Unified communications
Unified communications (UC) is an umbrella term for the integration of multiple enterprise communication tools -- such as voice calling, video conferencing, instant messaging (IM), presence and content sharing -- into a single, streamlined interface, with the goal of improving user experience (UX) and productivity.. See complete definition.
-
News
20 Jun 2025
AR/VR headset market reaching ‘critical tipping point’
Research finds marked uptick in immersive technologies market with 18.1% year-on-year growth fuelled by immersive and versatile experiences, with future growth anticipated to be driven by mixed and extended reality Continue Reading
-
News
19 Jun 2025
Brazil’s defence, public safety agencies unify comms with federal network
Comms service to integrate existing land mobile radio networks with broadband technology to strengthen collaboration for national security in key Latin America territory Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
18 Jun 2025
Rebuilding Social Resilience in the On-line World
Internet access has plateaued since the surge during covid . Digital inclusion programmes need to be complimented by people contact to coax the most vulnerable on-line and/or enable neighbours and ... Continue Reading
-
News
12 Jun 2025
Cisco Live 2025: The digital workplace gets closer to ‘distance zero’
Research reveals disconnects between employer expectations and employee preferences around return-to-office policies in the new world of hybrid working, but also finds acceptance and uptake of cutting-edge collaboration tools Continue Reading
-
News
02 Jun 2025
Agentic AI set to handle 68% of customer service interactions by 2028
Research reveals that advanced artificial intelligence will drive more personalised, proactive and predictive support to transform customer experience delivery Continue Reading
-
News
29 May 2025
Wildix rolls out embedded agentic AI for UCaaS
UCaaS provider offers real-time, codeless automation with shared memory, native privacy controls and ‘proven’ return on investment, live across more than 1,000 environments Continue Reading
-
Opinion
27 May 2025
Security vs. usability: Why rogue corporate comms are still an issue
A leak of information on American military operations caused a major political incident in March 2025. The Security Think Tank considers what can CISOs can learn from this potentially fatal error. Continue Reading
-
News
23 May 2025
Enterprise to the fore as Zoom claims strong Q1
First quarter of 2026 financial year sees AI-first work platform provider break $1bn revenue barrier, with especially strong rise in enterprise business and AI Companion usage, up nearly 40% Continue Reading
-
News
14 May 2025
London Fire Brigade improves emergency response network
UK’s largest fire service turns to advanced comms tech – including real-time data analytics and social media integration – to make it easier and quicker for the public to contact it and improve its response to emergencies across UK capital Continue Reading
-
News
07 May 2025
Meta awarded $167m in court battle with spyware mercenaries
WhatsApp owner Meta is awarded millions of dollars in damages and compensation after its service was exploited by users of mercenary spyware developer NSO’s infamous Pegasus mobile malware Continue Reading
-
News
07 May 2025
DCC signs contracts for major smart meter network upgrade
UK energy and utilities data company inks major contract with industry partners in IT and communications sector to enable modernisation of Data Service Provider platform Continue Reading
-
News
06 May 2025
Belfast Digital Twin Centre to fast track industrial adoption of deep tech
Tech centre designed to create conditions for digital twins to be better understood, more easily developed and more meaningfully applied, giving businesses real-time capabilities to make smarter decisions Continue Reading
-
Tip
02 May 2025
Hybrid meeting technology helps AV teams address equity
Ensuring remote and in-office workers share the same meeting experience is a constant challenge. Vendors are helping companies solve this video equity problem. Continue Reading
-
News
28 Apr 2025
Digital twins critical for digital transformation to fly in aerospace
Technology consortium publishes whitepaper to address the challenges of digital twin adoption in the aerospace and defence industries highlighting requirements for successfully deploying these digital twin-enabling technologies Continue Reading
-
News
24 Apr 2025
Critical Manufacturing and Twinzo unveil smart factory digital twin visualisation
New connector designed to unlock ‘seamless’ manufacturing execution systems-to-3D twin integration, empowering manufacturers with dynamic operational visibility and strategic insights Continue Reading
-
News
28 Mar 2025
Audi gears up for next-gen factory automation with smart manufacturing
Global auto manufacturer Audi deploys virtual private cloud environment platform to deliver enhanced automation, reconfiguring production line to accommodate a product mix change and scale compute and storage Continue Reading
-
News
19 Mar 2025
Zoom debuts new agentic AI skills and agents for Zoom AI Companion
AI-first work platform provider expands agentic skills across the entire portfolio using reasoning and memory to take action and orchestrate task execution, conversational self-service and custom agent creation Continue Reading
-
News
18 Mar 2025
Cisco unveils Webex agentic AI systems to automate CX, EX
