Communication between a business and its customers is crucial. To make things simpler in the digital age, unified communication (UC) solutions have begun to rise. This type of solution combines all the separate channels into a single digital connection that can be cloud-based for further ease of use.
Each and every year, more and more businesses are turning to this new type of efficient communication. In fact, a study by Transparency Market Research showed that the UC market is expected to grow to $61.9 billion by 2018. Today, I’m going to share with you five reasons why you need a unified communication solution for your business.
These reasons will show you how important it is to have a system like this in place. It goes far beyond a simple reason like convenience. A solution like this can redefine how you communicate and market content to your customers. Having great communication is something you need in place before all else.
1) UC is Manageable and Efficient
This solution provides you with a single and integrated platform that connects your mobile devices, desktop computers, and your entire business staff. It streamlines everything into one single phone number that works across all devices.
With the addition of call optimization features, you can also have all of your contact information in one place where it’s easily accessible. This allows your business to run smoothly and your employees have the ability to focus on their tasks and easily communicate with clients and customers.
The cloud-based features of UC also allow all the equipment to be stored off-site. This frees up space in your office while also removing complication. Your connected devices are ready to use, whether it’s a phone, your computer, or an app on your smartphone. You’re connected.
2) A Secure Solution
Instead of using phone lines, UC turns your audio signals into digital ones. All of your calls are made through an encrypted internet connection. Thus adding significant security to your business communications system.
This applies to phone calls, fax, emails, and text messages. Today’s businesses require that level of security when dealing with personal and sensitive information. A unified communication platform ensures that all of this information is safe and secure.
3) Lower Costs, Improved Scalability
Whether your business is small or large, the needs you have for your communication solutions are different. A cloud-based UC platform has the ability to start at a size and price that works for your business. As time goes on and growth occurs, you can scale the service up as needed.
With options to pay for traffic or data instead of a set rate, there’s plenty of flexibility in this type of solution. Customized packages and piecemeal options allows you to choose the exact capabilities that work for you and your business.
The logistics are also incredibly simple. You don’t have to purchase any hardware or modify your current technology. Everything goes through a single cloud-based server which makes upgrades and maintenance simple and easy for everyone involved.
4) It Saves Time As Well
Beyond the financial savings UC options also offer unique features that will cut down on time spent communicating with others. Options such as short-number dialing remove the need for an area code, for example.
Since all of your devices will be unified across the network, you can also answer and transfer calls to any of your connected hardware either in your office, or at another location. Constant communication and fast response time have always been a staple of quality customer service. A UC platform empowers to provide these things consistently.
5) Improved Collaboration
The days of flying in executives or pulling everyone away from their desks for a meeting are over. Today we utilize things like video conferences, and group messaging to collaborate with other key members of the business simultaneously.
Today’s UC platforms allow you to host a video, web, or telephone conference on the fly. It doesn’t matter where your employees are located, they can connect and share ideas or concepts in real-time over video, for instance.
This also applies to international clients. If you need to have a meeting or discussion with them, but don’t have the time or means to fly them in, your unified communication solution can connect you with them immediately.
Final Thoughts
Today’s business world is connected and constantly communicating. By leveraging a unified communications system, you can turn your separate devices into one solution that is ready and able to handle both internal and external collaboration at a moment’s notice. Does your business utilize a UC platform? Let us know how it helped your business grow in the comments!
Originally published May 06, 2016, updated Sep 01, 2021
