What is unified communications?
UC is a term used to describe the integration of different communication tools into a single platform. This includes just about every medium of communication, such as voice communication in all its forms — voicemail, phone calls, and voice memos — as well as multimedia services like video chat and web conferencing. Real-time communication, like call screening and call conferencing, can also be integrated. Even data services and transactions like eCommerce and online banking can be added to a UC system.
How can small businesses benefit from UC?
The most significant business benefit of UC is that it can help improve communication and collaboration between employees. This is because UC provides a single and flexible infrastructure in which you can streamline and enhance business communications and easily manage all the components.
Here are other benefits of having a UC system:
- Hypermobility
UC enables you to access your files via a wide array of mobile devices like laptops, smartphones, and tablets. This makes it easier to create an office environment and assist customers wherever you or your team might be. This opens up a world of opportunity for real-time collaboration and remote work. - Improved productivity
UC lets you enjoy productivity-enhancing communication features like call information and call routing. These capabilities enable users to work more efficiently and better tend to customers’ needs. For instance, web and video conferencing calls not only allow for real-time interactions but also for better collaboration. Delayed response times and gaps between dispersed teams are also minimized. - Real-time updates
With UC’s real-time presence updates feature, users can share their location and contact information — provided that you authorize the use of this capability. This allows team members to easily get in touch with the right person when they need to. - Single point of contact
Clearly defined points of contact ensure that stakeholders can reach you by email, phone, SMS, etc., whether they are reaching out to you via a softphone, an IP phone, email, or instant messaging. - Reduced costs
UC lowers phone bills since it uses the internet to make calls. It also limits the need for expensive on-site hardware, as one UC server keeps everyone connected using the aforementioned communication features. What’s more, it eliminates travel costs, because it allows you to join meetings without leaving your office or home.Even better, you can potentially save thousands of dollars on office overheads by allowing employees to work from home since they’ll remain connected through their softphones even when they’re not in the office.
It’s only a matter of time before UC becomes the norm for business communications. Give us a call if you’re interested in learning more about how UC or VoIP can transform your business. We’ll answer your questions and help you devise an integration strategy that fits your business needs.