UC is defined as the integration of different communication systems and devices combining e-mail, instant messaging, desktop and advanced business applications, voice over IP (VoIP), voice-mail, fax, audio video and web conferencing, unified messaging, and unified voicemail onto a single network to create a unique environment offering all the complex applications in a simplified format - a point and click to use method.

This creates communication cluster with the user being right at the centre. By streamlining communication network and channels one can easily see how it is best to contact a person irrespective of his locations. A research firm, Gartner states "The largest single value of UC is its ability to reduce "human latency" in business processes."

Microsoft India's unified communications software is a step towards streamlining workplace communication and reducing the cost of the average corporate VoIP system by half. The software will enable employees within organisations to collaborate through e-mails, phone call, instant messaging, video conference in a very simple, efficient manner through any device such as a computer, cell phone or even a public phone, while in the office or on the move.

These technologies use the power of software to integrate -- data, voice, and video--across the applications and devices that people use every day i.e. the mobile phone, the PC, the desk phone et al. "The technology facilitates e-mail/calendaring, team workspaces, instant messaging, VoIP and conferencing all done in real-time. All this can be done on the same network, application integration across networks and across devices, in any form," says Eric Swift, Senior Director, Unified Communications Group, Microsoft.

Features

While working on a word document, or reading an e-mail, a person can talk to a co-worker or even start video conferencing, by just typing his or her name, and clicking on it (It doesn't matter if you see their name in an e-mail, inside Microsoft Office Word or Microsoft Excel, or Power Point). A voice mail will arrive as an email in the outlook inbox and can be forwarded just like a regular e-mail. The software has the in-built capability of text-to-speech due to which the software reads out the email.

With this system you can contact a colleague who is traveling and is available only on his international mobile number. You just need to click on his name and PC will call the contact number configured by the colleague.

Usefulness

According to recent findings major business phone calls end in voice-mail messages, employees use email as their primary mode of communication and 40 per cent people prefer using the messenger instead of the phone for business communications. In India too the unified communications technology solutions are gaining significance primarily because of the growing mobile workforce in Indian industries - the IT/ITeS, BFSI where globe-trotting is fast becoming the norm; companies are looking at options of flexible timings for employees; infrastructure problems are leading to telecommuting and most of all the dying need to be connected all the time.

"There are many companies who are showing interest in the new technology," says Mr Swift. To name a few, Godrej has seen its operational efficiency increase by 30 per cent, informs the company.

"Using the Microsoft solution for presence, instant messaging, and web conferencing we are seeing increase in productivity, improved information sharing and simplification of our IT environment," says Bhagwant Pai - IT Infrastructure Manager, Marico Limited.