Are You Ready For the Switch?
Simply put, unified communications (UC) is the integration of real-time communication services. UC is not a single product, but a set of products that provides a consistent unified user interface and user experience across multiple devices and media types. In its broadest sense UC encompasses all communications that are exchanged over any medium (i.e. TCP/IP network). Meaning you can receive a message over one medium and respond over another. More specifically if you have received a voicemail to your office, you can receive it through an email, or from your cell phone. This type of integration drastically increases productivity.
On the hardware end, compare for example, having separate services and hardware for phone, video conferencing, instant messaging, fax, etc., and having all these integrated into one same service and hardware. Do you see the potential here?
Without the integration of all your businesses communication, it is far from being efficient, both technically and economically, according to today’s standards.
With the on-going convergence of voice and data, a big push towards unifying communications has been made across the board. Many businesses are experiencing huge savings, and more reliable infrastructures due to the change in technology that is happening. No longer are legacy products able to support businesses on the cutting edge of competition. In order to be competitive, businesses have had to embrace this new technology that ties it all together. Although unified communications is being unfolded gradually, its not long before it is going to be common place. Are you ready for the switch?