Multiple Dimensions on Cisco Cius

Well, the Cisco Cius made a splash this week. But it raises a lot of questions, too. Being a shiny, built-for-video, WiFI, 3G/4G, tablet device is a list of (interestingly packaged, but not unique) features, rather than an application nor a benefit. And, yes, there is a reason to examine it from the perspective of Unified Communications value, especially as Cius is offered as "(a) communications (device) integrated (e.g. to Quad) to enhance business processes (e.g. collaboration)." I.e. is exactly within the UCStrategies.com UC definition.

Some suggested answers to the questions are offered in a new post on Use Cases , an article on the importance of evaluating bandwidth costs as part of UC solution design, and commentary reflecting on Cisco's intentions for Cius and on the difficulty that UC systems suppliers have in letting go of phones.

My main comments are:

1) The Cisco Cius and the hinted similar device from Avaya, and maybe a few more, might fragment the UC solutions for portable user interfaces. Multi-location enterprises that get started with the Cius in one location where Cisco is installed will have great difficulty spreading the solution to other locations that don't have Cisco Communications Manager or one of the hosted apps with which Cius is integrated. Same concern with each additional provider of vendor specific devices. Thus, new, valuable UC apps may be limited in scope or require major systems upgrades before they can go enterprise-wide.

2) It will be a challenge for the UC systems providers, even Cisco, to keep pace with the commercial providers of similar products. Apple has iPhone 4 (cameras on both sides) and iPod Touch (mini-tablet, right?) and iPad (OK, waiting for the camera but already has WiFi and 3G telephony clients) out there in the millions of units. Release 1 of these UC specific products will show up in early 2011.

You can read more about these idea in the other articles.

Would welcome your comments and discussion here.