Mission to transform contact centres into customer experience centres sees systems for core collaboration platform designed to predict and automate customer and employee experiences Continue Reading
-
News
17 Mar 2025
Satellite technology to provide broadband to remote areas of Buckinghamshire
Buckinghamshire Council harnesses low Earth orbit technology to serve the most remote areas of the county with ultrafast broadband Continue Reading
-
Tip
25 Feb 2025
Connected workspace apps improve collaboration management
Connected workspace software takes unified communications a step further by integrating project and task management and centralizing collaborative work management. Continue Reading
-
News
18 Feb 2025
Meta’s planned subsea cable will exceed circumference of Earth and support AI innovation
Meta’s planned 50,000 km subsea cable will be the world’s longest and connect the five major continents Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
11 Feb 2025
A two-horse race? Competition concerns cloud AWS and Microsoft
In this week’s Computer Weekly, Microsoft and AWS don’t like it, but the UK competition watchdog says their hold on the cloud market is cause for concern. We talk to AutoTrader’s CEO about how to become a digital business. And we go behind the scenes at Zoom to see how AI will revolutionise the former lockdown success story. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
-
News
05 Feb 2025
Crowd-source testing helps drive Webex accessibility
Conferencing software Webex has a number of accessibility features built-in and has worked with Applause to test how well these work Continue Reading
-
News
05 Feb 2025
Volkswagen optimises vehicle development through 3DExperience
Connected engineering platform provider’s core technology becomes foundational solution at auto manufacturer to advance vehicle development through virtual twin experiences, reducing engineering and manufacturing cycles Continue Reading
-
News
04 Feb 2025
IT supplier helps address ‘overwhelming’ volumes of data from space
CGI is building on its decade-long relationship with the European Space Agency, and as more and more satellites entering orbit, its role in processing data is not set to diminish Continue Reading
-
News
29 Jan 2025
Intermedia intros contact centre for Microsoft Teams
AI-powered comms provider looks to take leading collaboration system to next level, adding contact centre functionality to existing unified communications to unlock capability in collaboration and customer experience Continue Reading
-
News
22 Jan 2025
Logitech looks for sweet spot in office collaboration
Office tech provider looks to support next generation of hybrid work model for those in return-to-office mode with multipurpose tool to help IT leaders and workplace facilities managers Continue Reading
-
News
21 Jan 2025
Ascentae, Utelogy unite to enhance collaboration and productivity
Strategic partnership looks to create ‘innovative’ workplace services that enhance collaboration and productivity, providing a unified platform for managing AV and UC environments Continue Reading
-
News
17 Jan 2025
Zoom enhances Team Chat to streamline collaboration
Zoom updates productivity tool to include a sidebar to organise and streamline chat communication, support for code blocks and in-line code, and AI Companion integrations to help users improve productivity Continue Reading
-
News
14 Jan 2025
NBN boost: A$3bn to upgrade internet speeds for millions
The Australian government is investing A$3bn to upgrade Australia’s fibre-to-the-node network, bringing faster internet speeds to hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses Continue Reading
-
Feature
24 Dec 2024
Zoom pursues the path to happiness through AI
Pandemic-era breakout video comms and collaboration company makes pivot towards being an AI-first work platform Continue Reading
-
News
17 Dec 2024
Top 10 networking stories of 2024
It’s been a year of rapid growth for AI in networking, not only for operations but also in applications. Read about this and more in Computer Weekly’s top 10 networking stories from 2024 Continue Reading
-
News
25 Nov 2024
Human-centric AI drives customer experience loyalty
Study from customer experience technology provider shows AI-powered personalisation, loyalty and human-like interactions redefine success for CX leaders Continue Reading
-
News
22 Nov 2024
Swiss encrypted messaging service, ePost, targets one million postal users
Swiss ePost chief Renato Stalder bets on encrypted communications as demand for letter delivery falls Continue Reading
-
News
22 Nov 2024
EU promotes plan to usurp US Big Tech with digital market
European Union is at an important point in its plan to build a single market and strengthen its cloud computing sector Continue Reading
-
News
19 Nov 2024
Alight looks to enhance Microsoft Teams Experience with Worklife
Human capital technology provider works with Microsoft expert on integration to simplify collaboration, boost awareness and enhance overall employee experience and wellbeing Continue Reading
-
News
18 Nov 2024
Midlands, North East fire and rescue services to use Motorola control room platform
Comms tech provider continues momentum in UK emergency arena, working with four services in the Midlands and North East to deploy shared control room service Continue Reading
-
News
05 Nov 2024
Motorola Solutions expands emergency comms with 3tc acquisition
Public safety agencies and enterprises comms firm acquires provider of control room software solutions for police and fire and rescue services Continue Reading
-
Definition
04 Nov 2024
What is SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)?
