Avaya's New Android Tablet

Avaya's New Android Tablet

Avaya announced it's new Android-based tablet device for business.

Cisco's version of iPad for business, Cius, is going for around $1,000. Avaya's device, and the software Flare, costs $2,000+. My iPad, $750. No doubt my iPad is not optimised for Video, Voice and Web conferencing. It'd be great to see one of these in action. I shall reserve judgement until my next visit to their demo centers.

The design of these devices are obviously based off the popularity of the iPad. I'm already using my iPad for many things. Doddling, DJing (yes!), taking meeting notes, trying to maintain a GTD system, games, and of course, reading news, and magazines. I've even tried (sucessfully) making a phone call with it! The experience of video over 3G was however, horrible. Even with a WiFi connection, I find the resolution-to-speed performance undesirable.

Assuming these two giants really pulled it off and optimised the device for Voice, Video, and Web conferencing, whilst integrating their existing UC suites of solutions, there's still this question: What is these devices looking to displace? The $200 IP Phone? Or the $2000 personal video confc? Spending $1,000 to buy a personal "toy" is one thing. How many companies can justify it's company expenses on these devices?

Mitel is going Mobile Voice

Mitel is going Mobile Voice

Mitel announced the launch of Mitel Mobile, a wireless voice and data service designed for corporate customers.

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If I get this right, it's an enterprise service which allows the company to issue mobile phones to their employees. These mobile phones will run on the Mitel IP PBX and integrates with their Unified Communications and Collaboration services. If this is true, then it is really a step up the game. For as far as I can tell, I have yet to see another major UC vendor offering mobile services directly. They have always work with third party vendors to achieve services like simultaneous ring, automatic switch over, and picking up your office extension from your mobile. There's a fancy name to it, but I cannot remember what it's call.