Avaya has launched another update to its video conferencing portfolio, bringing in SME-ready technology for SIP integration, mobile collaboration and deeper ties into Avaya’s newly acquired Radvision technology. The enhancements are part of Avaya’s push to simplify access to real time collaboration and expand interoperability among mobile devices, desktops and video collaboration rooms.
Radvision, which Avaya acquired in June, and has quickly integrated into its portfolio, has been integral in helping Avaya both streamline video everywhere while eliminating price barriers to adoption. Avaya’s latest round of updates include:
Avaya Aura Conferencing: Now including Avaya Flare Experience 1.1, this video collaboration platform can link up devices “anywhere, using PC’s, tablets and smartphones” The Aura Conferencing capabilities also allow up to 7,500 concurrent session and up to 75,00 users. This expansion of capacity also comes with a shrinkage in bandwidth usage, which Avaya attests is up to 25 percent less than rival vendors.
Avaya Client Applications: Avaya’s client-side apps now integrate with Microsoft Lync, Outlook and Office, and leverages the Avaya Aura back-end to enhance interoperability with other vendor’s UC plugins within the Microsoft Office ecosystem.
New Scopia Technology: The Scopia XT5000 for “room systems” includes SIP integration with Avaya IP Office. The Scopia XT Executive 240 is aa new stand-alone desktop video conferencing unit, designed for live high definition video. The Scopia TIP gateway includes support for Cisco telepresence environments and data sharing with other standard systems, including LifeSize, Polycom and Tandberg. Socopia Mobile makes the leap to Android, making iOS and Android both mobile video powerhouses that can do HD video and even control entire conference calls. Lastly, the Scopia management system includes browser support to allow management and integration from any location in the world. It also allows for multi-tenancy situations and concierge services, scalable up to 400,00 users.
Recently, Avaya introduced a virtualized version of its Aura platform, which improved the expandability and interoperability of the platform. These latest moves, mixed with pressure from rivals like Cisco and Polycom are likely why Avaya has been aggressive in the last few months. With Cisco’s communication and technology strategy becoming more cloud-centric, and Polycom equally focused on open standards, it’s likely this is just the beginning of a more competitive atmosphere in the UC space, spurred on by cloud, mobility and virtualization.
By Dave Courbanou
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