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is a TCP/IP protocol used in sending and receiving emails over a network such as the internet. Continue Reading
-
News
04 Nov 2024
Virgin Media O2 forges ahead with SME partnerships
UK operator launches new partnerships to benefit small business customers aiming to deliver more than just reliable connectivity and equip them with the technology, resources and networks to succeed Continue Reading
-
News
31 Oct 2024
Connectivity market places focus on value for money
Survey from leading consulting firm shows signs of throttling back in terms of digital services, with three-quarters of UK consumers wanting fixed price guarantees Continue Reading
-
News
30 Oct 2024
VMO2 Q3 revs slip back but fixed-line customer growth returns
UK operator posts third-quarter results claiming delivery on both volume and value in consumer fixed Continue Reading
-
News
25 Oct 2024
Zoom launches version 2.0 of AI Companion
Version 2.0 of artificial intelligence assistant tool sees enhancements such as additional capabilities to help expand context, synthesise information and take action to give users time to focus on meaningful work and build connections Continue Reading
-
News
25 Oct 2024
Cisco looks to transform customer experiences with Webex AI Agent
Collaboration and customer technology arm of Cisco automates contact centre inquiries with conversational intelligence to change how businesses interact with and support customers Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
22 Oct 2024
Delivering Olympic IT
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we speak to a former Olympian and CIO of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games about continuous improvement. We also look at new enterprise AI services from major IT providers and assess the unified communications as a service market. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
-
News
21 Oct 2024
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue goes live with emergency response comms
English Midlands fire service enhances control room communications backbone of emergency response operations, with mobilisation system designed to enhance ability to swiftly and accurately handle emergency calls Continue Reading
-
Feature
21 Oct 2024
Forrester: Tips for choosing a UCaaS provider
Forrester analysts assess the various options and licensing arrangements available for unified comms-as-a-service offerings Continue Reading
-
News
18 Oct 2024
Poor communication is biggest hurdle to business collaboration
Study finds firms are wasting hours of time to make a decision as a result of poor collaboration practices, with over two-fifths of workers having to redo work due to poor guidance on project requirements or miscommunication Continue Reading
-
News
15 Oct 2024
Gitex Global: Avaya augments CX role with AI-based Virtual Operations Manager
Virtual Operations Manager concept looks to highlight ‘art of the possible’, showing how human and AI collaboration can fundamentally alter the way customer experience is managed at the contact centre level Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
15 Oct 2024
A future of virtual collaboration
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we examine how immersive technologies such as augmented and virtual reality are set to transform workplace collaboration. We look at how AI is helping to deliver improvements in customer experience. And we analyse the problems in the Post Office project to replace its troubled Horizon IT system. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
-
News
14 Oct 2024
How Zoom is charting its course towards an AI-first platform
Zoom CEO Eric Yuan talks up his vision for the future of work, the company's transition to an AI-powered platform and what it is doing to stay ahead of rivals Continue Reading
-
News
09 Oct 2024
Zoom expands AI Companion capabilities, adds customisation options
Zoom reveals major advancements in AI Companion, including customisation options, personalised avatars and integration across the entire Zoom workplace platform Continue Reading
-
News
25 Sep 2024
Zoom enriches enterprise solutions offer
Communications and collaboration leader Zoom unveils new suite of business offerings to boost efficiency, reliability, security and compliance for enterprise organisations Continue Reading
-
News
20 Sep 2024
Instant messaging wins over in-person meetings for collaboration
Research from Zoom reveals that leaders and employees favour collaborating via instant messaging instead of in-person meetings Continue Reading
