Staying ahead of the pack - Contact Management

Software
Solutions
Unified Communications Apllications
ClearOne introduces video collaboration for UC users
Global communications solutions company,
ClearOne, Salt Lake City, UT, recently unveiled
Collaborate, an all-in-one voice, video, and data
collaboration console for organizations using unified
communications (UC) software or Web services
to handle voice, video and data communications.
Delivering true plug-n-play simplicity in a business
solution for video collaboration, Collaborate allows
small groups in an executive office or conference
room to converse and see each other while
simultaneously viewing data from applications, Web
sites, or other local or network sources.
The system, ClearOne’s first to incorporate
video capability, features an integrated ClearOne
HDConference audio conferencing system, a 46-
inch HD LCD monitor, an HD USB video camera, and
a built-in quad core PC with Windows pre-installed.
Collaborate is also available without an operating
system for enterprises that have customized or bulk
licensed software.
Tracy Bathurst, chief strategy officer for
ClearOne, says Collaborate will suit large
organizations running on UC platforms as well
as small and midsize businesses using Web
conferencing applications like Skype. Collaborate
can also be used for applications such as Internet
telephony, VoIP softphones, and instant messaging,
he says, and it allows audio/video playback of files
saved in Quicktime, RealPlayer, Windows Media and
other formats.
Companies whose applications run on
Collaborate include Avaya, Cisco, Google, IBM,
Microsoft, Mirial, Siemens, Skype, and Yahoo.
Collaborate includes a ClearOne Soundbar
speaker, which mounts to the bottom edge of
the video screen; a ClearOne microphone pod;
and a wireless keyboard and mouse. Additional
microphone pods can be added so that larger
This is the Collaborate console with pedestal feet
for credenza or tabletop location. The screen is
displaying data with live video; the screen can also
be video only or data only as the user prefers.
groups can participate in conferences.
ClearOne claims to be the world’s leading
supplier of professional audio conferencing
systems. Collaborate provides full PC functionality
and enables users to create split screen modes
where live video can share the screen with data and
content from PC or network applications. Its design
allows a companion 46-inch monitor to be attached
side-by-side to the first monitor, permitting fullscreen
data presentations to appear next to live,
full-screen HD video images.
The underlying product concept of the
Collaborate console is to give customers an all-oneone
solution that avoids the technical complexities
of component solutions – installation, hook-up,
integration, and training – and allows them to
work with the desktop interface they already use
in daily communications. Collaborate will allow
an enterprise to leverage its investment in UC
software to enable video collaboration almost
anywhere.
Inova Solutions joins Cisco developer net in UC category
Provider of real-time visual reporting technologies, Inova Solutions, Charlottesville, VA, recently
joined the Cisco Developer Network as a solution developer within the Unified Communications
technology category. In addition, Inova Solutions’ Inova LightLink version 5.7 has successfully completed
interoperability testing with Cisco Unified Contact Centre Express versions 4.x-8.x and Cisco Unified
Contact Centre Enterprise versions 4.x-8.x.
The Cisco Developer Network unites Cisco with third-party developers of hardware and software
to deliver tested interoperable solutions to joint customers. As a solution developer, Inova Solutions
shares Cisco’s strong commitment to customer service and satisfaction, has completed interoperability
verification testing based on criteria set forth by Cisco, and can provide their customers 24 hour, 7 days a
week customer support.
With offerings such as LightLink 5.7, customers can more quickly deploy a broad range of Cisco
compatible business applications, devices, or services that can enhance the capabilities, performance,
and management of their Cisco network.
Inova Solutions furnishes real-time visual reporting technology that fosters instant awareness and
drives informed action. Contact centres use Inova’s software and signage solutions to communicate realtime
operational data and messages to agents, supervisors and executives, who make strategic business
decisions based on that data.
Cisco unveils UC
platforms for small,
mid-sized businesses
The Cisco UC 300 Series is a complete collaboration
system delivering everything a company with two
to 24 users needs for business-class networking and
voice communications. This easy-to-use, affordable
solution lets a small business take advantage of IP
telephony to reduce phone costs, boost employee
productivity, and create a more collaborative
company. It includes built-in data and wireless
support, along with features such as voicemail and
automated attendant.
Three-year, zero percent financing is available
from Cisco Capital in the U.S., Canada and the UK
for the Cisco UC300 Series through the end of July,
2011.
The Cisco Unified Communications Manager
Business Edition 3000 is an economical unified
communications platform designed for growing
mid-sized businesses, and supports a capacity of
300 users across 10 sites. The system is quick for a
trained Cisco partner to set up, and easy-to-use,
with an intuitive user interface, helping these
customers save time and money, and helping
channel partners optimize their implementation,
support, and maintenance practices.
The Cisco Unified CM Business Edition
3000 offers essential features like voice mail,
conferencing, the ability to park or hold calls, auto
attendant, and standard mobility features like single
number reach, extension mobility, and tele-worker
support to connect business calls and voice mail
messages to employees anywhere they work.
The Cisco Unified SIP Phone 3905 is an affordable,
IP-based phone that integrates with the Cisco
Unified CM Business Edition 3000 to address the
need for uncomplicated
voice communications
for mid-sized
businesses. It includes
fixed keys for redial,
transfer, hold and
resume, speakerphone,
volume toggle,
and a PC switch port to
reduce cabling installation
requirements.
Cisco Unified Communications
320W is
currently available.
Cisco unified Communications
Manager
Edition 3000 is scheduled
to be available
in the second quarter
2011.
Barry O’Sullivan, senior
vice-president, Voice
Technology Group, Cisco,
says Cisco is delivering
UC solutions tailor-made
for the characteristics
of small and mid-market
business partners and the
customers they serve.
22 contact management.ca March / April 2011