Getting started with UC is often the hardest part
by Dave Casey, CEO on 21/12/11 at 8:00 am
ShoreTel (NASDAQ:SHOR) and Ruckus Wireless have recently announced they are working together to provide a “Mobile Unified Communications Starter Kit.” This new product will be aimed at pilot deployments in large organizations and turnkey deployments for small and mid-sized companies.
Why is this significant? Well, with the blast of marketing info, complex jargon, and cool-looking apps from the large industry players in unified communications (UC), what is often overlooked is the fact that the success or failure of a UC deployment is largely dependent on the quality and performance of the entity’s Wi-Fi network. Many times, the end-user IT department is literally at a loss of where to start and which dragon to slay first.
Should we upgrade all the remote desktops, notebooks, and mobile devices first? How about our bandwidth, both wired and wireless? Which of the many carriers should we use, and will our choice limit us on what UC platform we can support? How does adoption of UC impact our installed base of applications, and who will train our far-flung users on the technology? How can we possibly calculate the payback for spending the company’s time and treasure to make this move?
We have been deploying UC solutions for many years; in fact, since back before the term was coined. The evolution of the capabilities of UC, and the movement of the capability from the desktop to the notebook to the handheld device, has gained great velocity in just the last couple of quarters. The traditional vendors that have been important in corporate voice and data communications have adopted the UC label, but often have not provided the end-user with an open, comprehensive and cohesive solution. Or for that matter, one that the great majority of users can easily adopt and use immediately.
This announcement from ShoreTel and Ruckus circumvents many of the roadblocks associated with adoption of this latest technology. ShoreTel’s Mobility solution is a wide-open platform, dovetailing seamlessly with all the major IP PBX platforms (Cisco, Avaya, ShoreTel, Microsoft, Mitel, etc.). In addition, it is largely device-independent, allowing users to use an iPhone/iPad, Android, Blackberry, Nokia device interchangeably. Ask any user what they want to carry in their pocket and the answer will change month to month, depending on who has purchased the most advertising or has the cutest spokesmodel! And with companies the size and breadth of IBM adopting Bring Your Own Device, change is inevitable.
A key feature is ShoreTel’s use of the native dialer on each of these platforms. Users do not have to learn a new app, and there is no branding by ShoreTel on the app, as many of the legacy PBX vendors are imposing.
How about carriers? AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, or any of the overseas equivalents work equally well with ShoreTel Mobility. No re-jiggering of contracts or forced migration to adopt the technology.
The Ruckus piece is the topper. A key desired characteristic of a well-implemented UC/mobility solution is the ability to seamlessly transition between cellular (3G and 4G) networks and the Wi-Fi infrastructure. Ruckus, with their established carrier and enterprise ties, has mastered the interface between these two worlds better than any competitor. Added to the top-notch performance figures is the ease of installation and management that is key in a pilot deployment.
We fully expect to deploy dozens of these Mobility UC Starter Kits in our existing and prospective user base as the demand for advanced technology that really works gains momentum. Lucky for us, Westron is a long-time business partner with both these quality manufacturers.
