Category: Cloud Unified Communications

As an owner or operator of a small- to medium-sized enterprise, you must ensure swift and reliable communication between personnel. Previously, most companies made use of an authoritative main phone number along with individualized extensions to contact their staff. Nevertheless, the inception of VoIP-powered phone networks during the mid-90s improved the procedure. Nowadays, cloud-based phone systems are advancing how enterprise interactions take place. In this article, we will take a look at how cloud computing technology is revolutionizing corporate communication and its advantages for every associated individual.

What is Cloud Unified Communications? 

Cloud Unified Communications is a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) that consolidates essential business telecommunications and team collaboration services into one unified system. When correctly employed, this cloud technology can significantly enhance customer service, allow for more effective management of customer relationship agents, and make operations more efficient. By combining seamless user experiences with optimized enterprise communications, unified communications systems enable people to communicate and collaborate effectively anywhere and at any time.

Let us help you move

How do Cloud Contact Center Services help Deliver Quality Communication?

Organizations striving to enhance customer service should invest in cloud contact center services. Cloud-based contact centers unify customer interactions over various mediums, including telephone, email, text, and social media. With the ability to accommodate multiple support channels, cloud contact center solutions help businesses manage multiple support channels and enhance the productivity of their customer service agents. 

Through a hub-and-spoke system, cloud contact center solutions allow agents to access the complete timeline of a customer’s journey across multiple channels. This allows agents to provide customer service and promptly address issues – or even forecast their expectations.

How can Cloud Computing Benefit your Organization’s Communication?

Cloud-deployed systems have provided an advantage to businesses of all sizes by facilitating access to cutting-edge communication technology. Small companies no longer have to break the bank for a reliable phone system. 

By switching to cloud computing for their communications needs, businesses can save on IT overhead while taking advantage of its many other benefits.

Contact Us

Enhance Adaptability 

With a cloud unified communication system, personnel has the advantage of greater freedom of movement. Since cloud solutions are available on any internet-enabled device, the need to be physically present is no longer an issue. As a result, your team is more agile and can work from any location.

Reduce Cost Expense

Choosing cloud-based communications solutions comes with great monetary savings. You will only be paying for the services tailored to your needs and staying connected to your customers. Plus, you can forget time-consuming tasks such as setting up, upgrading, and keeping your system secure, as the cloud computing model looks after all that for you.

Improved Security

Most business proprietors are unaware that VoIP hacking is a potential danger, so cybercriminals can take over your phone system and make calls on your behalf. With a reliable unified cloud computing system, you can have the assurance that your system is shielded from breaches, and you do not have to worry about any security problems.

Indestructible Scalability 

For businesses with rapidly expanding needs, cloud computing offers an unprecedented level of scalability. With the ability to add more extensions as necessary, cloud communication platforms can easily handle the increased call volume. 

Not only does this help avoid hardware-related downtime, but it also allows for the quick implementation of added features for increased capability.

Talk To Us

Final Thoughts 

Cloud computing unified communications hold great promise for businesses that want to increase the efficiency of their operations and workforce. As more companies worldwide establish remote workers and build global customer bases, unified communications will be in high demand to save costs and time while driving productivity for better growth.

With Cloud unified communications services, Enteriscloud can lighten your shoulders with heavy burdens. At Enteriscloud, we provide cloud-based computing solutions to help you grow your company without worrying about managing communication systems.

Before attempting to address the question, “What is UCaaS?” It’s critical first to grasp what UC, or Unified Communications, entails. The VoIP phone system combines a wide range of communication systems and practices using a single platform known as a Unified Telecommunications (UC) system. If you are looking for a detailed insights report on UC vs UCaaS, you are on the right page.

Most organizations interact using various methods, including voice, video, instant messaging, email, etc. A UC system connects them all so they can operate together smoothly in one solution.

The Difference Between UC And UCaaS

Now that UC is at the forefront of your mind. Describing Unified Communications Services (UCaaS) will be a swift breeze. Voice and telephone, real-time messaging, presence, and video and audio conferencing are all elements of UC and UCaaS. With a few notable exceptions, it’s nearly identical.

UCaaS is a Cloud-based deployment technique for offering UC to companies.

