Siemens Communications made the largest Unified Communications (UC) announcement of the year by launching OpenScape UC Server and a suite of UC applications. This is a huge software investment from Siemens taking one of, if not the, largest steps of any in the industry toward a software and services concern. Siemens is offering innovative UC software based upon open communications architecture while rooted in enterprise class voice communications capabilities. I discuss this announcement, industry dynamics, Siemens’ relationships with Microsoft, IBM et al with Siemens’ Mark Straton, SVP Global Marketing and Interpreet Singh, Director of Emerging Technologies. If you’re planning a UC project, then you have to listen to this podcast

Zeus Kerravala, SVP of Yankee Group's Enterprise Research and Consulting and I provide another layer of analysis to the Networked Business Platform. We discuss the changed role of networking within IT and provide solid examples of why it�s the network that�s the business platform and not an OS or piece of software. We discuss Cisco�s acquisition of WebEx, Five Across and Utah Street Networks and their significance. We voice our disappointment with VoiceCon too. The folks defining the conference are too rooted in legacy telecommunications and don�t get the new era the industry has entered. One indicator was that the buzz on the exhibit floor and conference content were disconnected. Either CMP should shake up the VoiceCon staff or the industry needs a new venue. Enjoy it�s a good one.