-
News
20 Sep 2024
LG, Ricoh team up to bolster hybrid working digital transformation
LG and Ricoh to offer package of digital office solutions and services designed to boost productivity and deliver better user experiences Continue Reading
-
News
19 Sep 2024
Zoom and Mitel team to meet enterprise demand for AI unified comms
Zoom collaborates with Mitel to deliver what it calls a ‘unique’ hybrid cloud solution combining Zoom Workplace and AI Companion with communications platform Continue Reading
-
Feature
19 Sep 2024
The flex to frontline hybrid working
Hybrid working is a reality for businesses everywhere. Research shows that just under two-thirds of employers offer frontline workers some form of time-based flexibility, yet many workers in this category feel less valued than desk-based colleagues Continue Reading
-
Definition
17 Sep 2024
What is a virtual contact center?
A virtual contact center (VCC) is a type of call center in which an organization's representatives are geographically dispersed, rather than situated at workstations in one location. Continue Reading
-
News
27 Aug 2024
AI drives strong Zoom second quarter
Comms and collaboration service provider reveals robust first half of 2025 fiscal year, outperforming guidance across the board and with marked strength in large accounts Continue Reading
-
Definition
23 Aug 2024
What is podcasting?
Podcasting is the preparation and distribution of digital audio files to the computers of subscribed users using Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds. Continue Reading
-
News
20 Aug 2024
Zoom marks million milestone for webinar attendee capability
Zoom announces that it can now support seven-figure audiences for online conferences in use cases including enterprise, entertainment and public sector Continue Reading
-
News
15 Aug 2024
Cardiff schools turn PSTN switch-off into opportunity for improved agility
Civic authorities responsible for education in Welsh capital look to take advantage of switch-off of UK’s analogue copper-based comms infrastructure to drive cloud-based digital transformation of schools’ communications systems Continue Reading
-
Feature
07 Aug 2024
CX+EX=BG, with added AI: A winning formula for customer experience
Guaranteeing customer experiences of the highest level possible is one of the cornerstones of the modern business. Is there a magic formula? It could well be a combination of artificial intelligence and pixie dust Continue Reading
-
News
06 Aug 2024
Zoom claims AI-first as it debuts Docs on Workplace
Collaboration and conference technology and services provider launches first product from Workplace portfolio with generative artificial intelligence built in from the ground up to enable the next generation of team collaboration Continue Reading
-
News
01 Aug 2024
Businesses fail to deliver consistently positive customer experience
Research from a leading global business school’s publishing arm finds that even though 94% of business leaders think good customer experience is important for business success, just 38% believe they can deliver it Continue Reading
-
News
29 Jul 2024
AI ‘changing everything’ about customer experience
Study from customer experience technology provider reveals the profound effect AI is having in its industry, taking it beyond traditional, manual services to more advanced, technological-driven experiences Continue Reading
-
News
11 Jul 2024
Zoom unveils no-code workflow builder to boost workplace efficiency
Comms and collaboration tech provider announces beta of workplace automation option that uses AI-powered features to streamline routine tasks, boosting efficiency and freeing up time for more meaningful work Continue Reading
-
News
27 Jun 2024
Hybrid workers call on employers to increase investment in connectivity
Survey reveals lack of reliable mobile connectivity in the office is affecting seven in 10 hybrid workers, forcing a majority of employees to leave their office building simply to make a phone call Continue Reading
-
Feature
14 Jun 2024
The sustainable office in the age of hybrid work hotelification
For many, the phrase ‘hotelification’ may raise some hackles, yet in the context of the office, the concept has continued apace since the pandemic struck. The move towards creating a more sustainable workspace, however, remains rather more muted Continue Reading
-
News
06 Jun 2024
Zoom opens immersive Experience Centre in London
Leading collaboration and communications technology firm looks to raise bar of international footprint and strengthen UK commitment with major investment Continue Reading