UCaaS, in contrast to traditional on-premise UC systems, operates as a subscription service with little or no upfront fees. Because of its low cost and cloud-based nature, UCaaS is an excellent choice for various business uses:

• Enterprise telephony
• Meetings (audio/video/web conferencing)
• Unified messaging
• Instant messaging and presence (personal and team)
• Mobility
• Communications-enabled business processes

Benefits of UCaaS

UCaaS – OpEx Cost-Saving Model

Because UCaaS is on a subscription basis, installing UCaaS solutions needs little to no capital outlay. Purchasing an on-premise solution causes the purchase of hardware and actual storage space.

UCaaS solutions get stored offsite in the provider’s data center, freeing up your money and storage. Many UCaaS providers have IP phone rental programs that add the cost of phones to your monthly payment. It allows you to implement a new phone system with no upfront expenditures.

UCaaS Time Saves

Because the provider maintains UCaaS software, companies always have the most up-to-date capabilities to handle communication issues. It also eliminates the need for network administrators to worry about long upgrades. Instead, a UCaaS supplier will increase capacity with no managers needed to do anything.

UCaaS for Small Businesses – No or Little IT Staff Required

There is no physical hardware to maintain because UCaaS solutions are Cloud-based, and the provider handles the software. It implies that enterprises avoid getting burdened by day-to-day phone system upkeep.

Small firms may now use advanced UC features previously reserved for larger organizations with more significant resources. Larger firms might divert their technological resources to other initiatives rather than focusing solely on their communication platform.

UCaaS Scalability helps Businesses Grow

Because you can add and delete users, UCaaS systems have the distinct benefit of being very scalable:

When using on-premise solutions, you must expect ahead of time how much your firm will grow and buy the servers to accommodate this expectation. Then, if your present hardware reaches its limit, you must pay additional money to upgrade.

A UCaaS service allows you to add and delete users as needed quickly.

Simple Access – Use UCaaS From Anywhere

UCaaS systems are cloud-based, with user and admin interfaces available through the Internet. UCaaS solutions are accessible from anywhere because of their web-based interface.

Most UCaaS systems include mobile applications that allow users to make and receive calls on their cell phones just like they would on their office phones. These mobile applications also provide remote employees with access to many of the same capabilities on an office phone, allowing them to work anywhere.

UCaaS Guarantees Support

Because UCaaS solutions are a monthly subscription, they come with free support. Because they do not install the technology at your location, the supplier is in charge of system maintenance. If there is a problem, you typically only need to notify the provider’s technical support and handle it from there.

A range of communication and collaboration apps and data of the standard integrated apps connected with UC get contracted to a third-party vendor and provided through an IP network, most often through the Internet.

The primary distinction between traditional UC and UCaaS is that the latter provides UC as a hosted service. It offers increased availability, flexibility, scalability, and significant cost savings. Most UCaaS users invest to avoid the capital and operational expenditures of deploying UC on their own).

Organizations need to accommodate a rising number of communication channels and interactions without committing to a matching increase in investment is the driving force behind this remarkable rise.

PBX, VoIP, UCaaS – the list of technical names seems to go on forever, especially for communication systems. If you’ve been researching alternative UC choices for your company, chances are you’ve compared these three communication platforms.

These three systems are distinct, even though they all pertain to communication and business connections in the workplace. What is the distinction between Ucaas vs PBX, VoIP, and UCaaS?

Which networking solution is best suited to your company or organization? Consider PABX an improved version of PBX (Private Branch Exchange). These words are almost interchangeable.

A Private Automatic Branch Exchange (PABX) is an alternative to VoIP. As businesses expand, they require more phones to help clients, vendors, and staff. However, the expenses of installing and maintaining additional connections can quickly add up.

What Exactly is PABX?

PABX is a business solution for organizations that require several lines for internal and external communications. It enables businesses to use a single access number with many extensions. This is less expensive than using several landlines connected to the public network.

A firm that employs PBX or PABX functions similarly to a telephone exchange. PABX automates the switching activities required to connect calls across. That is the letter “A” in the acronym. In contrast, traditional PBX requires human switchboard operators to connect phone users.

Each device connected to the exchange in a PABX system has a unique extension number. Desk phones, computer modems, and fax machines are examples of such equipment. This method allows for several access lines while only requiring a few connections to the public network.

