Gartner Magic Quadrant for Unified Communications 2014: Microsoft Lync Takes Lead from Cisco

Cisco and Microsoft have been vying for the top of the Gartner Unified Communications “Leader” quadrant for some time and, according to Jamie Stark (Product Manager Microsoft Lync), Microsoft has taken the lead from Cisco in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Unified Communications 2014 report that was published August 4, 2014 by Bern Elliot & Steve Blood. The report is available here.

Here is the 2014 Magic Quadrant:

Some of my quick observations on the 2014 Magic Quadrant UC Report after a quick scan:

• Microsoft pulls ahead of Cisco on “Completeness of Vision” and ties on “Ability to Execute” (from what my eye can see)
• Mitel moves into Leader quadrant click here
• Interesting to note that Mitel purchased several Lync products this year Click Here
• Siemens Enterprise Communication became Unify and dropped from “Leaders” to “Visionary” quadrant

Below is the motion of UC players from 2006 to 2014 by Gartner. Microsoft has been the Top vendor in the Leader Quadrant for all but 2 years between 2006 and 2014. (if you want a YouTube version of below video that you can pause click here)

I will write some more thoughts on the report after I more thoroughly read the report.

You can get the full Gartner 2014 UC report via Microsoft with no sign up/1 click, click here

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2014 Gartner Unified Communications Report: (August 4, 2014)
http://my.gartner.com/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=260&mode=2&PageID=3460702&resId=2814519

2012 and 2013 Reports:
http://windowspbx.blogspot.com/2013/08/gartner-magic-quadrant-for-unified.html

Microsoft Analyst Reports:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/itanalyst/

Commentary on Gartner 2014 Report:
http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/gartner-uc-magic-quadrant-2014-a-clear-picture-of-the-changing-landscape.aspx

Other: Click Here