VOIP devices ready
Fifteen new IP telephony devices have been built and will be able to make VOIP calls via Microsoft's Office Communications Server (OCS) 2007 when it launches, reports Computing.co.uk.
IP handsets will plug directly into an Ethernet switch port that will run the MS Communicator telephony client. They will link into company private branch exchanges based on the OCS.
Other new handsets will connect to the OCS via the PC through its USB port, and the new Bluetooth headsets will link wirelessly.
Companies unprepared for unified communications
Nemertes Research has released a study that says although companies are interested in unified communications, they still face the obstacles that stopped them from adopting VOIP a few years ago, reports CIO India.
Interviews with 120 IT executives revealed that 79% of respondents either already use or are planning to use unified communications.
However, 60% say their collaboration and communications staffs are separate, according to the study's author, Irwin Lazar, a principal research analyst with Nemertes.
VOIP a sought-after technology
VOIP is the fifth most sought-after technology among solution providers, according to the 2007 VARBusiness State of the Market survey, with the strongest adopters being medium-sized companies, reports ChannelWeb.
Twenty-five percent of solution providers are currently offering VOIP products and services, and 30% plan to add VOIP to their portfolios within the next year.
Channel expectations for VOIP and for unified communications reflect the trends in the marketplace, and solution providers are seeing a strong demand for voice products and services across all customer segments.