We’ve made it through the first month of 2021, and there’s already plenty of chatter in the UC and collaboration spaces. As we continue to navigate a confusing landscape of work anywhere possibilities and digital transformation, UC&C companies are on the cutting edge of what’s hot.
In the last week or so, we’ve seen the rise of various new features within Cisco’s Webex portfolio, intended to make work easier for everyone. We’ve also commented on Microsoft Teams as part of a comprehensive expert round table and discussed the top UCaaS features for 2021 productivity.
Didn’t have a chance to check out all the stories? Don’t worry, here are some of the most important reports to check out from the last week.
The Latest Features in Webex
Microsoft started the new year with a slew of new features added to Microsoft Teams; it’s only fair that competitors like Cisco should follow suit. The Cisco Webex team introduced a selection of updates, which include intelligent gesture support to help you connect in your video meetings. There’s also a real-time health checker for your virtual conversations, updated calling features like silent monitoring, and new Webex devices.
The full range of updates to the Webex portfolio covers everything from industry solutions and integrations for developers to contact centre technology. Webex even gave their security strategy an extra boost too.
Maintel Refuses a Potential Daisy Takeover
Communication leaders, Maintel, recently rebuffed an offer for a potential takeover from Daisy. According to an email sent to Maintel staff delivered to UC Today, Maintel rejected the offer from Daisy, while remaining open to third-party offers. Maintel tried to soften the blow by acknowledging how honoured they were by Daisy’s interest. However, the company feels it’s still got growth to do on its own.
Daisy’s decision to try and purchase Maintel may have been part of the transitional period that the company has been going through lately, with various parts of the business expanding into different arms in 2019.
Microsoft Teams and Working from Home
Microsoft Teams is perhaps the best-known player in the Work from Home landscape right now. Despite being relatively young, Microsoft Teams has over 115 million users active on the platform each day, grabbing the attention of the entire industry. Recently, we conducted a full roundtable investigation into Teams as a WFH solution with leaders from companies like StarLeaf, Maintel, Nuvias, Giacom, Qunifi, and Cavell.
Through this roundtable, we discussed the new opportunities that Teams is introducing to companies in a world where work is more distributed and remote. We also took a closer look at the WFH trends that may soon emerge.
Leading UCaaS Features for Productivity
Productivity is at the heart of any company’s success. The more productive your team members are, the more you accomplish. However, in the new world of work, understanding, measuring, and promoting productivity can be a confusing concept. The rise of remote work and distance working means that we all need new features to thrive.




