Since unified communications (UC) was first introduced to IT professionals, its popularity has grown steadily. It quickly became apparent that the features and benefits afforded by this technology would be highly useful to small to medium sized businesses (SMBs). SMBs have a specific set of needs that are met effectively by UC features and integrations, and providers who understand this have a seemingly infinite market to tap.
Cloud vs. On-Premise
SMBs find much greater use in cloud UC services than the on-premise model. This is largely due to the flexibility, scalability, and ease of use of a cloud suite compared to the more fixed on-site arrangement. SMBs have limited capital and human resources, so paying only for what’s used and having the ability to access system tools from remote locations are major selling points. Using hosted/cloud solutions for UC typically drives down cost.
Enterprise-Level Features
UC packages give technology power to SMBs previously only affordable to large, entrenched corporations. Mobile accessibility, voicemail, conferencing, video and audio streaming, and collaboration tools allow the SMB to perform at a level that surpasses its physical size. The do-more-with-less mentality is no longer a constraint, and productivity blossoms. The price tag is surprisingly manageable for all of these assets. Critical programs such as business continuity and disaster recovery can be more easily folded into the systems for cohesion and seamless operation.
Widespread Utility
UC packages are useful across the entire organization. Business development, sales, marketing, customer support, IT, app-dev, and public relations groups all benefit from UC. The positive impact to an organization after implementing UC is dramatic and rapid.
Keeping up with Competition
Competitive companies know what resources are available and how to use them to differentiate themselves from other organizations in the same industry. Sticking with outdated phone or technical systems is short sighted and carries a massive opportunity cost.
Using vendor-hosted or managed service models for UC and other telecom tools makes them predictably priced, affordable, and easily manageable. Technologies like SIP trunking are now cost effective and go a long way in helping companies of all sizes, but are especially valuable to SMBs. Many of these technologies haven’t begun to see their full potential, so it’s important to look at long-term possibilities in addition to satisfaction of an immediate need.
UC tools offer real value to companies of all sizes. SMBs stand to benefit the most from these offerings thanks to their affordability and flexibility. For more information on implementing UC solutions, contact Copper State today.
The post Fulfilling the Destiny of SMBs through Unified Communications appeared first on COPPER STATE.