Inside a UC RFPInside a UC RFP

Join me at Enterprise Connect 2015 in Orlando as I evaluate proposals for a hypothetical enterprise communications implementation.

The process for a selecting enterprise communications systems continues to evolve in 2015, with the growth of cloud-based solutions, the importance of channel partners, industry consolidation, social media, and even vendor pricing models influencing decisions. This makes a thorough, well-thought-out request for proposal (RFP) all the more important.

I am a strong believer that a well-written RFP remains the most effective way for enterprises to evaluate the appropriate solutions against their stated requirements, as you'll learn should you attend my Enterprise Connect 2015 session, "UC RFP and Review: Enterprise Communications Platform - Premise vs. Cloud-Based," taking place in Orlando on Monday, March 16, at 2 p.m.

During the session, I'll be sharing an RFP similar to what I use for enterprise clients in my consulting practice. This RFP seeks a solution for a hypothetical enterprise described in the diagram below.

As a key component of the session, I'll evaluate each proposed solution across a broad range of criteria including architecture, functional and technical requirements, as well as five-year total cost of ownership.

This is my fifth year moderating the session, and I am more excited about it than ever. We've got a great group of participants from Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise, NEC, and Unify, and really interesting proposed solutions. And, we've modified the format to allow more time to discuss my analysis and findings as well as for in-depth panel discussions with senior vendor personnel. We'll be addressing such issues as:

• Product differentiation -- what really matters?
• UC procurements -- should enterprises focus on platform or use cases?
• How do enterprises drive internal UC adoption?
• Integration issues
• Where do managed services fit?
• Deployment issues

In addition, we opened the RFP process to systems integrators for the first time this year. This change has provided a number of solutions that we haven't had at the session previously.

In working with the vendors for the past five years, I've seen a clear shift in their marketing resources toward their cloud portfolios. Our RFP session is no different in that we have a greater participation of cloud solutions as compared to premises-based offerings. We've also had changes as to proposed products for on-premises offerings within particular vendors' portfolios. Here's the breakdown:

Note: Missing from the list above is one additional solution that I'm not at liberty to disclose prior to the conference.

I hope you share my excitement for this year's RFP session. I look forward to seeing you in Orlando.

Join Dave at Enterprise Connect 2015 for his RFP session. Register now using the code NJSPEAKER and receive $300 off an event pass.

"SCTC Perspectives" is written by members of the Society of Communications Technology Consultants, an international organization of independent information and communication technology professionals serving clients in all business sectors and government worldwide.

"SCTC Perspectives" is written by members of the Society of Communications Technology Consultants, an international organization of independent information and communication technology professionals serving clients in all business sectors and government worldwide.