By: John Shepler
There was a time when the only way to communicate electronically was with that clunky black phone on your desk. While that phone might still be there, modern technology has made it lighter and brought a wealth of new communication methods. Email, text messages, mobile phone calls, and video chats are now commonplace across various devices like desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and even watches.
A significant challenge, particularly in business, is that these platforms and applications don’t always work well together. While carrying every device was a temporary fix, a more streamlined solution became essential.
Combining Everything
Integrating all communication systems into one might seem like the obvious solution, but no single platform excels at everything. Desk phones and desktops are stationary, smartphones have limited screen space, and tablets make for awkward phones.
While devices like phablets and hybrid tablets try to bridge the gap, the ideal solution – a device with a large screen, a comfortable keyboard, and seamless communication capabilities – remains elusive. Although futuristic solutions like advanced voice assistants and projected screens are on the horizon, we need a solution for today.
Unified Communications
Unified Communications, or UC, offers the closest approximation to what we need. Instead of forcing one platform to do it all, UC acknowledges the strengths and weaknesses of each device and aims to make them work together seamlessly. This means you can stay connected and productive regardless of your location or the device at hand.
For instance, UC can handle the ever-important telephone call. Traditional phone systems often led to missed calls and lost opportunities when away from the office. UC solutions with “find me follow me” functionality route calls to your preferred device, ensuring you never miss an important call.
The Technology of UC
Cloud-based platforms are a popular choice for implementing UC due to their scalability, processing power, and cost-effectiveness. Cloud providers manage maintenance and updates, freeing businesses from significant capital investments.
Cloud UC relies heavily on IP (Internet Protocol). While not always using the public internet, IP provides a common language for communication between devices. Secure, private channels can be established for sensitive internal communication.
The Advantages of UC
Unified communications can boost productivity and reduce costs. It can replace traditional phone systems with more robust VoIP systems that integrate with computers and other digital devices. This integration facilitates collaboration among employees, provides the convenience of a single phone number, and allows for remote desktop access from laptops. Additionally, voice and video conferencing become accessible from anywhere in the world.
While the benefits are clear, the cost is often surprisingly affordable. Requesting quotes for unified communications solutions is the best way to assess the potential cost savings and advantages for your specific needs.
Note: The humorous mousepad about unified communications, along with many other items in the same theme, is available from the Gigapacket Zazzle store.
