http://www.currentanalysis.com/ Analysis Reports provided by Current Analysis, Inc. en-us All materials Copyright 1997-2010 Current Analysis, Inc. Reproduction or distribution prohibited without express written consent. Fri, 30 Jul 2010 07:32:11 GMT http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=42238&rss Although HiPath 4000 is a volume product with competitive functionality it is beginning to show its age compared to newer PBXs from both rivals and Siemens Enterprise itself. However a new migration solution is on the horizon. Arnold, Robert - 2010-07-12T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=42234&rss Support for OpenScape Office UC applications have kept the venerable HiPath 3000 communications platform competitive and provides greater investment protection upon HiPath 3000 migration to Siemens Enterprise Communications’ newer SME system. Arnold, Robert - 2010-07-09T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=54102&rss There’s a lot of activity in integrating social media into communications and contact center software. However it is a market very much in its infancy, with solutions generally immature and in many cases not generally available. Riggs, Brian 2010-07-02T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=54090&rss Cisco’s new Hosted Collaboration Solution augments its existing hosted telephony and contact center services, delivering a broader set of collaboration apps than the company previously made available to carriers offering cloud-based services. Riggs, Brian 2010-07-01T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=54093&rss Cisco’s next-generation endpoint, the Cius tablet, delivers robust business communications functionality in a form factor previously only seen in the consumer space. Cius' lead time to market, maturity and consumer alternatives are challenges. Arnold, Robert 2010-07-01T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=54022&rss Though not specifically designed for business communications, Google Voice delivers easy-to-use conferencing and mobility features rare in small business voice systems – a combination that could prove attractive for cost-conscious businesses. Riggs, Brian 2010-06-25T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=54000&rss Digium advanced the mobility solutions for its turnkey Switchvox SMB PBX with low-cost applications providing access to a competitive set of business communications features from smartphones. Arnold, Robert 2010-06-24T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53873&rss Cisco continues to refine its forthcoming collaboration suite, Cisco Quad, building directly on top of its established voice and video communications strengths, but a tentative rollout will limit Cisco's ability to disrupt collaboration rivals. Shimmin, Brad 2010-06-15T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53824&rss With a rash of videoconferencing enhancements Cisco shows quick progress with its acquired Tandberg assets via integrations of the two telepresence product lines. Broader TIP adoption is still needed to win over naysayers. Arnold, Robert 2010-06-09T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53813&rss In a departure from traditional wood boardroom décor, Polycom OTX 300 is an immersive telepresence solution with a sleek style. However, Polycom’s design alternative to its existing TPX solution brings limited new functionality. Arnold, Robert 2010-06-08T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53800&rss In initiatives pivotal to its growth RADVISION continues to branch out from its traditional video infrastructure niche and expand its addressable markets with R&D and marketing focused on multivendor interoperability, applications and SMB systems. Arnold, Robert 2010-06-07T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53720&rss Cisco’s Intercompany Media Engine will facilitate rich media interactions between businesses running any PBX platform and it could be just the thing needed to kick-start the UC market. Will the industry really adopt a “standard” invented by Cisco? Caron, Jeremiah 2010-06-01T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53698&rss Siemens Enterprise’s IP-based SMB communications platform now includes contact center software that is both multi-channel and UC-capable. The company must now prove it can build a sizable customer base around it. Riggs, Brian 2010-05-27T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=48022&rss Enhanced deployment, configuration and licensing options vastly expand the range of businesses that Siemens Enterprise can address with its OpenScape UC solution. Arnold, Robert - 2010-05-24T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53640&rss A cross-section of leading communications solutions developers formed UCIF to foster interoperability of multivendor solutions and drive UC adoption. The Forum has merits but needs to mature and prove itself before any praise is awarded. Arnold, Robert 2010-05-21T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53628&rss The move to acquire Global IP Solutions builds out the base of real-time communications technology Google can bring to bear on software gradually being made available to both consumers and businesses. Riggs, Brian 2010-05-20T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53630&rss As anticipated, the Motorola Enterprise Mobility