Compare Different Unified Communication Platforms

            A unified platform for communications is any kind of communication approach that engages a wider range of technology advancement as well as application design. Unified communication sites help individuals in sharing thoughts by providing them with technological opportunities to integrate (Putnik, & Cruz-Cunha, 2012).  There are different and numerous types of unified communication with different functionalities and features. Both small and expanded businesses can acquire numerous benefits through the adoption of unified communication sites.  However, businesses face issues in the selection process of the most suitable platform for the business.  Since there is numerous choices business should make consideration of the features and functions of the platforms before adoption.  The decision should, therefore, be based on the five primary factors which are architecture, security, usability, flexibility as well as functionality.  Skype, WebEx, instant texting seems to be the most utilized platforms (Putnik, & Cruz-Cunha, 2012).

            Skype is a major unified communication tool that is very affordable. The tool is freely accessible but receiving additional features necessitates a minimum fee.  This, therefore, implies that the users are permitted to call, video chat and video call at no cost.  Skype has featured a contact list which permits the users to share information maximum (Lewis, 2013).  In addition, Skype can work in numerous devices like mobile phone, computer as well as tables. WebEx is a Cisco product that is mainly designed for organizations and not for individual usage. This, therefore, limits the usability rate of WebEx.  The tool can be accessed freely but it is characterized by customized features which make it suitable for corporation’s requirements.  It is easily accessed through the utilization of any web browser and it does not necessitate software application which is similarly to Skype.  Also, it permits the users to share things like Skype which can be done by a large teams video chatting. Skype, WebEx holds similar features as well as functions which include mobile connection, internet voicing, video conferencing, and voice mails. They also have dissimilar features like call recording, multiple displays of videos as well as persons and information integration (Lewis, 2013).

            In a comparison between WebEx and Skype platforms, they share the similarity in functionality as they both enable the association between individuals and information.  On the other hand, SharePoint 2010 platform tends to be very different than WebEx and Skype (Lewis, 2013). This is because SharePoint in more focused on the capability of administering and organizing the acquired information and documents in a way that supports actual co-authoring.  For Skype and WebEx their primary objective is to offer a platform of video conferencing and well as information sharing when video chatting.  This, therefore, shows that the objective and features of both Skype and WebEx are the same.  The utilization of SharePoint in collaboration of either WebEx or Skype would work in the provision of a greater association of business teams. Despite the fact that the usability of Skype and that of WebEx is similar the pricing, flexibility and architecture features are not the same.  Therefore comparing the price and flexibility feature between them would help in developing suitable decision of the best platform (Lewis, 2013).

            In a comparison between Skype platform and WebEx, WebEx is less flexible. This is because it tends to function better when an organization has well-established the utility of Microsoft yields.  However, Skype is more flexible because it works best for all companies.  In addition, the usability of Skype tends to be more because of its use ease and flexibility.  Skype holds a great physical strength in that it provides products that are tangible, unlike Microsoft which makes it easy to utilize and adopt in most businesses (Putnik, & Cruz-Cunha, 2012). Instants texting is the most flexible and cheapest UC platform that is most popular currently.  This is because mobile usability in the world is above 90% which makes the platform to be fast and effective.  However as compared to Skype it fails to offer quick and effective video conferencing as it relies on apps like Skype.  It, therefore, allows the sharing of information through calls, images as well texting. WebEx offers more usability functions as compared to other UC platforms as it provides seamless association amid video, voice as well as instant messaging in just one interface.  This is challenged by cisco but its flexibility is less influence in the current business networks. In regard to security Skype, WebEx is similar because they offer the same level of security which requires the authorization of the users in order to use the services (Putnik, & Cruz-Cunha, 2012).

            Skype tends to be more cost efficient as compared to WebEx due to the preferences of most individuals and accessibility.  Skype has a well-established market and it is more preferred due to its application features development.  Skype gives three distinct arrangements with a monthly bill which ranges from $2 to$5 which does not limit the number of users thus increasing the usability.  WebEx, on the other hand, limits the number of users despite the fact that it provides three different arrangements like Skype does. SharePoint is more expensed as compared to the two and this is mainly influenced by its complex nature and the fact that it is a software product from Microsoft.  This, therefore, shows that in regard to price Skype and WebEx are almost similar. However, Skype holds more flexibility because it supports a mobility of its licensing while WebEx license is single based (Lewis, 2013).

            In summary, Skype, SharePoint, and WebEx hold similar features and functionality but they differ in usability and flexibility.  Skype is more flexible than WebEx because it is well established in the market, less complex and it has increased flexibility which means that it can be adopted easily.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reference

Lewis, A. (2013). Microsoft Lync server 2013 unleashed. Indianapolis, Ind: Sams.

            Putnik, G., & Cruz-Cunha, M. M. (2012). Virtual and networked organizations, emergent technologies and tools: First International Conference, ViNOrg 2011, Ofir, Portugal, July 6-8, 2011. Revised selected papers. Berlin: Springer.