The term “Unified Communications” refers to a system combining many workplace communication methods into a single coherent application. Some examples of these tools are voice-over-internet protocol (VoIP), instant messaging, video conferencing, and others.

This article provides an overview of Unified Communications, where it has been, and where it is going. It includes a discussion of its function, significance, and advantages to businesses.

About unified communications?

“Unified communications” is a system combining many different types of corporate interaction technologies onto a single platform.

Unified communications solutions enable teams communicate, work together, access data, and remain connected in the era of always-on smartphones.

UC systems are an advanced way to improve business communications. It creates a smooth user experience to lets people can work together more efficiently from anywhere on any device. It lets companies with employees worldwide work together and talk to each other better in this digital age.

A unified communications service enables to provide of a unified user interface and experiences across multiple real-time channels of communication. These are such as instant messaging, presence information, VoIP (voice over internet protocol), audio, video. This is also including web conferencing, desktop sharing, social media platforms, and more, as well as traditional tools like email and fax.

Because it has so many benefits, unified communications and collaboration platforms are becoming more and more popular. It makes the best way for businesses to communicate with each other. Adopting an excellent unified communications system can help businesses. It controls and integrates organizational interactions on a single platform and efficiently manages its many enterprise communication channels.

Why Businesses Need Unified Communication and Teamwork

Unified communications are a structure of communication devices and applications that work together on a central platform. It is an important tool for any organization that wants to improve collaboration and productivity.

Here are some of the main reasons why organizations with teams in different places should think about adopting unified communications:

1. Facilitates organizational collaboration

Collaboration made possible by remote-working communications has become the Holy Grail of organizational productivity and efficiency as more companies encourage remote work and governments issue stay-at-home orders in response to the epidemic. Adopting the right unified communications system gives traveling and remote employees access to all the company’s communication tools. Also, ensures every recorded conversation for prospective consideration.

With the help of unified communications solutions, employees can send and receive emails from anywhere, make VoIP calls using a local company number, chat via instant messaging or text, and use other communication forms while maintaining continuity across all channels and devices.

2. Manageable access and better remote control

These days, businesses need to be available around the clock, regardless of location or time zone, to keep up with the global market demands. With more and more businesses turning to remote workers, these employees must be able to log in quickly and efficiently from anywhere globally. Here, unified communications supply mobile, geographically dispersed teams with everything they need to coordinate their efforts effectively and efficiently.

With a streamlined user interface, a centralized, unified communications system allows all authorized users to access any enterprise communications application from any device. Employees only need to log in to the UC appliance and pick the app they need from the menu.

3. Improved administration & servicing

Unified communications make managing and keeping track of data easier because it puts it all in one place. Most businesses already have too much work for their IT departments and adding phone system maintenance only worsens things. One easy way to solve this problem is to set up a unified communications system so that employees can ask for help from each other instead of waiting for the IT department, which is already very busy.

Modern cloud-hosted UC systems, also called UCaaS (Unified communications as a service) offerings, can boost enterprise productivity and efficiency. This is especially for small and medium-sized businesses that otherwise might not have access to such cutting-edge technology.

4. Assist in ensuring compliance

In this digital world, the volumes of information created are growing exponentially. GDPR is one of the rules and compliance issues that are being made to protect the privacy and security of user data. At this point, unified communications have become a key part of streamlining the corporate compliance environment. This makes it more manageable for businesses to follow regulatory requirements. Centralized integrations and cutting-edge security features in UC systems ensure that every communication record is immediately available. This helps businesses avoid huge fines and defend their credibility and brand stature.

How does a unified communications system collaborate?

A unified communications system comprises solutions and features that let users talk to each other using all channels and all devices.

The following is a formal analysis of how unified communication system functions:

Most of the time, unified communications are supported by multiple back-end systems. These systems are very important for integrating the different communication channels so that users can use a single front-end interface for all their communication needs. The back-end communication system includes UC platforms or servers, on-premises/cloud-based IP-PBX systems, VoIP-enabled phones, wireless headphones, camera systems, microphones, and multicast control units (MCU). That makes desktop/room-based video conferencing with participants and telepresence possible.

It is important to get both a powerful back-end system for communication and a user interface full of features. User-facing technologies include strong application support for voice calling, audio conferencing, voicemail, SMS, IM, email, and live chat, as well as more video platform possibilities.

