IT, telecom and network managers are waiting to hear the call from users for unified messaging (UM) and unified communications (UC) before rolling out the services – but so far the crowd is silent, says In-Stat. Regardless, the Scottsdale AZ research firm predicts that global UM and UC client shipments will reach 19.5 million in 2011, and traditional voice mail port shipments will decrease to zero by the end of 2009. UM refers to the commingling of various messaging options, including voice mail, email, fax and instant messaging, so all messages arrive at a single user interface. UC encompasses UM and adds presence and mobile devices to the mix.

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