Fire up the UC use case folder. Chris over at his blog has detailed a fantastic looking app that integrates Bing Translator with the Communication Server “14″ platform. This allows IM conversations to be translated into 32 different languages. For further details go take a look at Chris’ blog post.
This has got me thinking as to the potential use for this application. I’m sure there are many more use cases but here are a few off the top of my head:
- Multi language helpdesk/website support. The UC platform already allows an organisation to embed IM into their website, enabling Bing Translation now allows an organisation to support customers in multiple languages without investing in costly translation services or multi language resource
- Emergency translation services. Although limited in number there are times when organisations/individuals need immediate contact to answer an emergency call and there is a lag if a translator is required. A quick IM conversation could answer the call without having to search for the translator
- Clearly within the multinational business environment the ability to seamlessly communicate across boundaries without everyone having to rely on a single language is a significant benefit and there will be many different use case generated by such organisations
- And perhaps more exciting is for the SME market place. Large organisations can devote resources to overcome language barriers (or simply dictate a primary language) but for the SME that is venturing into a foreign market for the first time language can be a significant challenge. Such a solution could help a business overcome the challenge.
Unified Communications coupled with critical mass and an open platform deployed within an organisation can dramatically change how that organisation operates, this is just one small example of the countless possibilities that UC can deliver.
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