The Butler Group has published an analysis of the current state of the Unified Communications (UC) market which may be of interest to business decision makers. Not surprisingly, the study shows that most potential UC adopters are confused about both the technology and the benefits of that technology. That would certainly explain the low rate of adoption of the budding communications concept.
Unified communications is the integration of many different communications systems, media, devices and applications. It can include fixed and mobile voice, e-mail, instant messaging, desktop and advanced business applications, Internet Protocol (IP)-PBX, voice over IP (VoIP), voice-mail, fax, audio video and web conferencing, unified messaging, unified voicemail, and whiteboarding into a single environment offering businesses a singe integrated communications paradigm.
Butler says the marketplace is failing to understand the benefits of UC. Most feel that it is about consolidation of infrastructure, reduction of operational costs and improved levels of service quality. The study says, “Although these are useful goals, the real value afforded by unified communications and collaboration solutions ultimately arises from improvements to business processes, enhancement of stakeholder interactions, the optimization of workflow, and driving innovation in the business."
If you do not already subscribe to Butler Group publications, they offer a try-before-you-buy plan that will give you more information from this study.
