As more businesses look to upgrade their communications systems, whether to upgrade outdated technology or support remote working, unified communications is becoming a preferred solution for business communications. But wait, what is unified communications anyways?
Unified communications incorporates the best features of a business phone system and adds messaging, video conferencing, and other features in a user-friendly platform.
Below, we will dig into a few key questions you may have including what is unified communications, how it works, and the benefits of a unified communications system.
What is Unified Communications?
Unified Communications (UC) is a general term for integrating several communication applications, like voice, instant messaging, video conferencing, and file sharing into a single platform. The goal is to improve the employee experience and limit the number of screens and applications an employee must work through. It allows for an efficient way to switch between communication channels. It also lets the employee access all their business tools from anywhere.
Bonus: With UC, your employees can use any device. You can start a call on your desk phone but switch to your mobile device or video conference with a few clicks.
How does Unified Communications Work?
Now that we’ve answered, “what is unified communications?”, we need to answer how it works.
Unified Communications simplifies your communication solutions across your company. It enables real time video conferencing, SMS, and contact center functionality and since it functions over an Internet connection, there’s no other hardware needed to use the system.
The UC provider is responsible for hardware maintenance, security, and all backend technology and configuration. A VoIP or cloud-based phone service is at the heart of the unified communications system. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) converts sound and delivers it as data to the provider.
Unified communications make use of the best of VoIP without the complex infrastructure. Your employees can make calls, run video conferences, and work from wherever there’s an Internet connection thanks to apps on their computers and mobile devices.
What are the Benefits of a Unified Communications System?
Now that you know what is unified communications and how it works, we need to address the benefits of a UC system. There are many. Some of the biggest challenges business leaders face is lack of time and managing budgets. Here are a few benefits of a unified communications system and why should transition away from a traditional phone.
Cost savings
Unified communications solutions often cost less to operate and you’re able to extract more value than with your traditional phone system. Below are a few key areas where business owners save.
- There’s no hardware to maintain and upgrade, so you’re enjoying long-term savings on cost of ownership.
- You’re paying for one service and working with one vendor and one bill.
- Your IT team can focus on strategic objectives that focus on company growth, as opposed to supporting outdated technology.
- With a unified communications system, you pay a flat rate per user. You don’t need to worry about extra costs on the following:
- Audio/video conferencing
- Online meeting applications
- Text messaging
- Team messaging
Flexibility
Traditional phone systems can’t accommodate remote work. Your team needs a flexible communication system and counts on you to enable them. Thanks to the internet-based nature of unified communications, they can work on their computers and just need a login to get into the software.
Scalability
A unified communications system is quicker to scale. There’s no need to involve IT to add more users or more functions. The last thing a growing company can afford to wait on is adding users to the system. Instead of waiting on an account manager, users and extensions can be added from an online dashboard. Add and remove users as you need to.
Better customer journey
Your customers still might want to get in touch by phone, but more and more people want other communication options. A bad customer experience can be a result of poor technology or lack of avenues of contact. A unified communications system removes roadblocks and allows your customers to reach you the way they want. This reduces the chances of churn. They can reach out via chat, text message, or email and all communications records are captured in the system.
Unitel Unifies Your Communications
Unitel unifies your communications and supplies an all-in-one platform. Make calls, collaborate, and share your business documents from anywhere. If you’re looking to transition from a traditional phone system to the cloud, the experts at Unitel can help you out. And if by off chance, you are still wondering ‘what is unified communications‘, give us a call. Contact us today and let’s the start the conversation on how a unified system can help you reach your business’s goals.