The relevance of social networking to unified communications (UC) and the impact these resources have on business today cannot be over-estimated.
Robert Sussman, joint CEO of South African managed ICT services provider Integr8 believes that Microsoft’s offerings in Lync as part of the software giant’s UC portfolio is established and its application can mean game-changing influence for businesses.
The reality of operating a business within the current market is such that the integration of software and other technical tools is mandatory – however, what is used, how and when remains a matter of choice.
Having the right solution in place for the right purpose at the right time empowers a company to manage UC strategically and derive maximum benefit.
However, In the case of UC, it is particularly important for companies to ascertain their requirements and expectations and measure these against the cost implication of integrating UC technology says Sussman.
In a recent article, entitled The Real Cost of UC, Sussman was quoted as saying that many UC installations do not reduce communications costs – but that the benefit of productivity gains outweighs cost increases.
Integr8 is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner across 13 Gold competencies, including communications, collaboration & content and software asset management.
The company has years of experience in the integration, support and continued management of Microsoft product – and Sussman is a firm believer in what co-ordinated, connected systems can accomplish.
Sussman believes Lync 2013 represents a new dimension in corporate communication resource management and collaboration.
“We have been using Lync for many years, it is technology that we are highly experienced in and understand thoroughly. The solution is integrated into key platforms and Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook and SharePoint.
“The main thing to consider here is the extent to which this technology connects your people, your resources, devices and data – a fundamental principle driving any sized business competing for market share in any industry today,” he explains.
One particular feature of the product that Sussman says makes a “meaningful difference to the lives of clients” is the ability to use Lync to connect across a myriad of devices and platforms, as well as engage different toolsets to communicate.
“There are a number of options available, including instant messaging, conferencing and enterprise voice, as examples. Our objective is to add expertise and product knowledge to our service delivery in order to guarantee clients are able to streamline their communications,” he adds.
