From new partnerships and networking opportunities to problems in the hybrid world, here are extracts from the popular stories this week.
Microsoft Launches Operator Connect Mobile
Microsoft is launching a new service that will allow a SIM-enabled number across mobile, desktop and Microsoft Teams.
Operator Connect Mobile is a fixed-mobile convergence that brings together a user’s carrier service and the collaboration platform.
Calls can be made across both voice and data networks, and users can switch between devices – for example, they can seamlessly move from a voice network-enabled call on a mobile phone to a video call on a laptop.
Microsoft said that Operator Connect Mobile is network and device agnostic which means that workers can have a single number across mobile phones, desk phones and Teams applications. Teams calls can be made in native dial pads, not just the Teams in-app dialler.
“Today’s announcement marks an important milestone for true fixed-mobile convergence. Operator Connect Mobile enables new opportunities for flexibility, efficiency, security, and compliance, which is particularly relevant in the new hybrid workplace,” Microsoft said in a blog post.
“As we continue to expand the functionality, the lines between voice calls and meetings, mobile and wi-fi networks, mobile and desktop devices, and office and field settings will continue to blur.”
“This is the promise of organizational mobility, and it’s made possible with Operator Connect Mobile.”
Microsoft said that Operator Connect Mobile will go into preview in Q2, with general availability expected in the second half of the year.
Voiceflex Partners with Telavox on its New Platform
Voiceflex is set to become Telavox’s biggest European partner through Voiceflex Flow, a unified communication and Contact Centre as a Service (CCaaS) platform.
The new platform features will include omnichannel capabilities, customer relationship management software, social media network integration, and a host of other applications.
Voiceflex Flow is planned to be the first in a series of products, such as Telavox’s platform, and it will be on offer alongside Voiceflex’s other solutions. The aim, according to Voiceflex, is to improve its customers’ channel and hybrid working needs.
James Arnold-Roberts was appointed CEO of Voiceflex last year, alongside plans to double the company size.
CEO of Voiceflex, James Arnold-Roberts, said: “I’m delighted to be working alongside the Telavox team. They have years of experience working with connectivity and mobile services, and by launching this exciting new service together with Telavox, we can offer our customers the support they need. Collaborating with Telavox on our new unified communications platform, Voiceflex Flow, made perfect sense.”
“Since 2002, they’ve worked hard to revolutionise the way that businesses can communicate. They own their platform from top to bottom, and joining forces with them will give us both more opportunities to grow and innovate, as well as greatly benefit our customers. Telavox’s expertise and technology made them an ideal partner, and we’ll be able to offer our customers industry-leading solutions.”
Telavox has been in the communications industry since 2002, a few years longer than Voiceflex. The company develops communications platforms for any size business or organisation. Telavox services thousands of customers worldwide, and its team of developers are spread across offices in nine countries.
Google Cloud and BT Announce a Five-Year Partnership
Today, Google Cloud and BT have announced a strategic, five-year partnership as part of plans to revamp BT Digital’s services.
BT is remoulding its digital approach to be cloud-first and AI-first, involving group-wide data and AI fabric.
Google Cloud will share several products and services with BT, including cloud infrastructure, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), API management, security, and data analytics.
BT believes the changes will open new business corridors, cut down costs, and improve customer experiences.
Harmeen Mehta, Chief Digital and Innovation Officer, BT, said:
“Our partnership with Google is one of a series of strategic moves that BT Digital is taking to help accelerate BT’s growth and digital transformation. This is a partnership that is deeper than just at the technology level. It will help Digital as a whole supercharge BT and drive its return to growth.”
Implementing AI and ML will enable businesses and customers to make more decisions based on data and increase personalisation options.
According to Google Cloud, predictive fault measuring and assurance with real-time analytics would also improve customer service.
Microsoft Finds a Disconnected Hybrid World
Microsoft’s annual work trend index 2022 has unearthed data that points to a disconnect between organisations and employees.
In its study, Microsoft found 53% of people are likely to consider transitioning to hybrid work in the year ahead. Furthermore, 51% of hybrid employees say they will consider switching to remote work.
By contrast, 50% of leaders say their company will require full-time in-person work in the year ahead.
The incompatibility of needs may be explained by 54% of managers believing their leadership is misaligned with employee expectations.
Adjusting to a Hybrid World
These figures also point to a teething period in which employers and employees jostle to find a comfortable arrangement with post-pandemic freedom still in the air. Employees beware that the remote life is getting more challenging as the time in Teams meetings has increased by 252% since February 2020, and chats have gone up 32% since March 2020.
There is a generational variation in working preferences to consider. 58% of Gen Z are thinking about changing jobs in the year ahead. However, only 35% of Gen X and Boomers are considering a job change. Gen Z and Millennials are also the most willing to change jobs to move location, which compares to only 27% and 17% of Gen X and Boomers.
Those who have hybrid work also face problems, as 38% say their biggest challenge is knowing when and why to come into the office. Only 28% of leaders have created team agreements for hybrid work to define why and when to go to the office.
Top 10 Things to Expect at Enterprise Connect 2022
With so much planned for Enterprise Connect 2022, here is a rundown of the top ten things to expect this year.
Enterprise Connect will bring together some of the biggest names in communications and collaboration, with keynotes from Microsoft, Google, Cisco, Zoom, AWS and RingCentral.
There will be more than 40 sessions from 100+ experts, an exhibition of major vendors, award ceremonies, new announcements, networking, and more.
The event will be taking place on March 21-24 at the Gaylord Palms Hotel in Orlando, Florida.
• Keynote Speakers
Representatives from Microsoft, Cisco, RingCentral, Google AWS, and Zoom are giving keynotes this year:
Microsoft Teams – Nicole Herskowitz, General Manager
Cisco – Javed Khan, Senior Vice President and General Manager
RingCentral – Kira Makagon, Chief Innovation Officer
Google Cloud – Andrew Moore, VP and General Manager, AI and Industry Solutions
AWS – Diego Pantoja-Navajas, Vice President, New Products
Zoom – Gary Sorrentino, Global Deputy CIO
• 40+ Sessions
There will be over 40 sessions with in-depth information and insights from 100+ of the industry’s leading independent subject matter experts. Don’t miss the deep-dive session on strategic comparison between Microsoft, Cisco, RingCentral, and Zoom!
• Networking Opportunities
For the first time in three years, Enterprise Connect can provide a platform for an in-person gathering and networking opportunity among industry colleagues.