Solutions and Networks spinoff aims to bring product and market synergies into even tighter alignment. Execution and horizontal expansion are key to growth. Arnold, Robert 2010-05-20T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53586&rss The decision to end Response Point sales was not particularly surprising as rumors of the product’s demise have been swirling for some time. Microsoft will focus on OCS, but this cannot be positioned in the same market segment. Riggs, Brian 2010-05-18T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53543&rss Acme Packet has improved upon its Net-Net 3800 platform with new options with which the company can target a greater variety of enterprises. However, it is carriers that will benefit most from the new capabilities. Arnold, Robert 2010-05-13T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=41814&rss Avaya has both consolidated and rounded out the IP Office portfolio with Release 6.0. Competitors will now face off against improved IP Office packaging in a greater variety of customer sizes. Arnold, Robert - 2010-05-12T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53531&rss A wrinkle has appeared in the previously smooth roadmap for gradually migrating Nortel products to Avaya platforms. With the allegiance of Nortel resellers at stake, Avaya needs to make sure this slip-up is the exception rather than the rule. Riggs, Brian 2010-05-12T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53526&rss Polycom’s new CEO comes tailor-made to help the company face off against the combined Cisco-Tandberg. However, the company is still only in the early stages of improving its marketing prowess. Riggs, Brian 2010-05-11T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53505&rss Expanding platform support to Genesys SIP Server marks closer integration of the Genesys and Alcatel-Lucent portfolios and should help the company position its SMB contact center offering in non-Alcatel-Lucent accounts. Riggs, Brian 2010-05-10T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53402&rss Virtualization support and a UC-enabled Web client are hallmarks of Siemens Enterprise’s latest update to its contact center software. Both promise customers a wider array of deployment options, but competitors will replicate that quickly. Riggs, Brian 2010-05-04T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53254&rss RIM will finally enable its BlackBerry MVS with voice over WiFi support, creating new value propositions for the FMC solution, which has lagged well behind alternatives in this regard and still has catching up to do. Arnold, Robert 2010-04-28T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53204&rss RADVISION quickly leveraged its acquired Aethra assets to launch into the market for room video conferencing systems. Confident that its offerings are superior, RADVISION needs improved visibility to get invited to bids. Arnold, Robert 2010-04-21T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53186&rss Cisco’s $3.3 billion acquisition of TANDBERG is now complete, setting the combined companies’ resources free to disrupt and lead the videoconferencing market. However, some important forward plans still need fleshing out. Arnold, Robert 2010-04-20T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53152&rss Context-aware customer interactions, social networking integration, and modular applications are among the hallmarks of the much-anticipated Genesys 8 platform. Genesys must now focus on transitioning customers to it. Riggs, Brian 2010-04-16T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53146&rss Seeking recognition as an alternative to better known video conferencing developers, LifeSize continues expand and strengthen its partner ecosystem. However, differentiated functionality is needed to stand out from other vendor alliances. Arnold, Robert 2010-04-16T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53089&rss A new partnership promises to deliver a dual-mode telephony option where NEC’s previous relationship with CounterPath could not. This and VMware-based virtualization will make welcome additions to the NEC portfolio. Riggs, Brian 2010-04-12T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53049&rss Virtualization is taking hold as a viable alternative to traditional communication and contact center system deployment. However, immature solutions from vendors could frustrate enterprise and SMB customers for some time to come. Riggs, Brian 2010-04-05T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51396&rss OpenScape Voice is gaining traction among customers seeking a highly scalable, very secure PBX solution. Close ties to OpenScape UC – Siemens Enterprise’s unified communications solution – also help it stand out from the crowd. Riggs, Brian 2010-03-30T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52946&rss Communications Server 14 – the next version of Office Communications Server 2007 – will deliver a robust set of new telephony features. But its continued immaturity as a voice platform could be an ongoing concern among potential customers. Riggs, Brian 2010-03-26T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52911&rss With OmniTouch 8082 My IC Phone Alcatel-Lucent demonstrates thought leadership in terms of desk phone design. The company now needs to demonstrate customer demand for accessing communications and other