This IDC study presents the key findings from surveys of 399 U.S. large enterprises and in-depth interviews of 20 large U.S. firms and three systems integrators that identify unified communications (UC) awareness, drivers, and obstacles to adoption, as well as the time frame and various approaches that organizations are taking in evaluating and implementing UC applications. It also identifies customer choices about trusted providers, and likely scenarios for a "building block" approach for customers who already own some of the pieces. It's clear that UC applications are the hottest entrant in the already hot market for communications and collaboration applications, and they are being heavily promoted by solutions providers. What isn't clear is the degree to which organizations will adopt these applications, at what pace they will buy into UC, and which firms — telephony equipment and services, or applications providers — will be the trusted parties to bring the UC vision into enterprises. For UC solutions providers and their go-to-market partners, this study provides fresh intelligence regarding UC market and product decisions to ensure they are meeting the needs and expectations of United States–based buyers of different sizes and industries.

"The key to success for UC solutions providers will be understanding how different customer segments are looking at how to best integrate messaging, voice, video, and business processes in changing work environments." — Mark Levitt, vice president for Collaborative Computing, IDC