Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• 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

• Why is video interoperability a challenge?

  Learn why video calls don't have the same level of interoperability as voice calls, and what challenges the lack of video interoperability presents for organizations.  Continue Reading

• What are the challenges of unified communications security?

  Unified communications security can be disjointed, as different apps are open to different attacks. A strong UC security roadmap should address three areas.  Continue Reading

• How do you support UC network security?

  Many elements can put your UC network at risk, from unsecured information to DoS attacks. Learn five ways to thwart would-be attacks and protect your UC services.  Continue Reading

• Where does mobile video messaging fit in the enterprise?

  Mobile video messaging has come a long way from its introduction to the enterprise. With the rise of remote work, mobile video has become more necessary than ever.  Continue Reading

• What role does UC mobility play in digital transformation?

  Organizations that value employee engagement, innovation and customer experience are more likely to focus on mobile UC as part of their digital transformation road map.  Continue Reading

• How can IT evaluate team collaboration apps for security compliance?

  Choosing the right team collaboration apps for your business must include looking at your organization's security and compliance needs. IT should focus on tools that meet established security standards.  Continue Reading

• How do you evaluate embedded communications use cases?

  Most embedded communications use cases focus on customer-facing interactions. Learn how to evaluate the use cases that would benefit from embedding communications.  Continue Reading

• What should users expect from speech technology applications?

  Workers can start to expect more from speech technology applications than just voice-activated search. As capabilities evolve, new business use cases will emerge.  Continue Reading

• 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

• How are web conferencing and video conferencing different?

  The differences in web conferencing vs. video conferencing have diminished over time. Learn how technology advancements have led to the convergence of these two tools.  Continue Reading

• How is team collaboration changing enterprise social tools?

  Enterprises are favoring team collaboration platforms over stand-alone social tools, pushing vendors to keep up with more comprehensive collaboration platforms, like Slack.  Continue Reading

• 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

• How does the cloud offer new contact center capabilities?

  Moving from on premises to a cloud contact center comes with a litany of changes. Learn what contact center capabilities you should factor into your CCaaS migration planning.  Continue Reading

• What role do ideation tools play in collaboration spaces?

  Ideation is a popular buzzword to describe meeting room technology. Learn what collaborative ideation really means and how it can fit into an organization's collaboration strategy.  Continue Reading

• How does management of collaboration apps and UC platforms differ?

  As unified communications and collaboration move to the cloud, the management requirements for platforms and apps diverge. Learn where IT should re-evaluate its management priorities.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• How can you measure WebRTC performance?

  Organizations can take two approaches to measure WebRTC quality, both of which assess real-time communications performance on end-user devices and the network.  Continue Reading

• What factors influence WebRTC performance?

  Understanding the potential issues that could affect the performance of WebRTC apps starts with knowing which factors to look at and how they function.  Continue Reading

• What are potential use cases for meeting room software?

  It's likely that even your hardware-based meeting room is making use of software. Our expert explains where software fits into meeting rooms and its use cases.  Continue Reading

• How do you build a business case for speech technology applications?

  Building a business case for speech technology requires an understanding of the current use cases. Our expert explains what to look for when building a business case for speech technology.  Continue Reading

• How is CPaaS influencing UCaaS vendor portfolios?

  The customizability of CPaaS is changing how UCaaS vendors approach their platforms. Vendors are adopting more APIs to integrate CPaaS capabilities within their UCaaS platforms.  Continue Reading

• What are speech technology applications beyond contact centers?

  Speech technology applications aren't confined to contact centers. Our expert explains the use cases for the technology, including personal digital assistants and knowledge management.  Continue Reading

• What UC monitoring tools are most important?

  Our expert explains the UC monitoring tools you need and the potential network problems you may discover in your UC and collaboration environments.  Continue Reading

• Should team collaboration apps be stand-alone or integrated?

  Team collaboration can be deployed as part of an integrated offering or as a separate app. Our expert explains why IT may not have much control over collaborative environment decisions.  Continue Reading

• How do APIs work, and how can you ensure they are secure?

