costs of access create distinct differences in these services. Continue Reading
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News
11 Apr 2019
G Suite for business adds enterprise voice, IT controls
Google released an enterprise phone system and plans to add new IT controls to G Suite for business in an effort to attract larger companies. Continue Reading
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News
11 Apr 2019
Mitel partners with Talkdesk for cloud contact center
Mitel this month will begin selling the Talkdesk cloud contact center under the brand MiCloud Connect CX. The companies are working to integrate their UC and contact center products. Continue Reading
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News
05 Apr 2019
Microsoft Teams media bypass comes with limitations
Microsoft Teams media bypass for direct routing customers is now available, but the configuration may be less beneficial to enterprises than an equivalent feature in Skype for Business. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Apr 2019
Webex Teams vs. Microsoft Teams: Comparing telephony options
Are you evaluating Webex Teams and Microsoft Teams telephony options? Learn how to decide which calling capabilities meet your organization's needs in the Webex Teams vs. Microsoft Teams debate. Continue Reading
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Answer
03 Apr 2019
How do you prepare for porting business phone numbers?
Porting business phone numbers to your UCaaS provider may be more complicated than you realize. Learn three ways you can prepare your organization for porting. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Mar 2019
SIP protocol primer: Learn the SIP basics
With the rise of IP communications, SIP has become the standard for initiating communication across a network. Learn the basics of SIP, including how it works and why you need it. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Mar 2019
VoIP systems deliver advanced telephony and UC features
Learn what 10 leading on-premises, SaaS and hybrid VoIP platforms offer in terms of features, unified communication functionality, phone hardware compatibility and technical support. Continue Reading
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News
19 Mar 2019
Zoom Phone cloud PBX expands features, partnerships
Zoom Phone works with desk phones from Polycom and Yealink and integrates with contact center products from Five9 and Twilio. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Mar 2019
VoIP platforms offer a wide range of benefits to the enterprise
Companies can choose from one of three VoIP architectures -- on-premises, SaaS VoIP or hybrid cloud. Learn what features and functionality each deployment model offers. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Mar 2019
ATB Financial banks on cloud communications platform
For ATB Financial, RingCentral's cloud communications platform offered mobility, integration and legacy support to help modernize its dated telephony infrastructure. Continue Reading
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News
01 Mar 2019
Talkdesk cloud contact center integrates with on-premises PBXes
Talkdesk is opening its cloud contact center to on-premises PBX systems from vendors, including Avaya and Cisco -- a move that should help the company win larger customers. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Feb 2019
Compare offerings from 8 leading cloud and hybrid VoIP vendors
Learn how organizations can select the enterprise VoIP vendor that offers the platform with the best mix of functionality, interoperability, reliability and ongoing support. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Feb 2019
How 5 leading on-premises and hybrid VoIP platforms compare
Learn how four use case scenarios can help organizations differentiate between the leading on-premises and hybrid VoIP systems so they can select the best platform for their needs. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 Feb 2019
How are SIP trunking vendors differentiating their services?
SIP trunking vendors are using security features to differentiate themselves in a crowded market. Our expert explains what types of SIP trunking security you can expect. Continue Reading
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News
22 Feb 2019
Upgrades to on-premises Avaya products will be released in bits
Feature upgrades for on-premises Avaya products will roll out in 'very small, manageable' chunks moving forward, the company said. Avaya is looking to more closely align its on-premises and cloud portfolios. Continue Reading
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News
21 Feb 2019
Why enterprise adoption of cloud UC should accelerate in 2019
Enterprises like Pacific Dental and PTC are adopting cloud UC to get a consistent, reliable experience across various offices and geographies without overextending IT staff. Continue Reading
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Infographic
18 Feb 2019
What to know before rolling out a SIP deployment
In today's communication world, SIP is a necessary tool. A report from the SIP School reveals what you need to know and how other organizations approach their SIP deployments. Continue Reading
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Answer
18 Feb 2019
How does embedded communication work with an IP PBX infrastructure?
Adding communications capabilities to your web browsers or mobile apps? Be sure to use the right protocols for successful interoperability with your IP PBX or telephony infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 Feb 2019
What are the E911 location tracking requirements for VoIP?
The rules around E911 location tracking have evolved as more businesses move away from traditional wired connections to VoIP. Here's how to stay compliant with FCC regulations. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Feb 2019
6 questions to ask before choosing a SaaS or hybrid cloud VoIP system
Before choosing a SaaS or hybrid cloud VoIP vendor, it's important for organizations to create a list of must-have features that can be used to narrow down their selection criteria. Continue Reading
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News
31 Jan 2019
Google Voice for G Suite expected to launch this spring
Google Voice for G Suite, a business version of its cloud calling service, will be available in at least nine countries, and its launch could come as soon as the early spring. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jan 2019
5 considerations for selecting an on-premises VoIP platform
Although cloud-based VoIP is popular, organizations are consistently choosing on-premises VoIP systems, as they offer sites more control over their communications environment. Continue Reading
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News
25 Jan 2019
Avaya delivers cloud workforce management for contact center
Users of Avaya's contact center platforms now have access to cloud workforce management software through the vendor's partnership with Verint. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Jan 2019
How AI, machine learning improve real-time communications traffic
Ready to move on from legacy quality-of-service policies for your real-time communications? AI and machine learning offer new ways to simplify and improve real-time traffic management. Continue Reading
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News
17 Jan 2019
Yealink, Crestron release first Microsoft Teams phones
Yealink and Crestron have received certification for their Microsoft Teams phones. Microsoft is expected to greenlight devices from Polycom and AudioCodes in the near future. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Jan 2019
Enterprise VoIP platforms provide UC functionality in a single system
The shift toward mobile workforces has dramatically changed how VoIP is deployed. Learn about three popular VoIP deployment models and use case scenarios and how VoIP is only a single component in a much larger unified communications strategy. Continue Reading