The latest step in the Unified Communications (UC) market is to empower users, so they can hold Web and video conferences. Siemens Enterprise Communications added that component to its product line by acquiring FastViewer GmbH & Co., a Neumarkt, Germany collaboration software supplier.Established in 2006, FastViewer on software-based web conferencing, desktop sharing and e-collaboration solutions. Its products are designed for fast deployment: installation can take about one hour. The system supports web, chat and multi-party desktop video conferencing. The solution works with mobile devices, such as Apple's iPhone and Research in Motion's BlackBerry. Siemens Enterprise Communications plans to integrate FastViewer into its OpenScape UC Suite.

Siemens has been significant force in the voice communications market, especially in Europe. In July 2008, the company joined forces with The Gore Group, which owns Enterasys Networks, in an attempt to deliver comprehensive network solutions. The venture has been lagging behind competitors, such as Cisco and HP, in areas, such as Web and video conferencing. The latest acquisition was designed to fill that void.

How well the new line of business will fare is unclear. Siemens has significant name recognition and a large customer base, however, it also has a lot of ground to make up in the collaboration space. Cisco has been offering such solutions since purchasing Webex in the spring of 2007. Siemens has been trailing competitors but seems intent on trying to make up some lost ground.