  Understanding how APIs work and how they are used is essential when formulating security policies. Our expert outlines four steps to set up a first line of defense.  Continue Reading

• What role does SBC security play in VoIP protection?

  Knowing which SBC security features are essential is important to stave off potential attacks. Our expert gives insight into what features are necessary for robust protection.  Continue Reading

• How does embedded video fit into unified communications strategies?

  Video communications have gained popularity in UC. Our expert explains how embedded video can enhance the communications experience beyond customer-facing applications.  Continue Reading

• How do machine learning and AI fit into UC monitoring and analytics?

  With the use of machine learning and AI in the very early stages in the UC market, our expert looks at their value in UC monitoring and analytics.  Continue Reading

• How do I troubleshoot SIP configurations to solve service issues?

  When your SIP service isn't connecting properly, process of elimination will help you determine if the issue lies in your configuration or elsewhere on the network.  Continue Reading

• What potential chatbot security threats could AI introduce?

  New chatbot AI technology comes with potential security risks. UC expert Jon Arnold explains what to be aware of when deploying new AI-based voice technology.  Continue Reading

• What cloud-based unified communications certifications are available?

  The requirements for cloud-based unified communications certifications vary by industry and network environment. UC expert Carrie Higbie Goetz explains how to choose the right certifications for a UCaaS system.  Continue Reading

• What are the main types of industry acquisitions in the UCC market?

  A UC company can be acquired by an existing vendor or by a venture capital firm. Learn how these two types of acquisitions differ and UCC market factors that influence them.  Continue Reading

• When do I need to use QoS for VoIP bandwidth support?

  Is your call quality suffering? Network bandwidth may be growing, but demands on it are, too. Here's what you need to know to use QoS to help solve VoIP call issues.  Continue Reading

• How to troubleshoot VoIP call quality issues

  Issues with VoIP calls can bring business to a halt, or at least cause headaches and undermine productivity. Learn how to troubleshoot VoIP issues effectively.  Continue Reading

• How do microservices work with unified communications platforms?

  While a microservices architecture for UC platforms isn't obvious to enterprises, it can improve how service providers deliver and update their services for enterprise customers.  Continue Reading

• Should you use CPaaS vendors or develop communications in-house?

  While some organizations prefer to develop communications capabilities in-house, deploying vendors' communications APIs offers benefits. Two factors can influence the best approach.  Continue Reading

• What WAN configuration best supports UCaaS platform deployments?

  Preparing for a UCaaS deployment means having the right WAN circuit configuration, with enough bandwidth to support all of your data and prioritize voice and video traffic with real-time delivery needs.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between UC platforms and UC apps?

  Platform and app are not interchangeable terms in a unified communications deployment. UC expert Jon Arnold explains how to differentiate between UC platforms and UC apps.  Continue Reading

• How are contact center vendors using APIs?

  APIs are gaining relevance, as contact centers move to a more omnichannel experience. API expert Tsahi Levent-Levi explains how contact centers work with CPaaS providers.  Continue Reading

• How do you keep employees from deploying UC end-user applications?

  A successful business collaboration strategy needs employee buy-in. UC expert Jon Arnold explains how to keep employees from deploying their own business collaboration tools.  Continue Reading

• How should a cloud migration plan include UC devices, endpoints?

  What an organization moves to the cloud will influence UC devices and endpoints. Networking expert Carrie Higbie Goetz explains the factors that influence endpoints in a cloud migration.  Continue Reading

• How do you train an AI service for collaboration?

  Organizations looking to improve communication efficiency can train AI to automate collaboration workflows, launch meetings and transcribe conversations.  Continue Reading

• How do you evaluate contact center platforms from UC vendors?

  If your organization is using third-party contact center services, make sure they integrate deeply with your unified communications environment.  Continue Reading

• Do you need session border controllers with an SD-WAN deployment?

  As SD-WAN grows in popularity, enterprise SBCs still have their place on the network. Learn how the two technologies can work together to support and secure VoIP.  Continue Reading

• What are the security threats when working with CPaaS vendors?

