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.
