Everything You Need to Know About Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) Solutions (FAQs)
What Is A Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) Solution?
UCaaS is the software as a service version of Unified Communication (UC) software, which brings together various communication technologies and strategies into one comprehensive, integrated platform.
Communications technologies tend to be siloed and isolated, but with UCaaS these technologies are integrated into a single tool. This includes uniting telephony (voice calls, voicemails, call forwarding), messaging (group chats and one-to-one), and other collaboration features like virtual whiteboards and file sharing. With unified communication and collaboration, businesses gain more control over their workflows and processes, while employees enjoy greater, easier connection. Unified communications solutions also remove the need to switch between various communication tools, boosting workplace organization, efficiency, and productivity.
Essentially, unified communications as a service (UCaaS) solutions provide organizations with cost-effective, flexible, and feature rich communication and collaboration capabilities. These capabilities help to enhance productivity at the organization, foster a greater sense of teamwork, and supports the maintaining of modern workstyles (including remote and distributed teams).
How Do Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) Solutions Work?
UCaaS solutions unite various communication and collaboration applications and services, bundled and delivered as a service over the internet. These solutions combine multiple communication methods such as voice, video, text, and file sharing into a single platform, providing businesses with a comprehensive communications suite. The platform is hosted by a third-party provider, which reduces the burden on the business’s internal IT department.
UCaaS solution providers operate by exporting the IT requirements and hardware needs for communication to the cloud, removing the need for in-house installations and maintenance. The service provider is responsible for managing the cloud-based platform, ensuring secure, efficient, and constant communication across all mediums for the user. They also provide users with the ability to extend communication and collaboration tools to remote employees via the internet, improving collaboration among dispersed teams.
The benefits of implementing a UCaaS solution are extensive, and include facilitating improved collaboration among remote teams, streamlining communications, enhancing flexibility, and driving operational efficiency.
What Features Should You Look for When Choosing Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) Solutions?
When choosing UCaaS solutions, you should consider the following capabilities:
- Voice and Telephony. The capability to make and receive phone call over the internet using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology is useful as it allows organizations to replace traditional systems with a more cost-effective and flexible alternative. Voice and telephony in a UCaaS solution means that calls can be made from computers, smartphones, tablets etc. providing greater connectivity and accessibility. Unlike standard VoIP solutions, UCaaS provides a comprehensive tool for managing communications.
- Video and Audio Conferencing. In a UCaaS solution, video and audio conferencing is the ability to conduct virtual meetings, discussions, and presentations using real-time audio and video communication technology over the internet. The rise in remote and hybrid working has led to an increase in demand for these features as it helps to facilitate face-to-face interactions over distances, and also enhances teamwork, efficiency, and flexibility in modern work environments.
- Messaging. Messaging features in UCaaS tools may include access to web-based apps, support for SMS and MMS texts, and possibly also additional features like timed messages, @mentioning, privacy features, and real-time presence insights.
- Mobility and Apps. Due to their cloud deployment, UCaaS solutions remove the need for employees to download additional software or access specific tools to connect with their colleagues and customers. Instead, they can easily join conferences, share insights, and connect via their web browser or an email link.
- Device Support. Device support refers to the platforms’ ability to work seamlessly across a variety of devices, including desktop computers, smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other internet connected devices. With device support, employees are better connected, and their productivity is improved, whether they are working in-office, at home, hybrid, or on the go.
- Integration. Integration in a UCaaS solution is important as these platforms need to seamlessly connect and work with other business application tools and systems used within the organization. Integration allows the UCaaS solution to leverage data from other systems – like CRM, ERP, or email – to provide a unified and cohesive communication and collaboration experience.