Common business applications, such as customer relationship management (CRM) systems, can be easily integrated with a UC&C system. This enables them to access historical information and initiate customer contact without leaving the CRM’s user interface. In order to streamline communication with their external partners and service providers, businesses can integrate with third-party collaboration technologies like Slack and Webex.

Some Key Advantages of Using a Unified Communications System

Unified communications systems promote communication to work together well and help businesses stay productive even when teams are spread out in different parts of the world. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most significant benefits organizations can get from unified collaboration and communication. Grand View research shows that the global market for Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) will reach $approximately 60 billion by 2025. This shows that UCaaS is becoming more and more popular. Also, the move to the cloud has become a key enabler for the Unified Communications industry, making it possible for mid-sized businesses to link to cloud-based Unified Communication services and develop.

1. Improve efficiency and output

Logistical and operational tasks are made easier and take less time with unified communications. This makes it easier for people to focus on work that adds value. For example, letting employees route incoming calls to their preferred device (office phone, mobile phone, or desktop) makes it less likely that important calls will be missed. With video conferencing and screen sharing, it helps eliminate the costs and delays of in-person meetings without sacrificing the clarity of messages, the quality of interactions, or security. When employees aren’t limited by location or time and have access to high-tech communication tools that allow them to work from anywhere, it boosts their morale and makes them more productive.

2. Lessen operating costs

Because unified communications systems can be scaled up or down and easily add to an organization’s existing architecture, they can help optimize and lower business costs. Also, the increasing use of cloud-based UC systems means that companies only need to set up the resources they need and can add more as they grow, greatly reducing their operating costs.

Hosted UC or UCaaS systems have low acquisition costs, faster deployment times, and lower ownership costs. This means that organizations with limited capital investment resources can streamline their communication services and make it easier for different teams to work together. Aside from that, cloud UC systems make it easy for businesses to get high-end tools and features at a fraction of the cost of traditional systems.

3. Enhance availability and reliability

Dissimilar multiple legacy architectures, unified communication systems deliver the most elevated level of reliability across geographical edges and time zones, ensuring that communications are always smooth and available across all channels. In a fast-paced world where quick responses are expected, UC systems allow employees to answer important calls immediately, wherever they are. So this makes it possible for businesses to be “always on” and increase their profit margins by providing better customer service.

4. Better services for customers

Besides making enterprise teams safer, more reliable, and more productive, unified communications and collaboration can also give customers more personalized experiences. By implementing new UC systems in your business, you can ensure that customers and clients always have access to the right service touchpoint. Moreover, your teams have the right tools to provide better customer support anytime and across different platforms and channels.

5. Leverage data understanding

Any industry may benefit from the competitive edge of real-time data exchange, and unified communications are well-suited to facilitate this aspect of the contemporary company. CEOs may utilize various channels to communicate real-time information with subordinates, superiors, and outside suppliers if an effective UC system is in place.

In addition to generating leads, enterprise teams may use unified communications systems for documentation, which provides reliable data on the most successful communication channels for initiating conversations, completing deals, and more. Businesses get valuable insights and data that inform their choices by carefully analyzing their communications.

6. More business flexibility

Unified communications allow companies to ensure better control over their growth strategy. It enables them to be agile and scale with dynamic customer expectations. Many existing UC solutions offer highly adaptable services companies can use to build their real-time analytics. The highly adaptable services are like contact centers, business phone strategies, and more. This allows businesses to gain a competitive advantage and keep up with the latest technology without incurring significant costs.

Top trends in unified communications and collaboration nowadays

The rise in popularity of Cloud UC
The Integration of AI and ML
The rapid spread of augmented and virtual reality technologies
Connected devices enable a mobile workforce
Online conference halls
Connectivity at 5G Speeds
Technologically advanced gadgets and fashionable clothing
Applying Blockchain Technologies
Optimizing processes by integrating CPaaS and APIs
Improving Data Safety

Businesses that want to give their teams an edge over the competition should believe in unified communications. As remote workers become more common, multinational companies set up supplier and customer networks in far-flung places. They will need unified communications to save money and boost productivity. The ten changes in technology at UC will make the environment more active, interesting, and powerful.

What are your thoughts on Unified Communications’ potential and future influence on businesses?

TECHOM system offers Enterprise Unified Communications, a cloud-based unified communications solution that delivers the capabilities of conventional unified communications systems, with the cooperation of our partner Hosted Collaboration System.