BUSINESS INTERVIEW Carter reads UC gospel
but I’ve never been more excited by the potential that UC creates. 2011 is going to be a big year.”
UC means different things to different people and from a reseller’s perspective it can be confusing when discussing this technology with customers. Carter noted: “But one thing we should all agree on is how UC can make businesses performer smarter and more efficiently, ensuring people can work much more closely wherever they are, based on instant and integrated communication. People not just talking on their phones and mobiles but also via computers.”
Smarter working Richard Carter Unified
communications should be at the centre of your strategic planning, according to Richard Carter, Group Sales and Business Development
Director at Nimans. U
nified communications has been one of the industry’s biggest talking points, and according
to Carter UC represents the dawning of a ‘brave new world’ in business communications. “There’s little doubt of the impact UC is having in the industry,” he said. “Everyone has accepted that UC is going to revolutionise the way we communicate in the future, in the office, on the move and at home. Already, many big names are positioning new technology from feature-packed systems to headsets, conferencing units and handsets. It’s not a five minute wonder. UC is here to stay and is gaining momentum on an almost daily basis.
“Some of the latest headsets, for example, now come with presence detection sensors that automatically know when a user has stopped wearing the device, as their presence indicator goes from green to red. I’ve been in the industry for the last 25 years and to be fair there have been a few false dawns, and some slow burners,
Unified comms is based on simpler and smarter communications. The way people work has changed. “They are no longer tied to their desks, there’s more flexibility in terms of where they work and when they work. Technology has developed rapidly, particularly in the mobile world where new smartphones perform a host of tasks, much more than traditional phone calls and texts,” said Carter. “However, the existence of multiple communication tools and channels can be a burden. There’s the danger that information can become disconnected as business professionals move from one place to another, juggling competing devices that cause ergonomic and efficiency issues. This is where UC comes in, streamlining working practices and processes.”
UC can help people perform better and manage their working lives with one number, one voicemail and one interface no matter where they are, bringing together the basic building blocks of smartphones, wireless laptops, software and connectivity. “For me it’s about delivering greater and more convenient choice, communication by landline, mobile and PC,” observed Carter. “The biggest impact will be to provide the ability to talk over email. Significant numbers of people will soon be able to do so. And once the momentum starts to build, everything will snowball.”
Carter pointed out that Nimans is busy working with manufacturers across many sectors to help resellers harness what he describes as ‘huge market potential’. “We are determined to be a driving force in this arena both from a system and end point perspective, to ensure our customers can take advantage of the many opportunities that will undoubtedly be created over the next few years,” noted Carter. “Our staff share my passion and undertake ongoing training to ensure they are equipped to share their evolving knowledge as the market moves forward and new products introduced. We’re working closely in collaboration with key suppliers to drive the market further forward, based on our renowned logistics expertise and general industry know-how.”
Carter says that anyone investing in UC should make sure that end points have the quality to perform at the highest level. “Ultimately the quality of a conversation relies on a headset, handset or speaker device,” he said. “The whole infrastructure is only as strong as the weakest link so it’s important that resellers get this message across. The latest devices have the ability to maximise performance and enhance conversations, generating a more satisfying user experience. Using the wrong device will undermine the whole platform, leading to complaints and a lack of confidence and trust.”
Uptake of UC continues apace, according to Carter, but progress is being hampered by gaps in knowledge and understanding. “This is something we are determined to address,” he pledged. “In its simplest form UC enables real- time communications, facilitating collaboration and faster decision- making. Providing seamless connectivity brings people and businesses closer together. There’s a revolution around the corner, but there’s much work to be done. UC trends have started to filter down from the enterprise space and are becoming too big to ignore. Embrace UC it’s the future of our industry.” n
30 COMMS DEALER MARCH 2011
www.comms-dealer.com
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