It can’t be denied that business communications have radically transformed over the last decade. As businesses of all sizes increasingly embrace digital technology, there’s a burgeoning need for seamless, efficient, secure and cost-effective communication channels. But what system combines all of those attributes? Isn’t adopting a communication infrastructure like this an unattainable dream? Well, we’ll get to that later, but for now, let’s introduce something that you should, really, already be aware of:
Unified Communications (UC), a system that integrates various communication tools into a single platform, revolutionises the way businesses communicate – and depending on how you do it, you’ll find the seamless, efficient, secure and cost-effective experience on par with your wildest dreams.
So, let’s get to the heart of the matter: how does Unified Communication work?
The Fundamentals of Unified Communications
Unified Communications systems should ideally offer a one-stop-shop for all communication needs by integrating a multitude of platforms and mediums. From phone calls and video conferencing to instant messaging and email, UC simplifies the communication landscape for businesses. This integrated approach ensures real-time, efficient, and effective communication, essential for any business striving to stay ahead of the curve.
At the core of all this is a holistic approach to managing various modes of communication. With a UC platform, it’s no longer necessary to switch between different communication tools during a workday. Whether you’re initiating a video call with a client, sending an instant message to a colleague, or making a business phone call to a partner, UC makes it all possible from a single interface. This consolidation saves businesses both time and resources, contributing significantly to operational efficiency.
The benefits of Unified Communications
Let’s break down that operational efficiency (and other benefits). What does that look like? Well, Unified Communication solutions present several advantages for businesses.
Firstly, they improve collaboration. As employees can interact using various systems, including Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), video conferencing, or instant messaging, collaboration becomes more streamlined. This improved communications and collaboration can lead to increased productivity, as teams can work together more efficiently and effectively.
Secondly, a cloud-based Unified Communications system offers remarkable scalability and flexibility. Businesses can add or remove users, manage resources, and scale services according to their needs. This elasticity is particularly beneficial for growing businesses or those with seasonal demand fluctuations.
Thirdly, Unified Communications provide cost-saving opportunities. Traditional phone systems, or PBX systems, can be expensive to install and maintain. However, UC platforms can often be more cost-effective, reducing the need for extensive hardware and offering budget-friendly subscription models.
Real-World examples of Unified Communications in action
Unified Communication is more than just a theory; it’s a practical solution that many businesses are capitalising on. Let’s delve into a couple of real-world examples from the Gamma archives (of course, we won’t name names, but we’ve got a lot of experience working with partners and direct customers).
Example 1: A pan-European consulting firm with offices across multiple countries uses a UC platform to simplify its operations. Employees in different locations can easily schedule and join meetings through video calls, share files in real-time, and send instant messages, promoting seamless collaboration despite geographical boundaries. This use of UC has significantly improved the firm’s project turnaround times and overall productivity – as well as their competitive edge and advantage.
Example 2: A mid-size e-commerce company leverages UC to handle its customer service. Instead of traditional PBX systems, the company uses a cloud-based communication services platform that integrates phone calls, emails, and social media messaging. This approach ensures that no customer query goes unanswered, thereby improving customer satisfaction and retention – and it allows them to operate at what is, undeniably, a higher level of technical ability than they would manage on their own, at their size.
In both examples, the businesses have optimised their communication infrastructure, improved efficiency, and derived other crucial benefits of Unified Communications.
Another thing they share is this: they’re not doing it alone, they’re doing it with us.
So how are Gamma doing it?
We’ve explored how Unified Communications is transforming the way businesses operate, making communication more efficient and effective. By integrating various communication channels into a single platform, businesses can streamline their operations, enhancing both internal and external communication. But it’s not just that – it’s working with a partner who has the solutions you need, when you need them. Gamma covers all the bases.
One notable solution in this sphere is our Horizon Cloud PBX, a complete business phone system that offers extensive fixed and mobile telephony capabilities. Transitioning from traditional PBX, this hosted solution capitalises on the advantages of cloud-based telephony. Its features range from 360-degree management of the organisation’s communications to the delivery of exceptional audio quality, making it an ideal choice for businesses of all sizes. Its compatibility with both Microsoft Teams and Horizon Collaborate ensures that the next step in telephony aligns perfectly with the exact communication needs of any business.
Gamma Horizon also offers Horizon for Microsoft Teams, a feature-rich, cost-effective alternative to Microsoft Calling Plans that integrates seamlessly with existing Microsoft infrastructure. This solution allows businesses to make and receive calls globally, utilising Gamma’s Direct Routing capability, while avoiding large upfront costs.
Another product, Horizon Collaborate, offers a UC experience integrated with the Horizon cloud telephony service. This platform includes tools such as video calling, instant messenger, and document sharing. Available on various devices, it allows employees to access business communications and collaboration services wherever they are, supporting remote working and enhancing productivity.
Finally, Horizon Contact, Gamma’s cloud-based customer engagement platform, simplifies customer communication and engagement. This solution, designed to work in conjunction with Horizon and Collaborate, offers extensive reporting, CRM integration, and guaranteed service availability. The platform can be accessed from anywhere, making it ideal for agents who need to work remotely.
It’s clear that the power of Unified Communications in streamlining business processes is becoming more apparent. Solutions like those offered by us here at Gamma are leading the way, offering innovative, comprehensive, and secure communication tools that meet the unique needs of businesses.
Final Thoughts
To stay competitive in today’s digital era, businesses need to adopt innovative and integrated communication strategies. Unified Communication is a robust solution that meets this requirement, offering an array of benefits from improved collaboration to cost savings.
With the right UC solution (and partner), you can create a connected, collaborative, and efficient communication environment, promoting a culture of seamless interaction and increased productivity. Make the smart choice today – explore Unified Communication solutions that best fit your business needs.
The transformative power of Unified Communications is here, now. So why wait? Seize the day.
