Cisco Reveals New Cloud-Based Workplace Communication Solution

Perhaps the biggest story out of last week’s Cisco Collaboration Summit was that Spark, Cisco’s team-based communication and collaboration app, is about to undergo some major changes. Come the new year, Spark will no longer be a mere messaging app, but will evolve into an entire platform. This transformation could end up having a major impact on small-mid-sized businesses looking to upgrade their communication and collaboration abilities.

Starting in 2016, Spark will deliver a collaboration experience which spans multiple communication avenues: messaging, meeting and calling. These services will all be delivered via the cloud, making the new Spark a very attractive option for SMBs looking to improve collaboration, but who don’t have the resources or space to expand their physical data centers. Companies engaged in an M&A situation may also be interested in Spark, as it can be rapidly deployed to bridge newly merged organizations.

Here’s a closer look at the three building blocks of the Spark service:

• Messaging – Spark’s unlimited messaging keeps employees in close connection with their business contacts – whether those contacts work one cube over or for a completely separate company, located on the other side of the world. It’s designed to provide a mobile-first experience, allowing employees to easily edit and review projects across devices and platforms. Messaging covers one-to-one interactions or large groups in virtual room settings.
• Meeting – Employees’ only worry going into a meeting should be crossing off all of the items on the day’s agenda. The nuts and bolts of the meeting itself should be the last thing on their minds. Spark makes it easy to schedule or join meetings from any location. On top of that, any and all meetings can have audio, web, and video conferencing built-in.
• Calling – The way in which employees think of business calls is changing, an evolution which Spark supports. It allows workers to take advantage of voice and video communication through mobile, desktop, and even room-based devices. It features a rich mobile experience which includes single number reach, single voicemail services, and the option to move seamlessly between multiple devices during a call.

See faster ROI on Cisco Spark deployments 

Cisco believes Spark’s cloud platform, its app-focused design and its hybrid architecture are what will help it stand out. It combines Cisco’s deep background in network security, cloud technology and its full slate of collaboration technology – including endpoints, clients and apps – into one powerful solution. The end result is a communication and collaboration tool that is secure, simple and complete.

Ready to be one of the first to experience the value and flexibility of Cisco’s Spark? Arraya Solutions can help turn that goal into a reality. Our Cisco Practice is home to some of the industry’s best and most knowledgeable engineers specializing in Cisco technology. However, extensive tech skills and know-how are expected in today’s industry. What sets our Cisco team – and all of our individual practices – apart is our ability to work closely with your organization to find the right solutions to match its needs. We’ll then help deploy those solutions to ensure your organization will be on the quickest path to achieving full value.

To learn more about Spark, Arraya or any of our solutions and services, please reach out to us at: http://www.arrayasolutions.com/contact-us/. We can also be contacted directly through our Twitter account, @ArrayaSolutions. While you’re there, be sure to follow us so you can stay up to date on all of our latest company news, events and special offers.