kinds of apps via an IP phone. Riggs, Brian 2010-03-23T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52910&rss Microsoft will provide its UC customers with a wider range of end point options; however, compatibility issues with OCS and the need of third-party gateways for standard SIP phone support could raise concerns among Microsoft customers. Riggs, Brian 2010-03-23T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52918&rss Siemens Enterprise Communications’ applications advancements will make it easier for enterprises to implement OpenScape communications software. Execution is pivotal, as rivals are also offering virtualization and hosted solutions. Arnold, Robert 2010-03-23T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52915&rss Though Lotus Foundations Reach is still not generally available, IBM has begun building out a channel for the platform. Soon to be in the hands of resellers, the company must now demonstrate it can attract SMBs to its UC appliance. Riggs, Brian 2010-03-23T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52883&rss With UCC technology steadily maturing, attention is now turning to UCC-related managed and professional services as a critical sales differentiator. In many ways, services are the “glue” that binds UCC piece parts into a coherent solution. Page, Bruce 2010-03-19T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52868&rss Digium’s strategy of selling low-cost systems based on open source software is proving popular among cost-conscious SMBs. The company now needs to better stand out in a market segment crowded with both competitors and partners. Riggs, Brian 2010-03-18T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=48023&rss Alcatel-Lucent fields a highly competitive UC solution composed of open, scalable, and flexible products that can accommodate the needs of many enterprise types. It stacks up well against nearly all alternatives. Arnold, Robert - 2010-03-17T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52860&rss ShoreTel has proven itself an increasingly visible force to be reckoned with in the North American SMB PBX space. The company is now challenged to replicate its quickly growing sales in the enterprise market, as well as in key regions internationally. Riggs, Brian 2010-03-17T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52833&rss Dominance in Europe and a complete portfolio number among Alcatel-Lucent’s strengths in the communications solutions market, but the company has yet to realize efficiencies between its merged enterprise, carrier, and contact center operations. Riggs, Brian 2010-03-16T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52831&rss IBM is capitalizing on its strengths by taking a very focused approach to the communications market. The company must now demonstrate its ability to stand out from its highly visible competitors. Riggs, Brian 2010-03-16T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52821&rss A strategy of growth through acquisition has served Aastra well in the past few years, creating a business with considerable reach in the communications market. It now needs to simplify its product portfolio and create more brand awareness. Riggs, Brian 2010-03-15T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52827&rss The latest NEC reorganization promises to broaden NEC’s solution set and deliver new sales opportunities, though how well the company executes on the strategy remains to be seen. Riggs, Brian 2010-03-15T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=42239&rss Now established in the SME PBX landscape in the U.S., visibility and customer education remain key hurdles for ShoreTel as it targets larger accounts, integration with third-party voice systems, and international expansion for growth. Arnold, Robert - 2010-03-15T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52807&rss Its partnership with Microsoft has breathed new life into Aspect, helping to broaden its service offerings and dovetail with Microsoft UC initiatives. But competition with larger services firms could cool otherwise hot new technology initiatives. Riggs, Brian 2010-03-12T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52816&rss Comfortable with the prominent role it has created for itself in the telephony market, Cisco is branching out into video, social networking, and related areas. Cisco has its work cut out for itself exciting customer interest in these new areas. Riggs, Brian 2010-03-12T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52808&rss Interactive Intelligence has done a respectable job in building a name for itself in the North American contact center solutions market. However, difficulties in marketing its software-based PBX is proving an ongoing frustration for the company. Riggs, Brian 2010-03-12T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52809&rss Having completely disrupted the market for business communications solutions, Microsoft now needs to prove there is widespread demand for its UC-centric approach to telephony systems. Riggs, Brian 2010-03-12T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52810&rss Having quickly integrated Inter-Tel products and services with its own portfolio, Mitel is a dominant force in the SMB communications solutions market in North America. But it is also a very obvious target that all competitors will be gunning