Enterprise Communications Looks at the Struggle to Create Interoperability
Between Communications and Computing Systems

The Versit Group Takes on Microsoft and Intel in a Battle Over Standards

January 26, 1995- Santa Ana, CA-In its March issue, Enterprise
Communications magazine takes on an explosive topic-the clash between
Versit (industry leaders from AT&T, IBM, Novell, Apple and Siemens Rolm
Communications ), and Microsoft/Intel over application standards in
computer-telephone integration (CTI), device connectivity, personal data
interchange (PDI) and conferencing and messaging. While there is a clear
need for standardization in all four areas, EC notes it is obvious that
the immediate battle is market-related, and raging on the CTI front.

The monthly publication, which focuses on business communications
technologies, looks at how Versit is on the offensive with an attack on
the growing Microsoft/Intel CTI market. It outlines how, by setting itself
up to develop standard specifications, Versit has created a platform
struggle between desktop and server-centric CTI. The author cites industry
analysts who say Versit has a strong chance of succeeding if the group can
meld disparate technologies effectively and ship them out quickly enough.
Versit can also gain the advantage while Microsoft/Intel overcomes a
cultural barrier-getting people used to the idea that they can use their
PC for CTI.
 Microsoft scoffs at Versit's attempt to set standards as an example of
"old mainframe thinking".

The article points out that although Versit has chosen to tackle a wide
spectrum of technologies, they don't intend to reinvent the wheel with
some of the specifications. And, they'll be satisfied, if 50% of their
goals are accomplished. Finally, the author concludes that while in the
short-term there may be a winner and a loser in this battle, the need will
exist in the future for standard specifications that include, and not
exclude, platforms. Down the road, there is probably room for both sides.

Enterprise Communications' sales and editorial offices are located at 201
E. Sandpointe Ave., Santa Ana, California 92707-5761, 714/513-8400. It is
part of Advanstar's Business Communications Group which publishes InfoText
magazine. The Business Communications Group also includes the following
expositions and conferences: UMiiX (Unified Messaging and Interactive
Messaging Exchange ), Call Center/CTI, ASAT (Advanced Speech Applications
& Technologies) and Voice Mexico/InfoText Mexico-all sponsored by
Enterprise Communications magazine.

Enterprise Communications is published by Advanstar Publishing, a division
of Advanstar Communications, a global business information company serving
more than 50 specialized business and professional markets worldwide.
Advanstar's Publishing Division produces nearly 70 magazines, journals and
newsletters. Its Exposition Division owns and manages more than 70
expositions and conference events held throughout the world. Its Marketing
Services Division provides database, direct marketing and reference
products, including direct marketing mailing lists, editorial and
advertising reprints and industry directories, books and CD-ROM products.

Enterprise Communications
Advanstar Communications
(714) 513-8466
(714) 513-8406

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