Objective

 Unified Communication (UC) refers to the integration and automation of the whole (corporate) communication. The issue includes:

• Chat Media, for example: (video) telephony, e-mail, instant messaging, fax, mail, SMS / MMS, Web sites, telephone, video and web conferencing, chat
• Networks, eg IP networks (light, wire, wireless), PSTN
• Routing and automated systems, e.g. IVR and voice response systems, e-mail management systems, ACD, Dialer
• Applications such as ERP, CRM, content management, document management

With the use of UC, by proxy the following guidelines are used:

• Content is crucial, regardless of the medium on which they are transferred
• Employees and business partners to have UC opportnities  at any time and from anywhere via the preferred medium to access the information, limited by a system of rights and not by technical limitations
• Employees and business partners via UC at any time and any place on the preferred medium to reach, limited by an accessibility profile and not by technical limitations

All components in detail and various integrated systems of different manufacturers can be considered mature technology. In the complexity of the full implementation of UC in practice there are still many unanswered questions. They concern the following areas:

• Technology, interfaces, integration
• Standardisation
• Security, law and risks
• Projects, including the launch and operation
• Market value, market communication, know-how transfer
• Optimisation of existing business processes
• Development of new business models

The technological basis of UC to crystallise the IP ("Internet") out. The eco sees itself as an Association of the German Internet Industry and it therefore, under the Working Group Unified Communications brings all market participants together to discuss pending issues, initiatives and measures and to find answers. The ultimate goal is to develop the market for the benefit of all market participants.

All technology providers, consultants, service providers and interested parties in UC are invited to inform themselves at the Working Group and participate in initiatives and measures.