at. Riggs, Brian 2010-03-12T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52785&rss Motorola looks to its core strengths and broad portfolio to establish a toehold in nascent enterprise fixed mobile convergence markets. The company is uniquely positioned; however rivals have been more nimble in development. Arnold, Robert 2010-03-12T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52806&rss With R&D, marketing and sales initiatives centered around a set of next-generation communications software, Siemens Enterprise is more focused than ever before. The company now needs to prove customer and resellers are as focused on its offerings. Riggs, Brian 2010-03-12T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52784&rss An expanded portfolio and base of resellers are among the chief benefits of Avaya’s acquisition of Nortel’s enterprise business. But the company now has its work cut out for it with integrating new products and processes into its own. Riggs, Brian 2010-03-11T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52778&rss Though Magor is the new kid on the block, its TeleCollaboration HDWorkPlace Release 3 update creates a compelling solution for companies wishing to avoid investing in a heavily centralized, network-centric collaborative environment. Shimmin, Brad 2010-03-11T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52767&rss Avaya closed a gap in the IP Office line with a new small business version. It makes the company competitive in the sub 20-user space once again. Rivals will note, however, that Avaya has recently wavered in this segment. Arnold, Robert 2010-03-10T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52699&rss The announcement of ShoreTel’s largest customer ever helps validate initiatives focused on breaking the company out of its SMB mold and making it a more vital force in the enterprise market as well. Arnold, Robert 2010-03-03T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52667&rss Aastra has introduced a new, more scalable, distributed architecture for MX-ONE as well as a compact version of the communications system, making it more efficient and therefore more competitive in a broader range of enterprise segments. Arnold, Robert 2010-02-25T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=41812&rss Avaya’s roadmap for BCM will benefit the platform’s existing customers and resellers, but it may also make the Nortel communications platform less attractive to those seeking to invest in a new system. Riggs, Brian - 2010-02-22T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=42237&rss Due to Avaya’s roadmap and migration strategy for the Communication Server 1000, and due to competitive forces, the installed base of the Nortel-developed system is likely to shrink quickly. Riggs, Brian - Arnold, Robert 2010-02-22T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=50956&rss The Aastra 5000 offers compelling deployment options and scalability, as well as improving reliability and security, to Aastra’s large legacy base and to vie for net-new enterprise accounts in Europe. Arnold, Robert 2010-02-19T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52618&rss Although Mitel does not offer the only communications software capable of running in virtualized environments, the introduction of Mitel Virtual Solutions proves the company to be a leader in this emerging product category. Riggs, Brian 2010-02-17T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52519&rss Siemens Enterprise remodels OpenScape Voice with packing that improves its competitiveness in mid-market and branch office environments. The same actions however, highlight the comparative immaturity of the solution. Riggs, Brian 2010-02-04T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52494&rss Many others have tried different approaches, and now Agito looks to break through the nascent enterprise FMC market by slashing global roaming costs via its dual-mode and enterprise-grade VoIP over 3G technology. Weldon, Kathryn - Arnold, Robert 2010-02-02T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52433&rss To increase its thrust in North America, Aastra has launched MX-ONE in Canada and unleashed a compact version continent-wide. The timing may be right to capitalize on uncertainty around rival products, and reaching customers is Aastra’s challenge. Arnold, Robert 2010-01-22T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52421&rss Digium has put a personal touch on the latest upgrades to Switchvox SMB, and the company is hoping these new options will convince SMB buyers that its turnkey open source PBX is as robust as more mature, closed source alternatives. Arnold, Robert 2010-01-21T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52419&rss Mitel launches an MVNO service that complements its CPE systems and CLEC businesses as well as differentiates the company’s services set, yet the scope of its target audience and the value propositions are fairly limited. Arnold, Robert 2010-01-21T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52413&rss PBX developer support for Foundations Reach is on the rise, with highly differentiated office-in-a-box appliances soon to ship. However, it remains unclear if IBM’s latest attempt to sell telephony solutions to SMBs will truly catch on. Riggs, Brian 2010-01-20T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52394&rss Avaya