Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS)
Sometimes, being able to make calls is enough. Other times, you want to be able to join video meetings, host video webinars, send emails, take part in conference calls, and send SMS—ideally all from one phone system.
In other words, what you’d want in that situation is to unify communications. That’s what UCaaS is for.
With UCaaS, you can configure and implement custom solutions that perfectly suit your business needs. That’s because UCaaS aims to unify all your communications, so any specific apps or software you use can be incorporated into your communications solution.
UCaaS usually offers VoIP and PBX services as part of its unified communications package. Let’s go into more detail about what features UCaaS offers.
Which features does a unified communications phone system offer?
As the most customizable communications solutions, UCaaS systems come with a lot of built-in flexibility. That means they offer lots of top features, ranging from online faxing and screen sharing functionalities, to useful integrations that help you streamline your daily workflows.
Phone service with bonus features
Of course, you’ll want to be able to use your phone system to place calls. That doesn’t mean you have to settle for only the basics, however.
With a UCaaS system, you can set up things like call analytics, which gather data and process it into useful graphs and charts you can use to improve your call performance. You can also use call recording, call transcription, and call logs to more easily keep track of everything that’s being said in your calls.
Smaller features like caller ID that can identify phone numbers are also a big help. They make it easier to implement successful call transfers, which improve call flow.
Video conferencing
UCaaS users can enjoy integrated video conferencing within their phone solution. Being able to receive visual information alongside audio data can be a real lifesaver when it comes to conference calling. Presenters can enhance their talks with visual cues, while listeners can indicate their interest using facial expressions and body language.
Additionally, video conferencing can really make international calling feel more personal. When the people you’re speaking to are far away, connecting meaningfully in real-time can be tough. That’s why video conferencing is an essential tool to streamline communication and boost team collaboration.
Integrations
Integrations let you customize your business VoIP system in a cost-effective way. They let you use apps like Hubspot, Microsoft Teams, and Salesforce, as well as other CRM and related business software, from within your UCaaS platform. They let you add as many functionalities as you need.
In other words, integrations can take your cloud phone system to the next level.
Call center functionalities
Most, if not all, large businesses, digital businesses, and enterprises have some kind of contact center. UCaaS systems can help you manage yours more effectively.
If you’ve got contact center software that your customer support teams are already comfortable using, you can integrate that into your UCaaS system. If not, you can compare plans from different UCaaS providers and find one that includes a built-in contact center functionality.
Your UCaaS system can help with lots of things related to customer communications. For example, it can automatically manage your call queues for your agents, automatically handling all call forwarding and eliminating the need for a human operator.
Virtual receptionists
An interactive virtual receptionist (IVR), or auto attendant, is enormously helpful in handling your incoming calls. It directs callers to the right place, reducing the risk of anyone hanging up before reaching an agent and/or leaving an angry voicemail stating they couldn’t reach anyone.
That’s why many new UCaaS users purposely pick out a service provider that can offer them a built-in IVR system.
Top 3 benefits of VoIP phone systems
- They’re cost-effective
- They’re compatible with VoIP phones
- They’re future-proof
1) They’re cost-effective
Implementing a VoIP system is a great way to guarantee cost savings in the future. This is true for a few key reasons.
Firstly, VoIP systems are highly scalable. That means that whenever you want to expand your business, your phone system will grow alongside you easily, without needing you to invest lots more money or time into it.
VoIP phone systems also tend to operate under fixed pricing plans. That means your monthly price doesn’t change when you make more calls or do more web conferencing—it’s all included in the fixed price you already paid.
Lastly, your provider handles the upkeep and maintenance of any hardware equipment needed to make your VoIP phone work. That means you get to save money in that regard.
2) They’re compatible with VoIP phones
Are you someone who prefers to use a softphone, or who’s got a cloud contract for a VoIP phone? A VoIP phone system can support you perfectly.
One of the most useful plan features that comes with a VoIP phone system is full compatibility with those kinds of phones. You can keep using your new tech without having to worry about calling rates, since those are included in the monthly fee.
3) They’re future-proof
Traditional PBX is going out of fashion quickly. It’s harder to scale, less compatible with modern tech, and more prone to poor connectivity than VoIP systems, which discourages new users from opting for non-VoIP solutions.
VoIP phones, on the other hand, are ready to handle the challenges of the future. They’re versatile and can work with any hardware—just as they can enable you to work from anywhere.
As long as the internet continues to exist, you’ll keep being able to make calls via VoIP. That means that come what may, your phone system is prepared for the future.
Which business phone system is the best for you?
Ultimately, the needs of your enterprise will determine the best phone system for your business. Nowadays, it’s better to invest in a VoIP solution. It’s cheaper, requires fewer field staff, and offers more features than a traditional phone solution. You can even get it as part of a UCaaS solution that offers even more collaboration tools.
Whatever your business needs, let 8x8 help you find the best business phone solutions for them. Contact sales or request a demo today.