  Four security vulnerabilities should be top of mind as you move into real-time communication with APIs. Expert Tsahi Levent-Levi explains how to approach real-time communication security.  Continue Reading

• How do you monitor performance of communication APIs?

  Measuring API performance depends on whether the API is provided by a vendor or developed in-house. API expert Tsahi Levent-Levi offers steps to monitor APIs.  Continue Reading

• How will speech technologies integrate with UC apps?

  Analyst Jon Arnold examines use cases for speech technologies in the enterprise and explains how UC vendors expect to add speech tools to their platforms.  Continue Reading

• What are the steps to ensure SIP implementation success?

  A robust strategy and several steps are needed to deploy SIP successfully. Networking expert Carrie Higbie Goetz explains the pieces that comprise a SIP strategy, from creating an RFI to documentation.  Continue Reading

• Should you buy contact center services in a UC bundle?

  Is an integrated contact center with UC right for your organization? UC expert Jon Arnold explains how to compare stand-alone and bundled contact center services.  Continue Reading

• How do Twilio Flex API-based services affect contact center software?

  Twilio Flex, a programmable contact center platform, reflects an emerging trend toward software products built on APIs, according to API expert Tsahi Levent-Levi.  Continue Reading

• What are the benefits of SD-WAN services vs. MPLS?

  When weighing SD-WAN vs. MPLS for unified communications architecture, SD-WAN prevails. Networking expert Carrie Higbie Goetz explains the benefits of SD-WAN services over MPLS.  Continue Reading

• CPaaS vs. UCaaS platform: Which should you choose?

  While the CPaaS vs. UCaaS debate might focus on overlapping features, the two technologies can be complementary, according to industry analyst Michael Brandenburg.  Continue Reading

• What's driving the adoption of WebRTC services today?

  WebRTC adoption is influenced by the ecosystem around the technology, including browser support and commercial products. Emerging technologies could also affect future deployments.  Continue Reading

• How do you build a disaster recovery communications plan?

  Maintaining voice communications is vital to disaster recovery. Networking expert Carrie Higbie Goetz explains how to build a disaster recovery communications plan.  Continue Reading

• How should enterprises deploy group collaboration software?

  Multiple communication platforms will make collaboration management difficult for IT. Overall efficiency will be reduced with too many different apps in one enterprise.  Continue Reading

• How to configure VoIP on a network

  VoIP configuration requires significant preplanning to meet the requirements of voice traffic. Learn the steps to take when configuring VoIP on your network.  Continue Reading

• How do you manage enterprise video communications performance?

  Enterprise video performance is vulnerable to latency and packet loss. Organizations must address three key areas in video communications to prevent issues that could impede performance.  Continue Reading

• How do enterprise collaboration services affect mobile traffic?

  The growing use of collaboration apps is putting pressure on the business mobile network. Learn how to support collaboration on both mobile and Wi-Fi networks.  Continue Reading

• How are virtualization trends affecting enterprise SBCs?

  Virtualizing enterprise session border controllers can help reduce business expenses. Networking expert Carrie Higbie Goetz explains how to deploy virtual SBCs successfully.  Continue Reading

• Does an API deployment only involve developers?

  API development requires not only programmers and developers, but the business insight of legacy IT. Learn why employees with legacy backgrounds are vital to an API strategy.  Continue Reading

• How do APIs affect enterprise communications systems?

  Communications APIs can change how organizations use their communications infrastructure. API expert Tsahi Levent-Levi explains the two ways APIs reshape enterprise telephony.  Continue Reading

• How do you build a cloud adoption strategy for UC?

  Several factors are involved when adopting cloud-based UC. Networking expert Carrie Higbie Goetz breaks down what organizations must include in their cloud adoption strategy.  Continue Reading

• How do you prepare if your UC provider is acquired?

  The UC market is abuzz with mergers and acquisitions, but this activity creates uncertainty for organizations. Analyst Jon Arnold offers advice on how to handle vendor consolidation.  Continue Reading

• How should companies evaluate team collaboration apps?

