Return to simplicity

Unified Communications combines all corporate communication channels, allowing one uniform information flow to emerge from the chaotic coexistence of SMS, e-mail and instant messaging.

Today's office dwellers are called "knowledge workers." However, these contemporary thinkers must use a good portion of their mental energy to retain an overview of things when exchanging information. According to one study, they receive around 100 messages per day – thus, on average, someone is requesting their attention every five minutes. SMS messages, e-mails and calls arrive at up to seven destinations – to different devices. All too often the result is confusion: missed calls, e-mails noticed too late, and lost data.

Always reachable, no longer disturbed

ICT specialists have found a way to keep the communication stream going: Unified Communications – the fusion of all channels for exchanging information with customers and colleagues. It is a trend, which, according to Philipp Bohn, Analyst at Berlin-based market research firm Berlecon Research, no CIO will be able to defy: "Efficient communication is becoming a strategic competitive factor." The next issue of Best Practice, the T-Systems customer magazine, delves into concepts and solutions – bet it for the field staff of midsize companies or for globally networked large enterprises. The issue comes out on June 13.