Cisco Systems has launched a new set of voice and communications products aimed at enterprises with workforces spread over multiple locations.
That is yet another example of the widespread convergence of internet protocol (IP) networks and telecommunications.
Dubbed Cisco Unified Communications, the new system combines voice, data and video applications into a single interface that allows users to flick between instant messaging, voice calls, videoconferencing and file transfers when they are connected to the internet.
The system also combines a Unified Presence Server to provide information on a user's status and preferred method of communication.
'The average individual owns 6.4 communications devices,' said Gary Coman, head of IP communications and wireless for Cisco Asia Pacific.
'We can all communicate, but managing these devices has turned us all into human middleware. Unified Communications takes human middleware out of the equation.'
In fact, the individual technologies have been around for many years.
