What is Unified Communications?
Unified Communications refers to a framework for integrating various different communication platforms into one platform. This is generally to the end of enhancing the efficiency of business communications, especially in cases of collaboration. Though combined under one platform (e.g. SASBOSS & Broadsoft), unified communications refers to an interconnected system of communications devices and protocols all combined under one user friendly dashboard.
How does Unified Communications work?
A unified communications environment is usually supplemented with an administrative user back-end (a platform) that facilitates the integration of these different communications systems. In addition, front-end clients allow clients to get in contact with employees via a range of communications options. For instance, a web conferencing platform could make use of an audio conferencing system, and that would be built upon an IP telephone protocol (like VoIP or SIP). A unified messaging client could add click-to-talk, click-to-chat (CTC), and click to video support to the overall platform. Thus an employee can have all of this at their fingertips under one dashboard.
Types and features
Unified communications clients can support any and all of the following:
- Text based tools: text messaging, email, chat etc.
- Voice-based tools: telephony, voicemail, audio conferencing etc.
- Video based tools: such as video conferencing, room based video conferencing etc.
- Web conferencing tools: desktop sharing, interactive whiteboards etc.
- Real-time presence
- Social networking for enterprise: and collaboration tools
Unified Communications Benefits
By combining communication and collaboration options in an easy to use efficient dashboard, unified communications serves to increase productivity, and cut down on the time it takes to effectively reach customers and collaborate with other staff members.
Interested in swapping out your standard small business phone system for a unified communications solution with Brisbane based experts? Contact us!