In Pictures: Tablet flops, flubs and fluffs

Avaya Flare

Announced about the same time as Cisco’s Cius, Avaya’s Flare is similar in that it is a vehicle for its software, Avaya Flare Experience. Unlike Cisco, Avaya recognized early on that BYOD was a factor in corporate device choices and created Flare voice client software that runs on iPads and Android devices. Avaya continues to upgrade these clients, with plans for extending video support to iPads, Android devices and Windows PCs within the next 18 months. The company also says it will continue to develop the tablet itself, which it calls Avaya Desktop Video Device (ADVD). But some observers say it’s not necessary long-term. "I'm surprised they haven't given up on [the ADVD] yet," says Blair Pleasant, an analyst at UCStrategies.com.