Have you ever heard of Unified Communications (UC)? Even if you haven’t, there is a good chance you are already using it or will be soon.

Unified Communications is a solution for unifying the growing assortment of communication and collaboration tools in modern businesses. It can combine voice, messaging, video calling and conferencing, content collaboration, file sharing, access portals, etc. In addition, Unified Communications allows users to move seamlessly between communications tools within a single session, all while using their device of choice, whether a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone.

VoIP – The Backbone of Unified Communications

VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol has replaced the older “Plain Old Telephone Service” (POTS) lines. POTS is basically the same technology used for phones since the 1800s. VoIP also replaces the slightly newer ISDN (Integrated Service Digital Network), which transmits both data and voice over standard phone lines.

Most businesses have switched or are switching to VoIP. Instead of sending signals over the older copper lines, VoIP uses a broadband internet connection and packet-based technology to make and receive calls. The switch to VoIP comes with an extensive list of benefits.

Advantages of VoIP over POTS or ISDN

• Lower Cost – Businesses can save money on the upfront costs and monthly fees associated with fixed copper line services. VoIP also offers lower per-call and long-distance fees.
• Increased Quality – The technology behind today’s modern VoIP services provides better connections and improved audio.
• Reliability – With today’s VoIP, businesses can enjoy the highest uptime.
• Flexibility/Mobility – Traditional phone services haven’t kept up with the modern world of work. Whether you are a small business owner that wants to be able to answer office calls on the road or you have employees working remotely, VoIP offers features that quickly adapt to the way your business works.
• Scalability – In the past, adding employees or even a call center meant installing and paying for more phone lines. This is in addition to the likely need to upgrade switching equipment to keep up. With VoIP, customers can add as many lines as necessary whenever needed at a much lower cost.
• Future-Proofing – In the past, adding new features and capabilities meant a significant investment in new equipment. With VoIP, you can upgrade to the latest technology without the expense of replacing phones and other equipment.

Unified Communications – the Path to Productivity and Collaboration

While VoIP is the backbone of your Unified Communications solution, it is only the beginning. In our new world of work, teams work in a very different ways. It is becoming more uncommon to have team members together in the same place and at the same time. Many organizations have people who work from home, from the road, or even from another office across town, across the country, or on the other side of the globe.

This change in the way we work, alongside new project management approaches, means that collaboration often means working together on common goals and timelines rather than gathering together in a conference room. With less face-to-face work, communicating becomes an even more essential piece of collaboration.

Even when team members are far apart, modern digital collaboration tools and apps make it easier than ever for people to work together. Employees can share data, track projects, and even collaborate on documents in real time. When meeting face to face is the preferred option, the right Unified Communications solution makes it easy to schedule a video conference and bring everyone to the table virtually.

Need Help with Your Unified Communications Solution?

Whether you are making the switch to VoIP or working to create a comprehensive Unified Communications solution for your business, WAVE.BAND is ready to help. If you need expert advice or just some help getting started, give us a call at 1-888-975-4085.