Unified communications platforms keep teams productive, focused and visible by consolidating communication channels like voice, video and messaging.
However, it’s important to choose the right platform for your business. UCaaS should be scalable as the business grows. Check if you can easily add new users, locations and integrations without incurring additional costs.
Cost
If you plan to use UCaaS in your company, it is important to consider the cost and understand how UCaaS could contribute to your business before investing in one. So what is UCaaS?
A cloud-based platform known as unified communications as a service (UCaaS) combines applications and services like phone, chat, video, and audio conferencing. Many UCaaS providers offer their services on a monthly or annual subscription basis, which can save your business from high upfront costs. It is also important to look at the overall features of the UCaaS platform to ensure that it meets your needs.
For example, a good UCaaS provider will have scalability and compatibility with various devices. Another key factor to consider is whether or not a UCaaS solution will integrate with other platforms, like your CRM and email systems. Choosing a UCaaS provider that offers this level of integration can help your team work more efficiently and improve customer experience by providing a seamless, consistent customer journey across channels.
Scalability
A UCaaS platform must be flexible and customizable to meet each business’s communication and collaboration requirements. For example, a telemedicine service may require advanced video conferencing capabilities, while a retail company may require communication-integrated project management and call center features.
The best UCaaS providers allow customers to choose from different packages or a la carte options to create the ideal platform for their unique needs. Additionally, they should be able to add and remove features with the simple flip of a switch, saving IT teams time and effort.
Another important factor to consider is how user-friendly the UCaaS solution will be. A smooth, intuitive experience is essential for business leaders and end-users, so ensure the product has a clear, straightforward interface. Also, look for a centralized console where IT can manage and monitor users and access analytics and reports.
Also, choose a provider offering transparent pricing and flexible plans. It might not be easy to select the best UCaaS platform, but by considering these considerations, businesses can feel more confident that they have made the appropriate choice. Finding a provider with a long industry history and constantly improving its product is also helpful. It will ensure that the platform is always reliable and up-to-date.
Integration
When choosing a UCaaS platform, it is important to consider how the solution will be integrated with other applications. For example, a retail company might require call center integration with project management software, while a healthcare provider may need real-time communication and collaboration features.
In addition, a UCaaS service should provide easy access to the bandwidth and connectivity required by each user. The integration process should also include IT involvement to ensure the new technology is compatible with any existing infrastructure that cannot be replaced.
The right UCaaS platform will also integrate with the tools and systems that your employees already use. It will help reduce the learning curve and increase adoption. It is also crucial to choose a vendor that offers 24/7 support for technical assistance.
It includes online, phone, and in-person help. It would help if you also looked for a vendor that allows you to customize your settings and has robust security innovations, such as end-to-end encryption. Businesses should be able to monitor their UCaaS environments and detect issues that impact users.
They should leverage built-in monitoring capabilities and third-party software solutions to do this. They should also deploy employee experience platforms to gain insight into how users leverage their UCaaS solutions. It will allow brands to improve their UCaaS experiences and create vendor stickiness.
Security
When choosing a UCaaS provider, you should consider how it will secure your business data. Cyberattacks are an ever-present threat, and the right provider can help you protect your data from attacks and ensure your team has access to the tools they need to communicate with your customers. It is especially important for companies in highly-regulated industries like healthcare or finance.
Look for a UCaaS platform that offers security measures such as encrypted voice, video, and messaging services. Also, ensure your chosen provider has a track record of reliability and stability. In addition to these security measures, a good provider should offer dedicated data connectivity, such as direct peering to a cloud exchange, which will lower call quality problems caused by shared internet connections.
Lastly, choose a provider that offers a flexible pricing plan and is willing to customize their solution for your company. For example, if you have a CRM system that you want to integrate with your UCaaS, find out if the provider offers API integrations. If they do, you should be able to easily use your UCaaS without switching from one tool to another.
Finally, it is important to talk with the potential UCaaS providers about their growth plans and how they can support your business as it expands. It would help if you also asked about their security measures, such as how they can protect your data in case of a breach or a disaster.
