Believe it or not, the long-awaited video-centric collaborative world is finally here…- By: Jennifer Presevcon

Description : Unified communications (UC) has risen in popularity and is gaining increased prominence in the visual communication world. Not really all that new, UC is the integration of real-time communication services, such as presence, IM, video and voice.

As video, voice and data morphs into a single integrated architecture, more and more companies have found that they can benefit from unifying their communication channels. After all, time is money and the acceleration of business pace through collaboration is revolutionising the way we do business today.

TANDBERG, now part of Cisco, and Microsoft have worked in partnership to ensure that their UC solutions can communicate efficiently with each other. The two companies have a long history of working together to achieve the highest levels of interoperability. Stretching back to 2000, both firms have been striving to provide customers with the solutions they need to improve productivity, reduce costs and deliver clearer communication channels.

The power and growing popularity of unified communications and collaboration

Microsoft's Office Communication Server (OCS) provides companies with a simple yet powerful instant messaging platform. In collaboration with TANDBERG, the software is able to provide video connectivity to any video conferencing or telepresence endpoint. This delivers a new edge to UC, as it not only provides video communication at the touch of a button, but means that employees are able to engage in face to face communication anytime, anywhere.

By employing the TANDBERG UC Gateway solution, communications aren't limited to any one vendor's technology or location. Furthermore, products such as TANDBERG's Advanced Media Gateway 3600 Series provide the capability for employees using Microsoft Office Communicator (MOC) to communicate in HD, even when working remotely from a laptop.

Combined with the TANDBERG Video Communication Server (VCS), the media gateway enables video to be scaled automatically, delivering unmatched visual collaboration capability and quality to everyone. Their video first approach enhances the collaboration experience for users at both ends of the video call, as they benefit from clearer pictures and a more immersive experience.

By continuing this partnership both firms are increasing the ability for companies to collaborate, internally, externally and regardless of geographical restrictions. The video capability supported by Microsoft OCS brings the video communication experience to an even wider audience and continues to develop the key drivers behind the rise of UC; communication, collaboration and connectivity.

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