What is Unified Communications (UC)?
If I told you that throughout the pandemic you’ve been using Unified Communications on a regular basis would that give you a clue?
Still no wiser?
The daily meetings with colleagues and customers that you enjoyed (or endured) over Zoom or Teams are in fact a small part of what we call Unified Communications. Put simply, Unified Communications is a system that integrates multiple communication methods within a business across a variety of devices and locations.
Historically voice calls have been the main way to communicate, perhaps fax and often email. But to be competitive companies need to ensure they have the tools to communicate with their customers and internally with colleagues. Improving engagement by the use of multiple channels including chat, voice or video will enhance customer service and speed of response.
What are the three main components of Unified Communications?
Unified Communication is not a single product, it describes a whole suite of solutions including, instant messaging, presence information, voice (IP telephony)
extension mobility and single number reach, audio, web & video conferencing, desktop sharing, data sharing (including web-connected electronic interactive whiteboards) call control, speech recognition, integrated voicemail, e-mail, SMS and fax.
Typically a Unified Communications suite has three main components:
● Voice Calling,
● Messaging, and
● Web Conferencing.
Why you need Unified Communications?
Businesses are often utilising different streams of communication and therefore employees spend time switching between tools or waiting for a response whilst they pay for apps that are underutilised. Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) provides an integrated approach that links these channels into a single solution and provides additional collaboration tools, such as document and screen sharing.
2020 and 2021 have also highlighted the need for versatility in communications where employees work remotely for at least part of the time. The move to more hybrid working means companies must keep their offsite workers connected and productive, something that HDUK’s UCaaS solution offers.
Unified Communications opens up your business to a world of possibilities by hosting your voice and conferencing in the cloud.
What are the key benefits?
Less wasted time: users can move instantly from one communication channel to another, collaborating with co-workers and improving efficiency and productivity; they don’t have to wait while colleagues switch applications, install software or schedule a conference call
Improved customer service: integration with HDUK telephony means incoming customer enquiries can be routed to the most appropriate employee, who can then check the availability of co-workers and bring them into the discussion or an ad hoc online meeting to rapidly resolve any issues
Agility: the inherent flexibility and scalability of the cloud-based service means adjustments can be made quickly to support changing business requirements
Low and predictable costs: on-net communication channels and inclusive minutes to UK landlines and mobiles are provided for a simple per user per month price
Cost savings: from reduced travel costs, and expenditure savings from not having to subscribe to multiple communications platforms
Reduced IT overhead: administration tasks are made simple through the HDUK administration interface, and users can make day-to-day changes without involving IT support
Common interface: the user interface is similar on all supported mobile devices and desktops, which enhances the user experience, minimises learning and encourages adoption
To find out more about Unified Communications and how it can revolutionise your business call our friendly team today on 01883 582038 or via online chat on our website.
Behind the technology and security that customers have come to know and trust with HDUK, it's our people that make the real difference. We take great pride in offering dedicated IT support for our customers by investing in specialists, that are experts in the tools you use every day. Our team are very important to us and we know that you feel the same way about your employees. It's why we put people at the heart of our business.
We are dedicated to providing reliable, secure, industry-leading IT solutions to elevate your business and maximise your potential. Working remotely has never been so important, so join the 15,000 users who already trust HDUK with their hosted services.
