Essentials of Unified Communications

A UC suite generally has three main components: Voice Calling, Messaging, and Web Conferencing. Voice Calling may employ an on-premise ethernet connection or operate entirely in the cloud. Video conferencing allows presenters to share their own computer screens with the group.

FREMONT, CA: Effectual internal communication is essential to the success of any given business in many ways. It boosts employee engagement and facilitates a company’s values and goals. It also propels productivity by improving cooperation between employees. Finally, it decreases the likelihood of confrontation by promoting enhanced transparency and mutual understanding among employees. But a triumphant communications approach commences with selecting the right technology and tools that correspond to distinctive business goals and budgets. Irrespective of the underlying technology alternatives, a UC suite generally has three main components: Voice Calling, Messaging, and Web Conferencing.

Voice Calling

Business phone systems normally deliver traditional features such as voicemail, call transfer, three-way calls, and call holding. Since the mid-1990s, businesses began jettisoning traditional, hard-wired telephone networks and adopting an Internet-based solution called Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

VoIP systems are very cost-effective, compared to traditional phone service, while still providing employees access to the same elements. A VoIP network may employ an on-premise ethernet connection or may operate entirely in the cloud as “Cloud Calling.”

Messaging

Business email and direct messaging platforms have been in service for years, but when bundled through a UC platform, workers can more readily access their email from any location that has internet service. Further, messaging and chat applications support fostering more efficient communication when workers can’t speak live, but need specific information or opinions on a topic. Employees can also utilise direct messaging to gain visibility of their co-worker’s online status.

Web Conferencing

The third element of a UC system is web or video conferencing. Web conferencing is paramount to group meetings large or small, given the rise of teleworking. While teleconferencing has been around for decades, a video conference gives participants visibility to diagrams or other visual information that is being presented. It also permits presenters to share their own computer screens with the group. Additionally, most web conferencing platforms allow participants to use a sidebar chat function to present questions to the group or send messages privately to people during the conference.