Indistinct Definitions
Unified Messaging is an indistinct term that can refer to the typical definition of simple inclusion of incoming faxes and voice-mail in one's email inbox, all the way to dictating a message into a cell phone and the intelligent delivery of that message to the intended recipient in a variety of possible formats like text email, fax, or voice recording. Because of the nebulous definition of UM, it was number one on the 1998 Wired Magazine "Hype List". To bring the terminology up to date it is important now to recognize that UM incorporates voice as a key component of the offering. All these technologies need to be brought together: voice, instant messaging, email, voicemail, and web/voice/video conferencing. The aim is to make communication seamless, no matter what the method. The missing piece not mentioned that allows these technologies to be delivered together is 'presence'. If friends and colleagues are 'aware' of each other's state (e.g., available, busy, in a meeting, or offline), they can then choose the most appropriate communication method to use and therefore ensure effective communication.
Unified Messaging is not to be mistaken for Unified communications, although the two share some similarities. Hosted UC services lack real-time contacts like IM and presence-based telephone connections because those features are considered “frilly features” not demanded by the majority of hosted SMB customers. So while Unified Messaging can be included in Unified communications, not all Unified communication services are related to Unified Messaging.
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