NetworkWorld

ShoreTel had a blockbuster week, announcing it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire M5 Networks, giving its customers a choice between on-premise and hosted UC solutions. The acquisition allows ShoreTel to quickly offer cloud-based unified communications as a service (UCaaS) to customers that are looking to deploy IP communications through a hosted model. M5 is a service provider with customer base of more than 2,000 companies.

AT&T is now offering cloud-based unified communications to its enterprise customers, adding to its existing portfolio of hosted VoIP services (with Voice DNA) and other managed UC services. AT&T UC Services are embedded in the AT&T managed network, offering accessibility to multiple device types regardless of location. The service allows seamless transfers such as those between devices like sessions between a PC and compatible mobile devices; or transfers between communications applications such as switching from an IM chat to a phone call, or to a Web or video conference.

Lucky residents of Wilmington, N.C., will be the first in the nation to have access to a "Super Wi-Fi" network.

Avaya unveiled the latest version of the company's unified communications (UC) solution for small and midsize enterprises (SME) with the release of Avaya IP Office 8.0. The new version includes enhancements designed to improve collaboration with mobile capabilities. Avaya's latest mobile application builds on the previously available Essential Mobility solution for IP Office.