Unified communications is a business concept that combines different communication services into one unified system. This integration includes real-time communication and non-real-time communication services, such as:
- Video conferencing
- Instant messaging
- Email SMS
- Voicemail
Throughout this blog, we will cover what unified communications is used for, the benefits, the three main components of UC and everything else you need to know. For more information, read on.
What is UC Used for?
Unified communications are used to integrate a range of communication methods within a business, which can help boost productivity and improve communication.
One application that UC can use is voice communication. For example, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) allows you to make voice calls across the Internet, which can help with cost savings and improve accessibility.
Instant messaging is another thing that UC uses. It is used to provide real-time text communication for quick and efficient exchanges of information across different devices.
Unified communications can also be used for video conferencing, which enhances collaboration without the need for face-to-face conversations.
What Are the Benefits of Using UC?
Unified communications offer a variety of benefits that can help boost employee productivity and enhance business operations. Here are some of the many benefits UC offers:
1. Increased Productivity
Firstly, unified communications is a great way to increase productivity by combining multiple communication channels into one platform.
It helps employees choose the most effective way to communicate, which can reduce agent's idle time and simplify workflows.
2. Cost Efficient
Unified communications can help reduce unnecessary operational costs by eliminating the need for multiple communication systems. Some cloud-based solutions, such as UCaaS, allow you to pay on a subscription basis.
This is ideal as it allows businesses of all sizes to be in control and spread their payments out.
3. Enhanced Collaboration
UC solutions combine a wide range of communications systems, such as video, voice, email and instant messaging into one single platform that allows you to access whatever tool you want in the same place.
This is beneficial for many businesses – especially for those who work from home, as it lets them communicate with others regardless of their location.
4. Increased Security
Most unified communication tools usually come with strong security features, such as encryption, secure user authentication and much more.
This is ideal as it makes sure that all communication remains protected and secure against cyber attacks or hackers.
5. Flexibility
Unified communications solutions are flexible and scalable, which is ideal for businesses as it allows them to easily add or remove users or features if and when they need. This can benefit growing businesses or businesses that have ever-changing communication needs.
As you can see, UC platforms offer a wide range of benefits for both customers and businesses.
What Are the Three Main Components of UC?
There are three main components of UC and these include:
- Voice calling
- Web conferencing
- Messaging
Voice calling uses VoIP technology and offers features, such as voicemail, three-way calling and call transferring. This can be accessed through a range of different devices with an internet connection.
Messaging is another component of UC and this feature includes direct messaging systems and emailing. It is ideal because it allows employees to access their emails from any location as long as they are connected to the internet.
The last component of unified communications is web conferencing. This allows for video calls to facilitate group meetings, no matter the size. Web conferencing includes features – such as chat functions and screen sharing – which are ideal for sharing presentations.
These three main components make up a unified communication system. They each enhance collaboration, encourage flexible work environments and increase productivity. Overall, UC systems simplify workflows and improve overall business operations.
What is the Difference Between UCaaS and CCaaS?
Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) and Contact Centre as a Service Provider (CCaaS) are both cloud-based communication platforms, however, although they are quite similar, they have different features that set them apart:
- UCaaS focuses on internal communication, whereas CCaaS is made for external communication, such as services and sales
- UCaaS normally involves voice calling and messaging, whereas CCaaS offers advanced call routing and customer self-service options
- UCaas is more cost-effective and less expensive, whereas CCaaS tends to cost more
- UCaaS is ideal for businesses that want all their communication tools in one place and are looking to modernise their communication systems, whereas CCaaS is best for industries looking to improve customer service
- UCaaS usually integrates with applications, such as calendars, whereas CCaaS normally integrates with CRM systems
As you can see, CCaaS and UCaas have their own unique features – however, UCaaS is mainly used for internal team communication, whereas CCaaS is made to optimise customer interactions.
The type of communication system businesses use depends on their preferences and business processes.
What is the Difference Between UC and UCaaS?
Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between UCaaS and CCaaS, let's explore the differences between unified communications and unified communications as a service (UCaaS).
Although UC and UCaaS are both made to improve communication and collaborations within businesses, they differ in different areas.
For example, UCaaS relies on third-party providers, whereas UC involves in-house infrastructure, such as data centres. Moreover, UC is typically accessed through VPNs, whereas UCaaS is accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
Finally, UC offers more customisation options and is managed internally, whereas UCaaS offers less customisation options.
As you can see, UC and UCaaS, although similar, have different features that set them apart. So, if you are looking for a system that offers different communication tools in one place, then UC is the solution for you.
From increased security, improved communication, cost-efficiency and enhanced collaboration, UC offers many benefits for both businesses and customers alike.
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