Unified Communications Suffers An Identity Crisis: Page 3 of 3

The new report also advises that IT professionals keep an eye on mobility conferencing. It’s the millennials in your organization that could, in time, tip the balance on today’s videoconferencing giants with their use of tools such as Skype, FaceTime, and Google Talk.

“Absolutely it’s a threat. The mobile video market seems to be generationally driven. Older folks like me couldn’t care less,” Finneran remarks. “I might use Skype from time to time, but my 25-year-old son uses iChat as frequently as phone calls.”

When asked what IT departments should focus on in light of the UC confusion, Finneran advises first and foremost to learn what UC is about: “Engage with your users to determine what the requirements are for communications and where you can help them improve their business processes with it," he says. "Don’t think you can simply dump it on their desk and walk away. This is not a fire-and-forget weapon. You have to promote and train people on it. As people catch on, there’s an enormous potential for social media interactions in a business.”

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