What is Unified Communications (UC)?

Whether you’re a large enterprise or a small business, choosing the right unified communications solution can elevate your business processes to the next level.
This article explores what unified communications are and how they work.

 

What is Unified Communications (UC): Definition

Unified communications (UC) is an umbrella term for the integration of multiple enterprise communication tools. By combining phone calls, web conferencing, SMS, email, and more, team members can share information and collaborate in real-time over an internet connection. This approach enhances collaboration, boosts productivity, improves mobility, and elevates the overall user experience.

 

What are the components of unified communication?

Unified communications is about bringing together multiple communication tools into one platform. But what are these UC tools, and how do they work together?

1. Voice Calling (VoIP): This is the core feature of UC technologies, allowing voice calls over the internet rather than traditional phone lines. VoIP provides flexibility, whether you’re making local, long-distance, or international calls.
2. Instant Messaging (IM): Need a quick answer or a brief update? IM lets teams communicate in real-time without the formality of an email or the wait time of a phone call.
3. Video Conferencing: With video meetings, team collaboration becomes more dynamic. It’s the next best thing to being in the same room.
4. Presence Information: Ever wondered if your colleague is available before reaching out? Presence shows you their status – whether they’re online, busy, or away – helping you make better communication choices.
5. File Sharing: Send and receive important documents, images, or presentations instantly through the same platform, without needing to switch apps.
6. Email Integration: UC systems often integrate with your email client, allowing you to manage your business communications from one place without toggling between programs.
7. Screen Sharing and File Sharing: Collaborating remotely is easier with screen sharing and file sharing capabilities let you transfer documents quickly within the same platform, keeping everything in one place.
8. Social Media Integration: This ensures you can engage with customers or partners on their preferred platforms without leaving the UC environment.

 

How does unified communications work?

Unified communications environments are typically powered by various back-end management systems, often referred to as UC platforms, which facilitate the integration of different services. These systems are paired with front-end clients that provide user access.

There are three primary deployment options for unified communications systems: on-premises, in a public or private cloud, or a hybrid approach combining these methods. Additionally, an open-source project called WebRTC enables the embedding of unified communications technology directly into web browsers.

 

Why choose unified communications?

Unified communications is a generic hold-all term to describe the market’s efforts to integrate all the “apps” (and therefore the communication channels) to allow the user to have all this information easily accessible, irrespective of when or where it is accessed (home, work, in a car, on a train…), and on multiple devices (laptop, tablet, smartphone…). Incoming calls for example, can route to wherever the recipients are, whether at the office, out and about on a mobile phone or working as remote workers using a web phone service or web browser from home.

What are the benefits of unified communications?

Enhanced Collaboration and Productivity

• Instant Connectivity: UC eliminates the waiting game. Whether it’s a quick question or a decision that needs immediate attention, your team can connect instantly.
• Simplified Processes: By having all your communication tools in one place, processes are streamlined. This simplicity means less time spent trying to figure out the best way to reach someone and more time actually getting work done.
• Flexibility and Mobility: UC supports today’s mobile workforce. Your team can collaborate effectively from anywhere in the world, as if they were sitting right next to each other in the office.

Cost Savings

• Reduced Infrastructure Costs: With UC, the need for separate systems for emails, calls, and conferencing is eliminated, reducing IT infrastructure and maintenance costs.
• Lower Communication Expenses: Integrating voice, video, and data communication into a single platform can significantly lower your communication expenses, especially long-distance and international calls.

Improved Customer Service

• Faster Response Times: UC enables your customer service team to answer queries quickly and efficiently, enhancing the customer experience and boosting satisfaction.

Scalability

• Scalable for Growth: Whether you’re onboarding ten or a hundred new employees, unified communications (UC) systems can effortlessly scale to accommodate your expanding needs without requiring a complete overhaul of your communication infrastructure.
• Flexible to Evolve with Your Business: UC systems are designed to adapt to evolving business models, seamlessly supporting changes such as remote work trends and international expansion.

Unified Communications can be the catalyst for transforming your business operations. By enhancing collaboration, reducing costs, improving customer service, and providing scalability, UC empowers your business to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace with ease and efficiency.