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Unified communications: Savvy business move or security meltdown?
Unified communications could be the answer for midmarket companies that are low on cash and staff. But what about the security risks? Test your knowledge of UC and keep ahead of the game! Quiz
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From Chuck E. Cheese to the big cheese of IT
Find out how this leadership award winner's creativity and "good enough is never enough" attitude has elevated his construction company's IT footprint. CIO Decisions Midmarket I
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Video-conferencing systems integral to unified communications agenda
Video-conferencing systems are a fragmented market and not without flaws -- but they're becoming mainstream business tools and should be part of any unified communications strategy. News | 10 Aug 2011
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A virtual PBX system can give small businesses a big voice for less
A virtual PBX system can give small companies many big-company phone features for a small monthly outlay, but it won't scale gracefully for medium-sized companies. Article | 17 Nov 2010
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Is mobile video conferencing worth considering in the midmarket?
Improved technology can make mobile video conferencing with executive road warriors and remote workers easier -- but is it worth it? News | 08 Jul 2010
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Top unified communications RFP design models and best practices
Ready to write a unified communications (UC) RFP? Learn more about some possible RFP models and best practices to improve your UC strategy. News | 10 May 2010
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SIP compliance doesn't mean unified communications interoperability
While vendors promise Session Initiation Protocol compliance and an open, standards-based unified communications architecture, interoperability remains a challenge for enterprises. News | 05 Apr 2010
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Hosted PBX puts nurses on call
A medical answering service turns to a hosted PBX provider to facilitate growth. Article | 26 Sep 2007
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Free VoIP service, for a price (your privacy)
Blogger Jeff Kelly is troubled by a new pitch that gives businesses a VoIP service completely free of charge, in exchange for the right to eavesdrop on their calls -- he wonders if this isn't a little bit like selling your soul to the devil. News | 26 Sep 2007
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Unified communications services offer security, ROI and effectiveness
Unified communications was all the talk at VoiceCon in San Francisco. What exactly is it? What are the technical and strategic issues around UC? Associate Editor Jeff Kelly discovered some helpful advice and opinions on UC at the show. Column | 30 Aug 2007
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SMBs' enthusiasm for converged communications swells
The adoption of converged communications by SMBs is rising as prices and complexity come down to earth. Managed services rides its coattails. Article | 26 Jun 2007
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IBM targets threats against Web 2.0 systems
IBM on Tuesday introduced a security offering designed to detect and prevent cyberattacks directed at instant messaging services, Internet voice networks and other Web 2.0 platforms. News | 23 May 2007
- See More: News on VoIP and unified messaging for the midmarket
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FAQ: What is unified communications, and why would I want it?
Unified communications (UC) combines multiple forms of communications: voice, video and text-based media. But is a UC strategy something midmarket firms should consider? Tip
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Fixed-mobile convergence saves firms costly mobile phone charges
Despite a small adoption rate, experts say fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) shows real promise in helping to reduce the cost and frustration associated with mobile calling. Tip
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Unified communications plans should tap CIO
Unified communications planning needs an objective group from telecom, networking, operations and business for best results. Tip
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CIOs grapple with tying Wi-Fi, VoIP into unified communications plan
Despite a communications revolution, midmarket CIOs are adopting unified communications strategies in small steps. Tip
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Unified communications: Securing access to OCS
Want to keep your unified communications as secure as possible? Start at the most vulnerable spot: the Office Communications Server edge server. Tip
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Unified communications security: How safe is it?
Unified communications can be beefed up to be more secure than the old traditional phone network your company has always relied on. Tip
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VoIP telephone system brings flexibility, accessibility
VoIP systems can help midmarket executives manage telephone interactions, make salespeople more accessible, improve the customer experience -- and reduce costs, too. Tip
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A converged network is risky business for an SMB
With the promise of a single system for voice, data and video, converged networks offer SMBs a raft of benefits -- but they also expose them to increased security threats. SMBs need to identify these threats and create a policy to address them. Tip
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VoIP rollout in 10 steps
On the road to VoIP, many pitfalls await midmarket companies. Everything from unmet cost-savings expectations to phishers and spammers can derail a VoIP initiative. Here's a 10-point roadmap. Tip
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VoIP technology demands network upgrades, bandwidth
VoIP requires updated networks and bandwidth for added activity. Carrie Higbie offers advice on how to evaluate your networks prior to VoIP deployment. Tip
- See More: Tips on VoIP and unified messaging for the midmarket
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Starting with certs after five years in support, admin and Web programming
Ask the Expert
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Certs to boost a software testing career
Ask the Expert
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How do I configure a second domain controller in a Win2k Server setup?
Ask the Expert
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Retaking the Server+ test
Ask the Expert
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Mobile unified communications options for the midmarket
The mobile unified communications market is on the rise. This podcast addresses different mobile UC options for the midmarket, including dual-mode phones and cellular VoIP. Podcast
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CIO Joseph Edward: In-house app ties parishes together
Our Parish Family, an application developed by CIO Joseph Edward and his IT team, helps the Diocese of London keep tabs on its flock. Podcast
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CIO Shawn Partridge: Rockford improves communication in the construction world
Shawn Partridge explains how his company implemented VPN and other technologies to facilitate communication with off-site employees. Podcast
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Is a VoIP system the right choice for an SMB?
Is VoIP the right choice for SMBs? SearchSMB.com Associate Editor Jeff Kelly finds out from expert Carrie Higbie. Podcast
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Video-conferencing systems integral to unified communications agenda
Video-conferencing systems are a fragmented market and not without flaws -- but they're becoming mainstream business tools and should be part of any unified communications strategy. News
-
A virtual PBX system can give small businesses a big voice for less
A virtual PBX system can give small companies many big-company phone features for a small monthly outlay, but it won't scale gracefully for medium-sized companies. Article
-
Is mobile video conferencing worth considering in the midmarket?
Improved technology can make mobile video conferencing with executive road warriors and remote workers easier -- but is it worth it? News
-
Top unified communications RFP design models and best practices
Ready to write a unified communications (UC) RFP? Learn more about some possible RFP models and best practices to improve your UC strategy. News
-
SIP compliance doesn't mean unified communications interoperability
While vendors promise Session Initiation Protocol compliance and an open, standards-based unified communications architecture, interoperability remains a challenge for enterprises. News
-
FAQ: What is unified communications, and why would I want it?
Unified communications (UC) combines multiple forms of communications: voice, video and text-based media. But is a UC strategy something midmarket firms should consider? Tip
-
Mobile unified communications options for the midmarket
The mobile unified communications market is on the rise. This podcast addresses different mobile UC options for the midmarket, including dual-mode phones and cellular VoIP. Podcast
-
Fixed-mobile convergence saves firms costly mobile phone charges
Despite a small adoption rate, experts say fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) shows real promise in helping to reduce the cost and frustration associated with mobile calling. Tip
-
Unified communications plans should tap CIO
Unified communications planning needs an objective group from telecom, networking, operations and business for best results. Tip
-
CIOs grapple with tying Wi-Fi, VoIP into unified communications plan
Despite a communications revolution, midmarket CIOs are adopting unified communications strategies in small steps. Tip
- See More: All on VoIP and unified messaging for the midmarket
About VoIP and unified messaging for the midmarket
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) manages the delivery of voice information over the Internet. The standard has become more popular in recent years among consumers and businesses alike, given the widespread adoption of broadband Internet and the potential cost savings benefits. Unified messaging is the delivery of voice, fax and text messages to a single mailbox that a user can access either with a regular email client or by telephone. Find the latest VoIP and unified messaging news, tips and resources for midmarket CIOs in this topic section.