Togetherness is the ultimate prize during the holidays. The importance of a unified communication system goes well beyond the holidays, but it’s something to embrace during this time of year. Unified communications technology integrates various communication channels into a single platform, enhancing collaboration and productivity by allowing seamless transitions between messaging, calling, and video conferencing. The baked-in collaboration can do wonders for bringing together your organization while simultaneously expanding the possibilities of your customer experience. An expert like Gibson Teldata can help you achieve the togetherness your organization has hoped for.
Whether now is the perfect time for you or if you’re planning for what’s to come in 2025, a unified communication system is a solution you need to consider.
What is Unified Communications?
Definition of Unified Communications
Unified communications (UC) brings together all your voice and digital communication channels, including a plethora of team collaboration tools brought together in one place. UC can handle everything from voice calls to video chats and instant messaging and even shows who’s online. VoIP providers play a crucial role in UC by offering various pricing models, such as free calls for subscribers and charges for long-distance calls, while ensuring compliance with federal regulations and emergency services. The best part? You can easily switch between different communication channels and devices without worrying about any additional hassle!
Types of Unified Communications Systems
Not all UC solutions aren’t the same. The two main types of unified communication solutions are cloud-based and on-premises.
- Cloud-based UC systems are hosted and managed remotely in the cloud by a managed service provider, making them accessible from any internet-enabled device and location.
- On-premises UC systems are hosted and managed on-premise (in-office) by the end user, limiting their access to the physical location where the system is installed.
Benefits of Unified Communications
Cost Savings
A unified communications (UC) solution is ground-breaking innovation when it comes to cost savings. By integrating multiple communication channels into a single platform, businesses can significantly reduce the need for separate infrastructure and maintenance costs. One of the standout features of UC solutions is Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, which offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional phone systems. Additionally, UC solutions can reduce travel expenses by enabling remote meetings and collaboration through video conferencing. This means less money spent on travel and more efficient use of time and resources.
Increased Productivity
A unified communication system is designed to boost productivity by providing employees with a single interface to manage all their communication channels. This streamlined approach reduces the time spent switching between different applications, allowing for more efficient communication. Features like instant messaging, video calling, and screen sharing enhance collaboration and teamwork, making it easier for teams to work together, no matter where they are. When combined with VoIP, unified communications solutions encourage more work to get done in less time, leading to better outcomes for your business.
Components of Unified Communications
VoIP Voice Calling
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is the system function to make and receive phone calls using the internet instead of the wired PSTN, combining cost savings with advanced call management features. It’s cheaper, and VoIP service providers offer various features for voice communications, including call forwarding, call waiting, and voicemail. Plus, VoIP phone systems can grow with you and easily connect to other communication tools.
Video Conferencing
Video conferencing software lets remote and hybrid team members work together seamlessly. It’s got all the essentials, like chat, screen and file sharing, breakout rooms, whiteboards, meeting recording, polling, and automated meeting summaries with collaborative notes. Plus, it supports multi-party video meetings, automatically records them, and then stores them in the cloud.
Team Collaboration and Instant Messaging
Team collaboration tools are a game-changer! They help avoid miscommunications and make it super easy for agents to chat and share files in real-time. Plus, they bring all your communication channels together into one place, so you can chat on the website, send SMS/MMS messages, make voice calls, send emails, and connect on social media, all at once. And the best part? Everything happens automatically, so you don’t have to worry about missing a message or not being able to find what you need.
Related content: The Role of Unified Communications in Transforming Cross-Team Collaboration
Unified Communications Solutions
Benefits of Unified Communications Solutions
UC solutions combine third-party tools and multichannel communication into a single workspace, so you don’t have to keep switching between apps. Advanced workflow automation, among other integrations, saves employees 59 minutes daily, according to a recent joint study with Qatalog and Cornell University. By eliminating busy work, reducing mistakes, and ensuring enough agents are available, you get to give your customers a better overall experience. Here are some of the top benefits of unified communications solutions:
- Cost savings
- Increased productivity
- Improved customer experience
- More communication channels and features
- Better team collaboration
- Mobility and flexibility
Related content: How UCaaS Business Solutions Solve Key Business Problems
Video Conferencing Software
What Is Video Conferencing Software?
Video conferencing software is a must-have for remote companies. It helps remote teams connect and collaborate and is great for meeting clients. Modern video conferencing systems have a ton of features, like broadcasting, digital whiteboarding, file sharing, remote desktop access, screen sharing, text chat, and more.
Key Features of Video Conferencing Software
Video conferencing solutions let you have group video meetings that can be automatically recorded and stored in the cloud. This software prioritizes video calls through your webcam, text chat, and other features like sharing your screen and using virtual whiteboards. Video conferencing is vital around the holidays so you can embrace all organization members regardless of location.
Choosing a Unified Communications Solution
How to Choose a Unified Communications Solution
Selecting the right Unified Communications solution can be a daunting task, but keeping a few key considerations in mind can simplify the process:
- Scalability: Assess the size of your business and the number of users you need to support. Choose a UC solution that can scale with your business as it grows.
- Integration: Evaluate your other systems and applications, such as CRM software and phone systems. Opt for a solution that seamlessly integrates with these existing tools.
- Security: Security is paramount. Be mindful of robust security features like encryption and authentication to protect your business communications.
- Cost: Consider all costs associated with the solution, including upfront costs, monthly fees, and maintenance expenses. Aim for a cost-effective alternative to traditional phone systems.
- Features: Identify the essential features of your business, such as video conferencing, instant messaging, and screen sharing. Ensure the solution you choose offers these functionalities to support your operations.
By carefully considering these factors, you can select a unified communication system that meets your business needs and provides a cost-effective, efficient alternative to traditional phone platforms.
Embrace the Enhanced Collaboration of a Unified Communication System from Gibson Teldata
There’s no better time than now to begin your transition to the collaboration juggernaut of unified communications. When you implement a system meant to increase efficiency and productivity, you’ll be able to easily manage the influx of calls during the busiest time of your year. Act now! Contact Gibson Teldata today to begin implementing unified communications for your business.
