'Tis the season for celebrations, decorations, and speculations on the future of Unified Comms. Now that 2017 is quickly drawing to a close, and 2018 is just around the corner, the crew at UC Today thought it was a good idea to speak to some of the industry's finest about the year we're leaving behind, and the one that lies ahead.
It's fair to say that we've seen a lot of activity in the UC space during 2017, with disruption happening around every corner. Analysts predict that the UC market will triple in size in the years ahead, up to a value of $96 billion by the end of 2023. From new entrants into the field like Amazon and LogMeIn to changes to big-name brands like Avaya, Cisco, and Mitel, there's plenty to talk about as we prepare for 2018.
So, what are the buzzwords and hot topics to be aware of as we count down the days until the new year?
Digital Transformation and the Age of Customer Experience
One of the key areas we'll be looking at during our UC Insights Series is user experience, and the drive for digital transformation. Both topics are crucial terms and essential elements on any CIO's priority list. As we move into 2018, vendors around the world will be looking for ways to differentiate themselves with better digital solutions, stronger portfolios, and carefully-set strategies for customer satisfaction.
Part of this journey will involve looking at the collaboration market, where connectivity between groups has emerged as a must-have for the enterprise space. Microsoft formalised their decision to integrate Skype for Business into Teams this year, and we're sure to see the results of that move in 2018. At the same time, countless other vendors have continued to develop their own collaboration applications, seeking new ways of differentiating themselves.
At the same time, as new strategies for customer satisfaction emerge, and prompt companies to invest in broader portfolios, brands will need to look at methods for refining their digital strategies in a year that's defined by security and privacy. With GDPR's deadline looming in May, we can expect to see plenty of UC providers, platforms, vendors, and service providers creating formal statements and features around privacy rulings.
The Changing State of Communication
2017 hasn't just been a time for companies to think about improving customer journeys and expanding their portfolio, it's also been a year where we've started to address the versatile nature of unified Comms.
Hybrid Cloud UC is quickly gathering speed as a potential deployment option for large enterprises
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HD quality integrated video conferencing units aim to recreate the experience of having remote participants present in the meeting room,[/caption]
who want to dip their toes into the world of cloud communications. After all, many big businesses have placed significant investment into their legacy platforms, and 2018 will be the year that they need to start deciding whether to move completely to a UCaaS model or deploy hybrid solutions instead.
Video has also emerged as a powerful component in this evolving industry. While the hardware market remains relatively flat, video calls are now a popular way to improve engagement between teams and deliver more immersive communications. Part of the reason for this is that vendors have deployed cloud solutions for video, while another factor could be the upcoming possibilities of 5G, combined with a higher accessibility in fibre broadband. We're keen to see if the rise of video sparks new consolidations for 2018.
