What has been your business/work highlight or achievement of 2024?

This year, The Collab Collective achieved significant milestones, further solidifying our position as a trusted advisor and thought leader in the UC and AV space. Notable highlights include: Strategic Content Partnerships: We expanded our reach by producing high-impact executive interviews and webcasts at premier industry events such as WebexOne, Zoomtopia, Zoho Days, InfoComm, and Enterprise Connect. These platforms allowed us to spotlight innovation and provide valuable insights for IT leaders and decision-makers. Research Excellence: Continuing to excel in research, we delivered a robust agenda focused on key areas, including video conferencing devices and group spaces, UC licensing, and contact center licensing. This research empowered forward-thinking vendors to make more informed decisions and drive strategic initiatives. Recognition: Our Chief Analyst and Founder, Craig Durr, was recognized as an AR Insights Top 100 Analyst, a testament to our growing influence and credibility in the industry. Community Engagement: Launching our new newsletter aimed at workplace collaboration professionals has cultivated a dynamic community of forward-thinking leaders who share our belief that great collaboration drives exceptional results. Innovative Brand Promotion: Our Xperience Center Tour series provided a behind-the-scenes look at technology experience centers hosted by leaders like Crestron. Through this initiative, we successfully drove brand visibility and engagement, highlighting innovative solutions and their impact on the collaboration landscape. Through these achievements, we’ve deepened relationships with clients, set a foundation for growth, and redefined what it means to deliver meaningful insights in our field.

Who do you think has had the most positive impact on the UC space in 2024 and why? 

In 2024, the most positive impact on the UC space came from the ongoing innovation and collaborative leadership demonstrated by the major platform players – Microsoft, Cisco, and Google. Together, these companies have significantly advanced the industry’s ability to meet the demands of hybrid work. Microsoft’s progress with Teams, particularly in AI-driven meeting enhancements and intelligent meeting summaries, has simplified workflows for IT administrators and end-users alike. Cisco’s Webex has continued to lead by integrating a comprehensive suite of solutions, including advanced devices, collaboration software, and a robust Contact Center platform. This full-stack approach has allowed businesses to streamline communication and collaboration across all touchpoints, ensuring a cohesive user experience. Webex’s devices, known for their ease of use, high-quality video and audio capabilities, and AI features, have set the standard for hybrid work environments. Google Workspace and Google Meet have made tremendous strides in enhancing productivity and real-time collaboration with AI-powered features. The introduction of the Gemini AI integration across Workspace applications has provided generative AI capabilities in Gmail, Docs, and Sheets, revolutionizing productivity workflows. Meanwhile, Google Meet’s new features, such as “Take Notes for Me” for automatic meeting summaries and “Translate for Me” for real-time translation across 69 languages, have significantly enhanced meeting inclusivity and accessibility.

What was your biggest business surprise in 2024?

The biggest surprise for The Collab Collective in 2024 was the remarkable community support we received as a new analyst player in the UC and AV space. In just seven short months, we established a robust audience for our content and insights, and built a roster of clients who highly value our research, perspectives, and analytics. We were genuinely humbled by how quickly IT leaders, vendors, and collaboration professionals embraced our work. The rapid growth of our community not only validated our approach but also highlighted a strong industry demand for fresh, actionable insights and thought leadership. This unexpected surge in engagement reinforced our commitment to delivering high-quality research and fostering meaningful connections within the industry. It was a powerful reminder that even as a new entrant, authentic engagement and dedicated effort can make a significant impact in a competitive landscape.

What was the most useful business book/podcast you’ve read/listened to in 2024?

Tom Arbuthnot’s Teams Insider is always a tremendous educational listen.

What’s the biggest challenge you and your team will face in 2025?

Our biggest challenge will be helping our clients and audience navigate the overwhelming noise surrounding AI. While AI continues to be a transformative force in the workplace, its importance must be understood in the context of the broader elements that drive modern work. The challenge lies in striking the right balance—helping organizations leverage AI’s potential without losing focus on the human-centric and operational aspects of work that remain indispensable.

What technology will have the greatest impact on your business in 2025 and why?

AI will undoubtedly have the greatest impact on our business in 2025, continuing to revolutionize how organizations approach collaboration, communication, and decision-making. Its ability to streamline workflows, enhance analytics, and drive personalized experiences is reshaping the UC and AV landscape. For The Collab Collective, AI also enables us to deliver deeper insights, create smarter content, and help our clients navigate an ever-evolving technological environment.