The public switched telephone network is another name for this network (PSTN). Many businesses use PABX to handle a large volume of incoming and outgoing calls.

What is a PABX System, and how does it work?

A PABX system is frequently owned and managed by the firm that hosts it. Many call centers and major corporations use PABX. Auto-attendant, phone conferencing, call hold, and call transfer are all standard features.

A PABX enables businesses to use more phone units than they have actual phone lines. Companies need to set extension numbers for each line device. PABX users can make free internal calls.

The following essential functions and advanced features are available in most PABX systems:

• Auto Attendant (Digital Receptionist).
• Automatic Ring Back.
• Call Forwarding.
• Call Parking
• Call Pickup.
• Call Queueing
• Call Recording.
• Call Transfer.
• Call Waiting.
• Conference Call.
• Do Not Disturb (DND).
• Direct Dial-In
• IVR (Interactive Voice Response)
• Ring Groups
• Speed Dialing
• Voicemail

Differences between UCaaS and PBX

The terms PBX and PABX are almost interchangeable. Both are switching systems. They’re not identical, but that’s fine. Consider PABX to be an enhanced version of the classic PBX.

A Private Branch Exchange (PBX) is a telephone network owned, managed, and used by a company. Human operators operate the switchboards used in phone lines in traditional PBX systems. Switchboard operators work wires physically to complete a call circuit.

It creates a POTS connection between two persons (Plain Old Telephone Service). Human-operated devices are called Private Manual Branch Exchange (PMBX).

PABX systems employ computers to automate the switching procedure. That is the primary distinction.

Nowadays, the term “PBX” can apply to both automated and manual services. In the cloud, you may host an Internet-based PBX. It can also use SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) Trunking to connect to on-premises devices.

PABX functions similarly to a miniature public telephone exchange. A standard system comprises both software and hardware. Telecommunication units, routers, fax machines, modems, hubs, adapters, and switches are examples.

A firm can establish its local phone system using PABX by employing local extension numbers. These extensions get assigned to certain phones and gadgets on the corporate premises. This method makes internal phone communication easier. In-house calls do not need to get routed outside of the local network.

Users can connect to internal networks by pressing a button. A voice message greets an inbound call on a PABX. We know this as Interactive Voice Response (IVR) (IVR). It asks the caller to dial a number to contact the proper department or speak about their orders. They routed incoming calls via the PABX, depending on the code or extension number.

UCaaS

UCaaS (Unified Communication as a Solution) is a cloud-based service that combines your corporate communication tools into a single platform. Unified Communications solutions enable your company to connect phone, data, text messages, and other messaging services with everything else it uses.

Unified Communication will make it simple for you to deliver consistently high-quality customer service.

VOIP Based System

A PBX connects to the public telephone exchange for outbound calls. One or more exterior (trunk) lines are present in a conventional PBX. It remains connected to the trunk line through a set number of internal lines (extensions). To make outside calls, staff and other local users must share the external lines.

VoIP-based PBX solutions are preferable. They have an infinite number of lines or extensions. Multimedia communications are also possible with the internet protocol. An IP PBX/PABX system gets built in a variety of ways. The two most common ones are:

• Begin from the bottom and work your way up. In this scenario, a hosted IP-based PBX system is the superior and more cost-effective alternative.
• Modernize existing conventional (landline) phone systems. Using a SIP trunk provider, integrate existing phone numbers and gear.

Both systems make use of an internet connection to improve corporate telephone networks. They handle many sorts of data using ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network). Consider both as a data network rather than simply one.

Summary:

Businesses benefit from more control and flexibility over their voice activation operations when using PBX. It is a workable internal collaboration option. It’s also ideal for making and receiving phone calls.

A brief list of the top SIP trunking companies will assist you in determining which service best meets your demands and budget.

Even in today’s digital world, users often prefer to contact customer service via phone. The urgency and familiarity of speaking with a live person establish trust between users and customer service representatives.

However, for many expanding businesses, handling phone assistance may be a big issue. While it is frequently an excellent approach to assist clients, it is also the most time-consuming, has budget constraints, and difficult-to-measure support channel.

You’ll need effective call center software that allows your service staff to do their best work if you want to provide excellent phone assistance to your clients. If this program is not installed, customers will be placed on hold, and employees will struggle to answer questions. Supervisors will be unable to control the commotion since they will be unaware of call volume or patterns.

