Unified communications (UC) has radically transformed the way business is conducted, and is an evolving frontline of business, characterised by the adoption, integration and application of next-generation technology to operate ahead of competitors.
This is the view of management at Integr8, South Africa's leading managed ICT services provider and established UC services partner to existing and emerging businesses.
Integr8 is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner across 13 Gold competencies, including communications, collaboration and content, and software asset management.
The company has years of experience in the integration, support and continued management of Microsoft products - and Robert Sussman, joint CEO, is a firm believer in what co-ordinated, connected systems can accomplish.
Sussman believes Lync 2013 represents a new dimension in corporate communication resource management and collaboration.
"We have been using Lync for many years; it is technology that we are highly experienced in and understand thoroughly. The solution is integrated into key platforms and Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook and SharePoint. The main thing to consider here is the extent to which this technology connects your people, your resources, devices and data - a fundamental principle driving any sized business competing for market share in any industry today," he explains.
One particular feature of the product, which Sussman says makes a "meaningful difference to the lives of clients", is the ability to use Lync to connect across myriad devices and platforms, as well as engage different toolsets to communicate.
Microsoft Lync 2013 delivers streamlined communications for users, so they can find and communicate with the right person, right now.
It offers the ability to work across different locations and timezones using a variety of communication methods, such as instant messaging, conferencing and enterprise voice.
Value to long-standing clients
Integr8 has served as the trusted UC services partner to clients. The company continues to provide insight and technical knowledge of both product and strategic application as far as the growing UC environment is concerned.
Recently, Integr8 proved its worth (and the inherent value of Lync as part of a UC strategy) for its client Mpact, formerly Mondi Packaging South Africa.
Mpact is one of the largest paper and plastic packaging businesses in southern Africa, with 31 operating sites, 24 of which are manufacturing operations, based in South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. It also employs 3 790 people.
The group, which listed as a separate entity on the JSE and de-merged from Mondi in July 2011, has the leading market position in southern Africa in corrugated packaging, recycled-based carton board and container board, recovered paper collection, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) preforms, styrene trays, and plastic jumbo bins.
Lync infrastructure has offered Mpact the ability to connect across myriad devices and platforms, as well as engage different toolsets to communicate with the business internally.
The company can attest to the benefits of reducing operating costs of travel, telecommunications and IT, and achieving business objectives and deliverables in a sustainable way.
To date, there has been measurable benefit and value transfer from the incorporation of UC and its streamlining of operations for Mpact.
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