If you are looking to deploy Unified Communications (UC) to enhance the quality of the interactive experiences across your entire company, follow the action steps below.

UC offers many benefits. So whether you are in the office using a desk phone or in the car using a mobile phone or at home using a laptop, you can talk to business associates, check email, do instant messaging, conduct a virtual meeting – all from the single device that you are using.

Before you begin, it would be useful to get an idea of what UC has to offer – both capabilities as well as benefits. A helpful resource is this free limited edition guide by DK, a leading publisher of business reference books, and Avaya – Essential Managers Communications Tools for the Effective Worker.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Establish and empower an experienced project manager.

Plain and simple, if a UC initiative is to be successful, it needs a responsible individual to oversee all aspects of the project, including:(1) Creating and maintaining the project plan and milestone schedule(2) Managing and coordinating all activities and personnel associated with the project(3) Documenting and proactively communicating the status of activities

I recommend: The Project Management Institute for best practices, resources, and certification.

Conduct a thorough needs assessment.

A needs assessment determines and documents what the business wants to accomplish with UC, how those needs map to the company's overall business strategy, and the existing and desired end-user environment.(1) What capabilities are needed by the overall business, departments, work groups, and the individual workers?(2) Do you need to accommodate worker mobility, collaboration intensity, and varying customer interaction levels?

I recommend: A study by Aberdeen Group Research that provides provide an in-depth look into technologies and how best-in-class small and midsize businesses are leveraging their mobility solutions as an integrated part of their overall business strategy: Aberdeen Group Paper - Mobility for Small and Medium Business.

Assess the current state of your business communications.

Take an assessment and inventory of your site. Information to gather includes:(1) Network architectures(2) Communications infrastructure components, devices, and applications being used(2) Existing LAN/WAN connectivity, remote access devices, power, cooling and ventilation capabilities, and available equipment space

I recommend: Network World for the latest networking trends, technologies, and news.

Determine the optimum approach.

After the assessment, it is time to decide on an approach. The approach can serve as a blueprint or roadmap to design the hardware and software solution. Critical activities in this step include:(1) Determine what existing components can be re-used and what new components will be required for your new UC solution.(2) Identify what levels of reliability, security, scalability, business continuity and regulatory compliance are required for your business.(3) Consider whether your business needs maintenance and ongoing support and management of your UC solution.(4) Allocate budget for your new UC solution.

I recommend: Consider getting some help and services. Check out Business Communication Consulting from Avaya.

Design the solution and develop a deployment plan.

In the design phase, key considerations for the solution are:(1) Meeting your business needs spelled out in the second Action Step above(2) Conforming to budget and milestones(3) Optimizing for performance and interoperabilityAnother question to ask is whether your stakeholders and employees are ready for Unified Communications. Are they aware of the milestones and their participation? Will they be trained on how to use the new UC solution?A schedule for transitioning from the existing communication system to the new one is also important. There might be a time when both the old and new systems coexist or run in parallel to ensure continuity.A contingency plan will also help ensure a smooth deployment should unexpected challenges arise.

I recommend: Develop a plan. Here is a starting point - How to Launch a Plan for Unified Communications

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Additional questions to ask and consider include: How do I learn more about UC?How do I start?How do I know if it's possible in my environment?How do I minimize risks and disruption to my business?How do I plan for UC deployment?How do I integrate new technologies?
• •  Most businesses have an existing communication system and infrastructure that consists of products and equipment from various vendors. Taking advantage of your existing equipment and deploying a new UC solution require technical personnel that you might not have on staff. When looking for UC deployment help, check to be sure the experts you are considering have a proven track record in Unified Communications solution design and deployment.
• •  Other questions to ask:(1) Are they highly experienced standards for interoperability and security?(2) Do they have application development skills to support any custom development that's needed?(3) If subcontractors are needed, can they effectively manage subcontractors?(4) Do they have credible references?