According to the International Engineering Consortium (IEC) Unified Communications is a technical term for various technologies and solutions that enable telephony and/or multimedia communication.
In other words, Unified Communications describes a type of platform on which all relevant communication services – telephony, instant messaging, video conferencing, screen sharing, voice mail, e-mail and data transfer – are integrated.
It enables access to information from any device and location at any time and helps to optimize communication and business processes.
Unified Communications – what is it used for?
UC (Unified Communications) describes the consolidation of all relevant communication tools in one central user interface – the UC client. Like Alcatel Lucent Enterprises „Rainbow“. Hence, the UC client represents the core of your business communication. In the following list, we will take a look at the core functionalities of UC solutions.
- Media integration and compatibility with CRM or external software
- Presence and status information of participants
- Communication and collaboration tools
- Desktop and file sharing
- Video conferences for suitable devices
Advantages of using Unified Communications
In a digitalized environment, businesses have access to an abundancy of communication tools, appliances and channels. Employing unified comunications helps significantly in streamlining internal and external communication processes.
For example, information on presence and availability status might save a lot of time when trying to reach a colleague. Gaining access to work communication from any device while working remotely will liberate employees to be self-reliant and work independently, hence
fostering employee loyalty and motivation. In addition, the use of video conferencing, chats, file and screen sharing can avoid too many business trips. This not only protects economic resources time and capital, fewer business trips also play a major role in improving the organization’s carbon footprint.
Summarized – a brief overview of potential business benefits of Unified Communications.
- Increasing the efficiency of communication channels
- More flexibility and mobility for workforce
- Easier and faster administration
- Sustainable communication via video conferences and screen sharing
Possible disadvantages of using UC
The constant availability on all end devices can become a psychological burden for employees. If you have not yet determined a uniform guideline for the use of the UC tools in leisure time, you should urgently make up for this. On the other hand, currently there are still technological barriers with regard to network coverage. Unified Communication requires IP devices and Internet connection. Not every region has continuous coverage. In the near future, 5G technology is poised to improve the availability of UC services.
About Sipwise
Sipwise’s unified communication platforms are targeted at fixed, converged and wireless service providers supporting a variety of access technologies like mobile radio, Cable, xDSL, FTTx, WiFi and WiMAX.
With years of expertise in VoIP and UC solutions, Sipwise works with clients all over the world and is supporting over 100 commercial deployments by MNOs, MVNOs, Telcos, cable network providers, utilities and “Over-the-Top”- operators.
For more information, please visit https://www.sipwise.com.