With a variety of demonstrators, the Fraunhofer ESK Enterprise Communication Lab provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in the area of corporate network solutions. Of particular interest is the lab's current evaluation of unified communications and collaboration (UCC) solutions. Most of these convergent solutions are modularized in line with services such as voice and video communication, groupware, instant messaging, presence information systems and project place. By using reference installations, researchers and engineers examine and verify the practical application of present-day solutions with a focus on the interoperability and usability of the systems and end-user devices, including the security of the data transmission.

The lab also permits the evaluation of UCC solutions, particularly with respect to coupling them to existing communication systems and combining products from different manufacturers into an integrated UCC solution.

Another facet of the lab's activities involves technically analyzing the operating models of such solutions. The basic models consist of in-house operations or externally run systems referred to as managed services. In the area of fixed and mobile convergence (FMC) development, the lab examines the feasibility and practical application of dual-mode telephony.

Apart from locally-installed systems, the lab also evaluates predominantly web-based solutions from providers and third-party providers.