Unified communications solutions and services are steadily being integrated into business operations across the globe as business owners recognize the undeniable fact that rewards far outweigh the risks of integration. As the technology for unified communications solutions race forward, drawbacks and issues such as cost and stability have become less of an issue.
Unified communications improves exchange of information within a business through integration or the unification of telephony and business data within one network. In simple terms, unified communications allows businesses to merge and utilise voice and video material in standard business functions, the ability to encrypt data being sent across networks to maintain security and protect proprietary information and the capability of recording and storing phone conversations for future accessibility. Additionally, unified communications solutions also allow businesses to save and send portions of data over a network in the form of digital packets such as complete instant message streams, emails and so much more.
Unified communications sets itself apart from standard telecommunication systems through its use of digital IP or Internet Protocol to facilitate the exchange of data. During its inception and early stages, there were many issues and concerns regarding stability and security. There were also limitations as to what can be done through server based technologies however these issues have been addressed and practically non-existent these days.
One other concern that has prevented business owners from adapting unified communications solutions into their operations is cost-effectiveness. Although it is true that unified communications solutions can cost a bit more initially, the benefits far outweigh the initial outlay. Through unified communications, businesses can drastically cut down on telephony bills especially for businesses that have different geographical locations that require constant long distance calls.
For businesses that have employees who work remotely, are constantly travelling to different parts of the country, unified communications allows them to effectively and affordably keep in constant touch with the company and even with clients whilst en route or in transit. Unified communications also affords businesses the opportunity to scale up or down on their solutions depending on their telecommunications and information exchange requirements.
