Irwin Lazar, President and Principal Analyst at Metrigy discusses key trends and insights in the unified communications and collaboration space and shares thoughts for 2025

• How companies are navigating the complexities of hybrid work
• Moving beyond the hype of AI to practical deployments and adoption
• Microsoft Teams' increasing presence in meetings, messaging and as a voice platform
• How companies are choosing between Teams Phone Mobile, Direct Routing and Microsoft Teams Operator Connect

Thanks to AVI-SPL, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support.

Emily Kirby George, Microsoft Teams Product Manager at Microsoft, shares her unique perspective on product management in the world of Microsoft Teams Phone, sharing challenges of balancing innovation with fundamental reliability.

• Emily's path from support Skype for Business to a Senior Product Manager on the Microsoft Teams Calling team
• How Microsoft prioritizes features, balancing traditional phone system requirements with new AI opportunities
• The importance of maintaining robust, reliable fundamentals in Teams Phone and ensuring service stability
• How AI is being integrated into Teams Phone

Thanks to Logitech, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support.

Aaron Steele, Practice Lead at SOFTEL shares his journey through Microsoft to his current role of SOFTEL, and his thoughts on the ever-evolving UC landscape. 

• The development and scaling of Microsoft Teams in unique scenarios such as global sports organizations during the Covid-19 pandemic
• Innovations in broadcasting including the use of NDI for creating interactive experiences at events such as the NBA bubble games
• The challenge small-medium businesses face with integrating Teams Phone
• How AI can be leveraged to improve use and admin experience, particularly in contact centers

Thanks to Neat, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support.

Mark Cobbold, Vice President of Product Management at Ribbon Communications, explores the evolution of telecom networks from hardware to cloud-native solutions.

• The benefits of cloud-native deployments include reduced operational costs, improved software velocity and robust network security
• The variety of cloud deployment models and how they cater for different business needs
• Using real-time insights into network performance to help pinpoint and resolve issues efficiently
• Ribbon's innovative approach to cloud architecture, enabling flexibility, security and operational efficiency

Thanks to Ribbon, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support.

Charles Mason, Head of Digital Workplace at TP ICAP shares insights into the deployment of Microsoft Teams Rooms and Teams Phone, and the impact of Copilot.

• Selecting and standardizing Teams Rooms equipment across a global office network
• Complexities of integrating Teams Phone with legacy and trader voice systems in the finance industry
• TP ICAPs' journey with Copilot, including compliance considerations and how AI is streamlining productivity and innovation
• Managing fast-paced changes in Microsoft 365 environments whilst ensuring compliance and operational efficiency in the finance industry
• The future of digital workplace technologies in optimising collaboration and business operations

Thanks to Logitech, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support.

Henry Levak, Vice President of Product at Logitech for Business, discusses the company's innovations in video conferencing technology and workplace experiences.

• The Logi Sight was recently recognised among Time's best innovations of 2024
• Development of multi-camera and multi-stream technology
• Logi's new software capabilities, including auto-booking and releasing meeting rooms to combat 'ghost meetings'
• Future innovations in Logi product offerings, including insights and analytics

Thanks to Logitech, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support.

Paul Cornish, UC Architect at Merlin Entertainment, dives into the unique challenges of deploying communications in large theme parks, hotels and attractions globally. 

• Merlin operates around 140 attractions worldwide, each with unique telephony needs
• The transition from Skype for Business to Teams
• Cloud-based telephony and its cost-effectiveness
• Standardisation in meeting room technology
• Best practices for managing complex deployments

Thanks to Pure IP, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support.

Josh Blalock, Chief Video Evangelist at Jabra, discusses the latest developments in Jabra's video solutions, focusing on the PanaCast 50 and VBS.

• Jabra's PanaCast series includes innovative video solutions for meetings
• The significant feature adds over the life of the PanaCast 50
• Jabra's Android Bar - features and flexibility
• Working closely with Microsoft and MDEP

Thanks to Jabra, this episode's sponsor, for your continued support.

Preethi Ramarathinam, Head of Product - Microsoft Teams Virtual Event at Microsoft, dives into Teams capabilities for hosting large external virtual events, webinars, and town halls.

• Microsoft Teams is expanding beyond traditional collaboration scenarios
• Internal large use cases for Microsoft Teams include AMA sessions and Town Halls
• External use cases such as training and product launches
• Recent key features
• Future Roadmap for Teams event and AI integration

Thanks to Landis, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support.

Patrick Watson, Head of Research at Cavell, discusses the evolving landscape of telephony, the impact of Microsoft Teams, market trends and the role of AI in Contact Centers.

• Microsoft Teams has significantly disrupted the telephony market
• Direct routing remains the dominant solution for Teams telephony users
• Discussing market dynamics and trends in telephony and differences in the enterprise and SMB markets
• AI is set to transform contact centers
• Look out for Cavell Enable London in December

Thanks to AudioCodes, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support.