January 16, 2008 – Toronto, Ontario
November 21, 2007 – Edmonton, Alberta
November 20, 2007 – Calgary, Alberta

Initially, the value proposition for convergence around an IP-based network tended to focus on savings derived from network consolidation; having a single infrastructure that simplifies network management and reduces operational costs. While savings continue to be a key part of the business case, today, it’s the applications made possible by converged solutions that are motivating and accelerating the move to a single IP network infrastructure.

The converged infrastructure can unify the rich and evolving communication choices – telephony, voice, video, instant messaging, Web conferencing, e-mail, voice mail – providing users the means to interact and collaborate from anywhere, at any time through fixed and mobile devices. It makes possible a new and innovative range of applications that seamlessly incorporate communications with traditional information processes to rejuvenate call centres and field operations, and transform business collaboration and functionality.

This session explored the opportunities and challenges of developing a unified communications infrastructure, and some of the innovative applications being employed and developed by organizations that are already there.

Host:
John Pickett
Vice-President and Community Advocate
IT World Canada

Featured Guests:
Ken Duff (Toronto)
Chief Information Officer
Cushman & Wakefield LePage Inc.

Jason Bergeron (Calgary and Edmonton)
Chief Information Officer
Palliser Furniture

Paul Lovell
Business Unit Executive,
Integrated Communications Services
IBM Canada