What is Unified Communications?
Unified Communications is the ability to integrate a collection of real-time and non-real-time systems, products, services and devices to optimize business processes.
Businesses that adopt a UC solution that integrates voice, data, video and mobility applications look to gain significant benefits including increased productivity or efficiency, reduced costs, better decision making, greater flexibility, improved workplace collaboration, improved professional appearance /customer service and increased revenue by enabling users to communicate anytime, anywhere.
unified communications guide provides SMBs/SMEs seeking to upgrade or create an IP-based network with useful information on how to start down the path of unifying voice, data, video and mobility applications for reduced costs and increased business effectiveness.
Specifically, this blog summarizes the benefits of unified communications (UC), shares an example of how an SMB can move to an IP-based solution and how Grandstream can be your partner in building an integrated communications network for improved productivity, reduced costs and better customer service. Small businesses no longer have to shy away from, or sacrifice, enterprise capabilities based on cost or complexity issues.
Ways the Grandstream UC Benefits SMBs/SMEs
- Connects geographically-dispersed offices and remote workers allowing them to access the same communications system features as the headquarters via desktop, mobile phone, video phone, video conference system, etc.
- Reduces long distance calling costs and cellular charges; cuts travel costs
- Low upfront system costs and no long-term equipment and service costs provides excellent Return on Investment (ROI)
- Simple, user-friendly technology
- Offers perception that SMB is actually a bigger business that it is
- Adds mobile support for remote workers and road warriors; Employees able to access and share information internally and externally to be more productive and competitive; Ability to access work phone lines and voicemail via mobile phones or to receive voicemail via email
- Telepresence and video conferencing technologies help to unite and manage off-site employees and far more productive meetings
- Strengthens customer service by using features like IVR and call routing queues for superior call handling and more
Key Differences Effecting Vendor UC Solutions
These costs can increase a UC solution by thousands of dollars depending on the vendor selected:
- Initial upfront Equipment costs – research what features are included in the base product costs; Grandstream includes all features up-front.
- Ongoing or Recurring Fees – using certain features on a yearly basis affects SMBs/ SMEs operating budget. Grandstream includes all features at no extra cost.
- ‘Add-on’ licensing Fees – avoid these ‘turn on’ fees down the road by choosing a Grandstream solution that already includes critical features SMBs need to be competitive.
- Future software upgrade Fees – Inquire about upgrades in the future and their cost. Grandstream software and firmware updates are always free.
Let us know more about Grandstream unified communication, UCM series IP PBX in next blog. If you any queries leave your question or comment to sales@grandstreamindia.in