Five of the leading global technology companies, HP, Juniper Networks, Microsoft, Polycom and LifeSize/Logitech International, have come together to establish the Unified Communications Interoperability Forum (UCIF), a non-profit alliance aimed at erasing barriers to unified communications.

The founders say, collectively and individually, that the organization is intent upon addressing issues that hinder connecting systems from UC vendors worldwide. Its goal is to provide customers with multi-vendor, open interoperability standards to allow organizations to seamlessly communicate and collaborate.

Officials also said that the UCIF will work together to expand UC adoption and to deliver a rich UC experience irrespective of platform, including mobile, desktop and telepresence. Accordingly, the group said it will develop verifiable interoperability testing and certification of UC scenarios, and provide best practices.

Forrester, in an independent research report, outlined some practical imperatives for Unified Communications solutions: “Don’t assume firms will invest in interesting or unique technology unless it specifically helps them improve business processes and results. Build the foundation for value statements and capabilities firmly in today’s workplace and processes – with a vision of the future and a migration path forward for capabilities like interoperability or video.” (Seven Myths About Unified Communications and Collaboration, Forrester Research, Inc., March 23, 2010)

Jonathan Edwards, research analyst, Unified Communications comments, ”It is important for all businesses to prepare and architect their communications environments in a more unified and services-oriented manner. And one of the most significant factors impeding UC adoption today is the lack of interoperability assurance for customers between their existing and pending communications and networking investments and purchases.”