Unified Communications For Dummies

Voicemail, e-mail, IM, video conferencing — here's how to get them all working together

Unify your company's communications so your employees, clients, and suppliers can communicate more efficiently to boost your bottom line. This easy-to-understand guide shows you how to develop a strategy for unified communications, make the case for it to your stakeholders, identify the equipment you need, and implement your program.

• Discover the problem — evaluate your current situation and recognize the limitations of unconnected communications

• Learn the parts — get acquainted with the components of a unified communications system

• From voice to VoIP — see how to maximize VoIP for instant communication with multiple contacts

• Start with what you have — discover new ways to use the variety of options you may already have available

• Formulate your plan — develop realistic goals, research resources, and prepare for implementation

• Educate stakeholders — maintain communication about the plan, how to use the system, and the benefits it offers

• Think ahead — anticipate growth and assure that your unified communications program keeps pace

• Be compliant — know compliance requirements and security protocols

Open the book and find:

• How to assess your existing communications

• Ten unified communications solutions to investigate

• The benefits of UC to your business

• How to make the case for your plan

• Tools you'll need

• Troubleshooting advice

• How to compare various technologies

• Resources for learning more