-
News
06 Jun 2024
UK firms still struggling to enable hybrid work
Survey reveals UK firms are still struggling to make hybrid work effective, with 62% of workplaces changing policy in the past four years and failure to adopt suitable digital tools leading employees to feel overwhelmed and frustrated Continue Reading
-
News
05 Jun 2024
Collaboration suffers as businesses fail to adapt workplace technology
Research reveals critical gaps in workplace tech affecting productivity and collaboration among workers in the UK, with businesses failing to adapt IT infrastructure to suit different personality types Continue Reading
-
Report
30 May 2024
Avaya ‘roaring forward’ in the age of experience
From beating the J-curve, riding the upward trajectory of a U-curve to a simple formula to drive business growth through enhanced customer experience. We report on the transformation taking place at Avaya Continue Reading
-
Definition
23 May 2024
unified communications (UC)
Unified communications (UC) is an umbrella term for the integration of multiple enterprise communication tools -- such as voice calling, video conferencing, instant messaging (IM), presence and content sharing -- into a single, streamlined interface, with the goal of improving user experience (UX) and productivity. Continue Reading
-
Feature
22 May 2024
Neom: The tip of the tech iceberg in the Saudi desert
What is known about plans for Saudi Arabian smart city Neom could be just the tip of the iceberg Continue Reading
-
News
21 May 2024
Enterprise sector shines in steady Q1 for Zoom
Zoom’s latest financial results show continued growth beyond its roots, driven by a commitment to meet customer needs and enhance productivity Continue Reading
-
News
16 May 2024
Vodafone Business Ireland and RingCentral team for hybrid work collaboration
Business division of telco and cloud comms service provider add Ireland to territories for unified communications and collaboration solutions designed to allow businesses to embrace the evolving landscape of hybrid work Continue Reading
-
News
15 May 2024
HP, Google bring Starline collaboration out of lab and into workplace
Tech firms unveil collaboration technology project based on AI and 3D imaging, designed to make co-workers feel like they’re together from any distance Continue Reading
-
News
23 Apr 2024
Vodafone Business aims to help SMEs boost productivity and security
Following research showing how small and medium-sized businesses could increase profits and efficiency by making better use of digital tools, UK comms provider unveils campaign to help SMEs source digital tools to boost productivity and security Continue Reading
-
News
16 Apr 2024
Major UCaaS-related outages experienced by 97% of enterprises in 2023
Survey from provider of performance management, cyber security and DDoS protection services calculates that UCaaS outages can cost up to $1m or more in lost sales and productivity Continue Reading
-
News
02 Apr 2024
Microsoft pushes Teams out of M365 and O365 bundle globally
Microsoft claims Teams push out of bundle will simplify pricing, with enterprise IT buyers possibly better off Continue Reading
-
News
28 Mar 2024
Vonage boosts conversational commerce with GenAI
Ericsson-owned cloud comms tech provider integrates generative AI capabilities with Conversational Commerce service to let contact centre agents generate creative content, automate tasks and improve user experience Continue Reading
-
News
27 Mar 2024
RingCentral goes global with AI-powered contact centre solution
Provider of artificial intelligence-driven cloud solutions expands global footprint and drives adoption momentum of contact centre products with CRM integrations that enable integrated, immersive agent experience Continue Reading
-
News
27 Mar 2024
Avaya announces Zoom strategic partnership for collaboration
Avaya selects Zoom’s recently launched AI-powered Workplace platform to integrate with its Communication and Collaboration Suite to help enterprises ‘reimagine’ teamwork Continue Reading
-
News
27 Mar 2024
Cisco unveils enhanced collaboration tech for the hybrid workforce
Multifunctional devices from Cisco aim to enhance collaboration in offices through optimised cameras and AI-powered collaboration features for hybrid teamwork Continue Reading
-
News
26 Mar 2024
Zoom aims to reimagine teamwork with Workplace AI collaboration platform
Comms and collaboration specialist unveils artificial intelligence-powered platform to help reimagine teamwork, facilitate connections and improve productivity intelligence within familiar experience Continue Reading
