The term "fixed-mobile convergence" (FMC) is synonymous with the term "mobile collaboration ", and is focused on the integration of mobile devices into the enterprise telephony system.
Mobile collaboration is the integration of UC components (such as single number reach, single message box, collaboration, presence and status) on wireless mobile devices. FMC originally described a specific subset of what was considered mobile collaboration, and usually referred to the use of voice over IP (VoIP) over Wi-Fi and cellular convergence. However, the definition of FMC has been more recently expanded to the point where it is now commonly called mobile collaboration.
Mobile devices typically used are smartphones that operate as single-mode cellular devices, or dual-mode Wi-Fi phones that roam between the cellular and enterprise networks or media tablets. The integration of smart phones and tablets into the enterprise fixed voice system is still a critical component of mobile collaboration.
As mobile voice and collaboration functionality continues to grow, IT organizations will need to employ mechanisms that extend enterprise telephony functionality to users connected via mobile phones and support mobile collaboration. Key features that will help drive mobile collaboration adoption are:
- Wi-Fi to cellular interconnect — Wi-Fi has become prevalent in many enterprises, offering in-building wireless connections for voice and data. Most mobile devices support Wi-Fi for in-building connections at home, in the office and while traveling — where cellular doesn't reach or doesn't work well.
- Collaboration functionality — This brings rich presence or collaboration capabilities to mobile devices, which is still needed and has value for many users. One example is the ability to connect to a conference call by simply clicking in the calendar entry. Joining a conference call via a mobile device is still difficult to do. Rich presence includes the integration of mobile presence with the enterprise presence system, so that user’s presence can be seen across devices and networks.
- Mobile video — As desktop video continues to expand, companies are looking to extend that capability to mobile devices. This is done primarily through consumer-oriented applications, but more robust and secure enterprise capabilities need to be brought to this application.
- Regulatory support — Regulations around voice recording or text message logging will drive some companies and industries (financial services, for example) to adopt extended solutions.
Most companies are aware of the benefits of mobile collaboration and FMC, and how mobile collaboration will drive the adoption of unified communications and the replacement of wired telephony for mobile users during the next five years. Instead of being chained to the desk, users will be free to conduct business in a mobile environment, yet maintain full enterprise functionality on wireless devices.