The finest call center software directs calls to the appropriate agents, gives extra context to staff, and aids management in implementing an omnichannel strategy.

Choosing the proper tools to develop your call center is essential, whether you’re a team of 10 or a few hundred. This article delves into typical call center features and the top call center software alternatives available this year.

Cloud-based call center software is one domain that has different benefits like omnichannel, call routing,  CRM Integration for Customer Context, Cloud-Based Calling, Reporting, Out aging Calls, Usage Pricing, Interactive Voice Response, Call Scripting, and Escalation Management. Cloud-based call center software is utilized in the call centers; some of the best software are listed below:

Cloud-Based Call Center Software

1. HubSpot
2. Aircall
3. Nextiva
4. CloudTalk
5. Bitrix24

HubSpot (Cloud-Based Call Center Software)

Look no further than HubSpot’s customer care software (Cloud-Based call center software)  and Service Hub whether you’re searching for sophisticated yet simple-to-use call center software.

HubSpot’s computer support solution is built on top of its premier CRM and related to its sales and marketing tools, and it’s associated with Aircall. That means the front-line worker has all the details they need to fix the issue right in front of them, regardless of who the client speaks with. Having all of this information in one place allows staff to provide a better client experience.

HubSpot’s call center software (Cloud-Based call center software) includes powerful automation capabilities and comprehensive reporting to help your team enhance customer experience consistently. A common email inbox, live chat software, and self-service capabilities are all included in Service Hub, and they all work smoothly with Aircall for phone assistance. Aircall’s monthly subscriptions start at $30 per user.

Businesses of all sizes can provide a great end-to-end customer experience across several channels by integrating HubSpot with Aircall’s cloud-based phone system.

Aircall (Cloud-Based Call Center Software)

Aircall, a cloud-based call center software, can assist your customer service staff in transforming client experiences. Some of the main features we discussed before, such as IVR, cloud-based calling, call routing, and more, are included in this program. Skills-based routing, call queuing, queue response, live call listening, and call quiet are all included in the program.

Managers may give behind-the-scenes advice and have an immediate effect using the call whispering function. This is beneficial to both the client experience and training.

Aircall also includes call center statistics, allowing you to track the performance of your employees individually or as a group.

Nextiva (Cloud-Based Call Center Software)

Nextiva is a simple solution that allows you to connect with more customers in less time while using fewer employees. IVR, automated call routing, and call queue are all available with Nextiva.

You may also improve agent call flow, use virtual agents to simplify conversations, and simplify the caller’s experiences.

CloudTalk (Cloud-Based Call Center Software)

ClouldTalk is a cutting-edge cloud-based call center software that gives users access to several unique capabilities. Its custom queue function, for example, allows support teams to choose how incoming calls will be dispersed. Inbound calls are directed to CloudTalk agents who are most qualified to handle the customer’s problem. This avoids phone transfers, which might be inconvenient for customers.

CloudTalk also offers personalized voicemails, which may be customized. Customers can leave voicemails for agents to respond to later if your team is unavailable. Customers will not be kept on hold for an indefinite period of time while waiting for a response from your staff. Instead, they may leave a message, go back to work, and wait for your staff to respond with a pre-planned solution.

Bitrix24 (Cloud-Based Call Center Software)

Bitrix24 is a contact center designed around your to-do list that lets teams interact to complete their tasks. They provide a variety of customer support options, such as rentable phone lines, live chat, and email queues, all of which are integrated into Bitrix24’s task management solutions and CRM. Bitrix24 also offers an on-premise option for businesses that are still compelled to host their own data storage or choose to do so.

In the main heading, one question is initiated “what is unified communications infrastructure”. So first of all, take that one question, then move further.

What is Unified Communications Infrastructure?

The term “unified communications infrastructure” refers to server-based software applications that serve as a centralized communication medium for businesses and other organizations. The promise of a more consistent user experience across a more extensive range of communications channels and services is a fundamental component of the UCaaS concept.

One of the essential tasks in achieving this is integrating server-based communications products and application capabilities into a unified communications infrastructure. This is the major battleground for infrastructure companies that want to be at the forefront of UCaaS.

