Just a quick one… on the 9th of September at 14:00 (UK time) I’ll be joining IDC for a webcast on Unified Communications. The core theme will be to discuss whether the adoption of Unified Communications requires a rip-and-replace (I can tell you now, the answer is ‘no’). Here’s an overview…

Last year one of the key concerns highlighted by delegates at IDC’s Unified Communications conference was whether UC requires significant investment in new communications equipment. With continuing pressure on budgets, many organisations do not have sufficient funds available for large scale capital investment but recognise the value a more cohesive communications strategy can offer the business.

If you’re interested in attending, here’s the link for registration.

My frolleague Matt Newton is running a series of Notes upgrade workshops during September and October. With Notes / Domino 8.5.2 available this week there’s never been a better time to look at upgrading a back-version infrastructure, to take advantage of the attractive and highly-functional Notes client and the many improvements on the Domino server (many of which will contribute to lowering the cost of ownership). To quote the invite…

The Notes & Domino 8.5.x upgrade workshop is intended to provide the customer with an in-depth examination of the new capabilities of version 8.5.x. For existing customers, this exploration will help them assess the additional value and potential impact to their existing environment. For new customers, this exploration will give them an invaluable insight into Notes & Domino 8.5.x.  At the conclusion of the workshop, the customer will leave with an excitement about the business problems this new version can help solve.

Sounds good? Okay, here’s the dates and locations for these free-of-charge events…

• Wednesday 29th September – IBM Warwick
• Tuesday 5th October – IBM Staines
• Wednesday 6th October – IBM Manchester
• Tuesday 12th October – IBM Edinburgh

Interested? E-mail Matt using matt dot newton at uk.ibm.com – or leave a comment here and I’ll pass your details on.