Some people still struggle to grasp the concept of Unified Communications. That is ok because UC is a fluid notion. That said, what it boils down to is the integration of features that enable collaboration with data networks.
A Unified Communications solution can be as robust and complex as needed and incorporate voice and video calling, instant messaging, screen sharing, presence management and web conferencing. It can also be as simple as making phone calls via the web. Or it can be any combination of these features.
Therein lies the key for UC to be deployed in organizations of any size, including small and medium organizations. The ability to mix and match is a powerful option that will allow any organization to customize a UC solution so it fits the business’ very specific needs.
What do I need?
It is important for small organizations to understand what each UC feature does so they can accurately assess whether or not is needed to help optimizing their processes. Questions like “Do we need the ability to share our screens online?” or “Do our staff benefit from instant messaging?” will help identifying what you need.
What will I need?
Finding what you need now is the easy part, it is also important to stay ahead and anticipate what you will need in the future. Perhaps you are planning to add new employees in different cities, or you want to reduce the amount of travelling done by your sales force. All of these decisions need to be weighed when deciding what UC features you will require in the future.
This is definitely a more difficult task but it is equally important. Chances are that while you may not need all features immediately, you will find that there are features you will likely need down the line as your business continues to grow and evolve. This is why it is important to plan ahead before deploying a UC platform.
Businesses change over time, small business become large, a central office adds satellite offices across the globe or an influx of remote workers reshapes the face of your workforce. As such, the flexibility provided by a Unified Communications platform will allow any organization to remain ahead of the curve.