laid out a rational, potentially cost-effective path for migrating many of Nortel’s communications products to Avaya-centric solutions. However, it remains unclear how much R&D attention Nortel products will receive in the meantime. Riggs, Brian 2010-01-19T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52384&rss The results are in for the first full year of operations for SEN, the JV formed between The Gores Group and Siemens AG, with company officials touting progress in key areas aimed at creating efficiencies and improving profitability. Arnold, Robert 2010-01-15T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=48024&rss Cisco has unveiled many compelling and differentiated capabilities with UC System 8.0; however, the ability to leverage them fully will be postponed by a year-long rollout. Arnold, Robert - 2010-01-12T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52282&rss Avaya has closed on its acquisition of Nortel Enterprise Solutions. With high-level details provided on organizational structure for the newly combined company, and with product roadmaps still pending, the risks and rewards are both great. Arnold, Robert 2009-12-22T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52249&rss Though stretching the definition of “unified communications,” ADTRAN’s new comms apps show the company’s interest in delivering a software-oriented set of PBX platforms for SMBs, as well as branching out to enterprises for the first time. Riggs, Brian 2009-12-14T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=48025&rss The Avaya Aura architecture presents new, innovative ways to network unified communications apps and connect users, yet there is much education needed for potential Avaya customers and partners. Riggs, Brian - Arnold, Robert 2009-12-14T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52071&rss Aastra takes a new tack with its Aastra 800 IP PBX. The system should find appeal both among the company’s large legacy customer base as well as with new accounts seeking a IT-centric communications architecture. Arnold, Robert 2009-12-02T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=48026&rss A new XMPP Gateway and revamped PBX connectivity promise to improve Microsoft Office Communications Server interoperability with third-party UC elements. In the near term, shifting connectivity requirements may concern partners and customers. Arnold, Robert - 2009-11-20T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52007&rss 3Com has long struggled to grow its IP PBX business, despite an early entry into the market and some compelling products. HP could breathe new life into 3Com’s lagging market position, but at the risk of disrupting HP’s partner ecosystem. Riggs, Brian 2009-11-18T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51995&rss Updates to point products in Cisco’s communications portfolio increase deployment options and reduce TCO. They also put Cisco in a better position relative to competitors already offering virtualization and session management capabilities. Riggs, Brian 2009-11-12T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51906&rss Avaya has quietly introduced a new version of its one-X Agent interface, significantly improving the unified communications capabilities available to contact center agents. Riggs, Brian 2009-11-09T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51896&rss AudioCodes has opened up its Mediant 1000 MSBG to host third-party applications. The development should make for some compelling SME communications solutions delivered from a single hardware platform. Arnold, Robert 2009-11-06T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51868&rss Nortel BCM has been imbued with functionality enhancements that make the already competitive SME PBX even more so. It may be more difficult to win existing BCM customers away, despite Nortel’s current corporate circumstances. Arnold, Robert 2009-11-03T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51859&rss DiVitas has launched a Web client, extending its support to all leading smartphones and emphasizing its enterprise social networking apps. This signals a new thrust, focusing on mobile apps rather than dual-mode handoff capabilities. Arnold, Robert - Weldon, Kathryn 2009-11-02T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51802&rss A series of partnerships forged this year promise to strengthen the Siemens Enterprise channel network and provide a framework more conducive to supporting the company’s longer-term transition to a software and services model. Arnold, Robert 2009-10-26T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=41861&rss Avaya Aura Communication Manager offers configuration and business continuity options and an applications and endpoint selection that make it suitable for many types of enterprises. A primary challenge is differentiation in a crowded market. Arnold, Robert 2009-10-23T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51770&rss NEC rolls out SV8500 to EMEA markets, taking the next step toward transitioning to a portfolio that it will deliver globally. The benefits to NEC are apparent and customer retention is the key to reaping them. Arnold, Robert 2009-10-21T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51715&rss Avaya System Platform is a new way of deploying Avaya communications software in a data center environment. Using