BT has updated it unified communications strategy that, together with a new Global Services CEO, is aimed at reversing the fortunes of the troubled business unit.
The UK-based operator has upgraded its BT One portfolio with a range of new services as it looks to tap into what it says is a “growing appetite” for UC.
There is new cloud service based on Microsoft’s UC platform Lync that integrates email, IM, video, screen sharing and “interactive whiteboarding”.
A new OTT voice app aims to reduce the roaming bills of employees who travel internationally in a clear attempt to take revenue away from mobile operators.
There is a new solution based on Cisco’s UC9 platform that BT is offering as an onsite product and as a managed service.
Further, there is a specific HD video and web conferencing solution called Collaborate; here BT is collaborating with sound specialist Dolby to make such meetings “more like the real thing”.
BT has also developed pay as you go pricing for its cloud services and said customers can leverage its Advise professional services specialists.
“It is becoming very clear that a competitive advantage is at hand for those who grasp the full gamut of today’s and tomorrow’s communications channels,” said Luis Alvarez, the new CEO of BT Global Services who was appointed last week.
Part of the reasoning behind this update is a global survey of large enterprises that BT carried out, which showed that 84 percent of respondents believe UC helps them to be more successful.
The company is hoping the partnerships it has with three vendors will also give it an edge.
“Outside of a solid network and reach, the core strength of BT’s UC proposition is its experience working with key vendors, such as Cisco, Avaya and Microsoft,” said Current Analysis’ Sandra O’Boyle.
Another reason is the recent poor performance of the Global Services division; revenues fell nine percent latest figures show.
“Our vision is to make communications simpler, helping organisations transform the way they collaborate internally and the way they interact with their customers, partners and suppliers," concluded Alvarez.