Unified communications (UC) can increase productivity by converging voice, data, and video communication. UC can enhance communication throughout the organization and possibly provide cost benefits.

UC integrates collaboration technology, such as calendaring, email, Web conferencing, team rooms, and instant messaging, with communication tools, which include telephones (landline and mobile), audio and video, and voice messaging.

In July 2007, Microsoft Corporation commissioned Forrester Consulting to examine the Total Economic Impact (TEI) and potential return on investment (ROI) that enterprises may realize by deploying UC products and services (UC products). To understand the financial impact of Microsoft's UC products, Forrester conducted in-depth interviews with 15 Microsoft customers and compiled their results into a composite case study of a 4,000-person digital marketing services company.

In conducting these in-depth interviews with Microsoft UC products customers, Forrester found that organizations can achieve significant productivity improvements and cost savings by deploying Microsoft UC products.