  Team collaboration isn't one-size-fits-all. Distinct user needs must be considered when creating a collaboration assessment to find the best team collaboration apps for your users.  Continue Reading

• How can near-real-time communication modes offer context?

  While text-based communication is growing in popularity, it lacks the context of voice or video communication. UC expert Jon Arnold explains how contextual communications can fill the gap.  Continue Reading

• How should organizations evaluate UC cloud app security providers?

  Security is a priority when moving communications to the cloud. Organizations must do their due diligence when evaluating cloud providers' UC security expertise.  Continue Reading

• Is team chat the evolution of business social software?

  As a younger generation of workers favors messaging-based communication, team chat apps have emerged to fit the changing needs for business social software.  Continue Reading

• How challenging is implementing BYOD in a UC environment?

  What are some challenges of implementing BYOD in a UC environment? UC expert Jon Arnold explains the three high-level challenges organizations face with BYOD.  Continue Reading

• How do media servers differ from media gateways?

  Expert Carrie Higbie explains how media servers differ from media gateways and how media servers are useful in video and voice environments.  Continue Reading

• How does a volts direct current signal relate to telecom?

  Expert Matt Brunk explains how a volts direct current signal is used in telecommunications.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between H.248 and H.323 protocols?

  H.248 and H.323 are protocols associated with VoIP. IP telephony expert Jon Arnold explains the difference between the two in this expert response.  Continue Reading

• What is a UC client?

  What do vendors mean when they refer to a UC client? Learn what a UC client is and how it is used.  Continue Reading

• What are the advantages of SIP trunks versus analog circuits?

  SIP trunking is not perfect, but it has more options and features compared to what traditional phone companies offer, says UC expert Matt Brunk.  Continue Reading

• What is a call park phone feature and how does it work?

  UC expert, Matt Brunk, explains a call park phone feature, how it works and how it compares to a visual call park feature in this expert response.  Continue Reading

• What are the different types of private branch exchange systems?

  The types of PBX systems available shifted after the advent of Internet Protocol, according to IP telephony expert Jon Arnold.  Continue Reading

• Are there advantages to using the public switched telephone network?

  You may have to sacrifice some advantages of the public switched telephone network if you switch to VoIP, says telephony expert Jon Arnold.  Continue Reading

• How can I easily switch between an external webcam and a built-in one?

  Video expert Steve Campbell answers a question about built-in and external webcams. Certain factors affect the quality of your experience, he says.  Continue Reading

• Can I share my webcam with multiple programs simultaneously?

  There are a few ways you can share your webcam with multiple programs at once, but you have to beware of malware, says video expert Steve Campbell.  Continue Reading

• When does it make sense to employ an external webcam?

  The decision of whether to use an external webcam depends on what you intend to use video conferencing for, says video expert Steve Campbell.  Continue Reading

• How does VoIP performance differ over LAN, WAN and other networks?

  Environment affects VoIP performance, so it's important to consider how VoIP best fits in your environment is important, our UC strategies expert explains.  Continue Reading

• What is the SVC Codec and how is it used?

  The SVC codec is an extension to the H.264 standard for video encoding used by many equipment manufacturers, explains our video conferencing expert.  Continue Reading

• The value of toll bypass in the enterprise

  IP telephony expert Jon Arnold explains the value of toll bypass in an IP telephony setup, detailing why enterprises should consider it as an option while tempering cost-savings expectations.  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between collaboration and web conferencing?

  Although the terms "collaboration" and "web conferencing" are similar, there are subtle differences in their meanings that can better help you understand what they are and what they do.  Continue Reading

• What can a VoIP phone do that a landline phone cannot?

  This expert response outlines the basic differences between a VoIP phone and a POTS phone.  Continue Reading

• What is tromboning?

  In this expert reply, Patrick Ferriter explains what tromboning means in VoIP.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between gateways and gatekeepers?

  Learn what the difference is between a network gateway and a gatekeeper in this Ask the Expert response.  Continue Reading