“Hewlett-Packard, Cisco, and Software.com Monday announced
what they claim is the first “open,” IP-based unified
communications system, which is designed to enable service
providers to offer end-users enhanced messaging and call-management
services.“
“Unified communications extends unified messaging — singular
access to voice, fax, and e-mail messages — by adding real-time
call management to both inbound and outbound communications,
officials at both companies said. Unified communications is also
based on an IP architecture that offers converged services, such as
voice, video, and data. Officials at the companies claim that
unified messaging offerings up to now have been legacy and
proprietary because they are not based on IP….”
With unified communications, service providers can collect,
notify, and deliver messages to customers, irrespective of their
location, time, or access device. Service providers benefit with
rapid time to market, reduced risk, increased revenue, increased
market penetration, and improved customer loyalty, the officials
said.”