-
News
26 Mar 2024
RingCentral looks to ‘reimagine’ business phone system with real-time AI
Cloud business communications provider adds artificial intelligence to provide immersive employee experience, with capabilities including real-time call notes, conversation intelligence, message translator and generative search Continue Reading
-
News
21 Mar 2024
BICS partners with SaaS startup
Recently rebranded software-as-a-service customer engagement company switching up its communication partner to BICS as it looks to consolidate and expand across Europe Continue Reading
-
News
20 Mar 2024
Global UCaaS market set for over 130 million users by 2028
Study from specialist comms research and consulting firm finds growth in UCaaS market continues apace, but price pressures are driving interest in value-added services Continue Reading
-
News
18 Mar 2024
Budgets rise as IT decision-makers ramp up cyber security spending
Few IT leaders surveyed in the TechTarget/Enterprise Strategy Group 2024 Technology Spending Intentions study say they are spending less this year Continue Reading
-
News
07 Mar 2024
Western Sydney Metro deploys mission-critical communications for driverless transport
Nokiar teams with industrial partner to provide IP/MPLS backbone communications network and security solution for new Metro line connecting Australia’s largest city to airport Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
27 Feb 2024
Microsoft’s ‘unfair’ cloud licensing under scrutiny
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we examine claims that Microsoft’s licensing policies are damaging competition in the cloud. Our latest buyer’s guide asks if hybrid cloud is now CIOs’ end goal, and not just an interim step on the journey. And we look at how the focus on customer experience is impacting the unified communications market. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
-
News
20 Feb 2024
Telefónica, Matsuko launch holographic meeting experience
Telco and spatial computing firm to unveil holographic conferencing service to help users gain more effective communication and emotional connection in meetings Continue Reading
-
News
20 Feb 2024
Vodafone teams with vcita to boost small business digital productivity
Telco and software management firm launch digital business management service intended for small businesses, replacing time-consuming and manual tasks with automated and digital services Continue Reading
-
News
15 Feb 2024
Nokia intros first OT-compliant GenAI service for connected workers
Comms tech provider says it has become the first company to adapt GenAI large language model technology for operational environments Continue Reading
-
News
08 Feb 2024
Cisco taps Apple, Nvidia to achieve distance zero and propel collaboration in new workspace
Networking and IT tech and services firm reveals solutions and partnerships with leading CE and processor manufacturer to support business in the new world of world where workspaces are being reimagined Continue Reading
-
News
26 Jan 2024
8x8 enhances experience communications as a service suite
XCaaS platform to now include capabilities such as AI-generated post-meeting smart summaries and action items, omnichannel experiences, global workforce support, and deeper technology partner integrations Continue Reading
-
Tip
26 Jan 2024
On-premises vs. cloud vs. hybrid UC deployment models
When deploying unified communications, organizations need to carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks of on-premises, cloud and hybrid deployment models. Continue Reading
-
Feature
23 Jan 2024
Top 10 must-have unified communications features in business
Unified communications systems have evolved to reflect changing business processes. As a result, enterprises need to prioritize their must-have UC features. Continue Reading
-
News
22 Jan 2024
AI ushering new era of intelligent CX
Annual customer experience trends report reveals that 68% of UK customer experience leaders believe chatbots can help build a stronger emotional connection with clients, with AI now the norm Continue Reading
-
Answer
19 Jan 2024
Can Microsoft Teams chat be monitored?
The quick answer is yes -- IT administrators can monitor employees' messages in Microsoft Teams. But organizations need the proper license plans and policies in place. Continue Reading
-
News
11 Jan 2024
Cisco fixes high-impact flaw in unified comms platform
Cisco unified comms customers are urged to patch a critical vulnerability in Unity Connection, a messaging and voicemail product Continue Reading