virtualization lets Avaya present mid-market enterprise customers with a cost-effective alternative to traditional PBX deployment. Riggs, Brian 2009-10-14T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51654&rss Cisco's impending acquisition of TANDBERG stands to shake up the collaboration market, tweaking the nose of rival HP, pushing further into the European market, and shrinking the gap between corporate and consumer video customers. Shimmin, Brad - Arnold, Robert 2009-10-02T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=41815&rss Alcatel-Lucent OmniPCX Office balances office-in-a-box features with sophisticated, optional applications. Competitive on these fronts, the system is challenged by more flexible scalability offered by alternatives. Arnold, Robert - 2009-09-28T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=41863&rss OmniPCX Enterprise offers scalability, deployment options and an applications portfolio to make the Alcatel-Lucent IP PBX a contender for a great many enterprise accounts. Arnold, Robert - 2009-09-25T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=41891&rss A disruptive force in PBX markets, all eyes keep a close watch on Cisco. However, several competitors have kept up to speed with Unified Communications Manager’s configuration options and applications support. Riggs, Brian - Arnold, Robert 2009-09-24T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51599&rss The latest IP Office enhancements focus on simplicity yet advance the system’s capabilities, proving Avaya’s attention to increasing SMB sophistication while minding traditional requirements. Arnold, Robert 2009-09-23T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=41859&rss Mitel 3300 IP PBX software can be deployed in a wide variety of configurations and is backed by an applications portfolio. Both attributes increase Mitel’s addressable audience as it looks to grow outside of the SME sector. Arnold, Robert - 2009-09-21T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51541&rss Toshiba’s Strata CIX PBX portfolio is generally competitive from a functionality perspective in the SMB and SME spaces, but only in regions where the entire portfolio is available and full capabilities are publicized. Arnold, Robert 2009-09-17T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=42402&rss An improved Cisco Unified Communications Manager applications set strengthened an already competitive IP communications solution that utilizes the company’s popular integrated services routers. Riggs, Brian - 2009-09-15T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51525&rss Acquiring Nortel’s enterprise group would help Avaya win a long running battle against one of its traditional rivals. However, it does little to help it win the larger war, in which Cisco and Microsoft will be its primary foes. Riggs, Brian 2009-09-15T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51519&rss Aculab’s single service ApplianX Gateway portfolio offers appliances with competitive purpose-built functionality, yet a lack of versatility limits the company’s addressable markets. Arnold, Robert 2009-09-14T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51463&rss Advancements to NEC’s applications set focus on improving its UC client offerings. The increased sophistication is needed to help migrate legacy NEC PBX customers to its next generation SV8500 platform, as well as to win new accounts. Arnold, Robert 2009-09-04T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51445&rss After a long wait, Skype for Asterisk has become available to many open source PBX customers, delivering a low-cost alternative to PSTN calls, but its lack of robust features may limit widespread appeal. Riggs, Brian - Arnold, Robert 2009-09-02T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51427&rss NEC’s latest SMB/SME PBXs, the SV8100 and SV8300 offer improved networking and applications support over legacy NEC systems. The SV8000 line will benefit from a strong channel selling into a large legacy base. Arnold, Robert 2009-09-01T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51333&rss In recent years more developers have committed to support of HD voice solutions. More choices are available and other hurdles are being addressed as the technology matures, yet widespread enterprise adoption of HD voice is still elusive. Arnold, Robert 2009-08-20T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51291&rss The tighter integration of Microsoft UC software on Symbian devices, plus support for productivity apps, will interest joint Microsoft/Nokia customers. But it also complicates Microsoft support for Nokia devices, potentially causing IT headaches. Riggs, Brian - Weldon, Kathryn 2009-08-14T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51263&rss IBM’s latest Foundations appliance cost-effectively delivers unified communications to small businesses and SMBs, but at the risk of competing more directly with telephony solutions developers, some of which are IBM partners. Riggs, Brian 2009-08-10T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51208&rss Offering a differentiated approach to eFMC, the Unified MBX “mobile PBX” follows the path of OnRelay’s established value propositions for the untethered enterprise, but it faces stiff competition in hot development area for a nascent market. Arnold, Robert 2009-08-04T00:00:00-04:00