This domain comes from merging formerly distinct markets for telephone PBXs, email and calendaring, voice mail, audio conferencing, Web conferencing, and the more current market for instant messaging. Some features of mobility applications, such as corporate wireless e-mail software, are also included.

We also expect new capabilities and functionalities to emerge as critical components of a corporate UC infrastructure offering. Rich presence server apps, multiparty video conferencing, and better access to enterprise communications capabilities for mobile employees are just a few examples.

What is the Importance in Business of Unified Communications Infrastructure?

Unified communications infrastructure is a conceptual structure for merging telephone, video calling and conference, email, instant messaging, and appearance into a specific platform to simplify and increase corporate communications, interaction, and productivity.

UCaaS deployment is about developing strategies for how the multitude of real-time conversations synchronous or with relatively insignificant latency and asynchronous tools help the user collaborate and start communicating in a productive manner that improves organizational workflow than it is about moving out a specific technology.

Most businesses should be able to identify the strategic needs that UC addresses quickly and simply. Benefits of UC, according to TechTarget contributor Jon Arnold, include the following, which underline its relevance and support business adoption:

1. Improve existing processes
2. Increase employee productivity
3. Raise team-based productivity
4. Improve organizational agility
5. Streamline IT processes
6. Lower costs

UCaaS applications and platforms provide the mobility required by next-generation corporate strategies, with some being built as mobile-first apps. At the very least, UC technologies allow users to collaborate in a comparable way across mobile and desktop devices, on networks, and remotely.

Looking ahead, “unified communications services” present opportunities such as cloud-based services overtaking on-premises products, team collaboration becoming a hub of work, AI being used to speed access to relevant information, enable better communication, and greatly improved security and governance, and compliance. Analytics and improved workflows are also expected to help corporate processes.

Unified Communications Infrastructure Features and Technology

Unified communications infrastructure is a combination of old and new technology woven together to create the most significant voice, video, chat, and whiteboarding experiences possible.

TechTarget editor Luke O’Neill compiled a list of the nine most valuable UCaaS features for businesses:

• high-quality audio
• video conferencing
• ease of use
• meeting transcription
• screen sharing
• messaging and chat
• mobility
• virtual backgrounds and video layouts
• noise suppression and muting; and
• language translation

In comparison to its predecessor, 4G LTE, 5G wireless technology, which is projected to gain popularity in the following years, will improve the UC user experience by enabling faster speeds, reduced latency, and more capacity for gadgets to connect to the network and apps at the same time.

AI will also aid UC, since it may boost cooperation and the quality of brings the best. With these capabilities, AI will foster collaboration:

• To reduce distractions and enhance the accuracy of voice recognition applications, noise filtering is used.
• To serve a worldwide workforce, real-time translation and reproduction are required.
• summaries of meetings that are customized to the requirements of the recipients; and
• facial recognition to better secure meetings.

When employees return to the office, AI-driven touchless devices, such as smart speakers will be crucial. For example, in conference rooms and huddle rooms, users will be able to use voice commands to start and end sessions. UC technology permissions may be validated using voice biometrics, which AI likewise drives.

AI programs may also learn how team members operate best together and then map that information to enhance processes automatically. In more advanced AI applications, bots may be used to monitor calls and then provide information, including papers, relevant to the conversation.

Users’ hunger for video conferencing and calling has grown as their skills have improved, including a need for live video editing, which comprises the ability to alter backdrops and launch motion graphics and other camera tricks.

They also expect to absorb information, such as that which was formerly contained in a user manual, through short, entertaining films. These video conferencing developments have been noted by vendors, who are implementing them into their goods and services.

Access to UCaaS features is now more critical than ever. Business communication is changing at a disruptive speed, which requires sophisticated call integrations that a voice-only solution cannot be supported.

Moreover, a growing percentage of employees are working on their own devices and remotely. At the same time, customers want quick service and brand experience.

If you are opting for Unified Communications Solutions (UCaaS), you will quickly be able to discover that the cloud-based UC’s abilities and benefits exceed those of conventional telephone systems.

Although UCaaS costs are a role, it is more a matter of whether or not to move to a cloud-based platform. Consider the following five UCaaS features (and benefits) and the potential of a new set of communication tools.

For any UCaaS platform, certain system features are needed. These speech capabilities offer a link between your employees and the outside world. Many UCaaS providers provide them as all-inclusive bundles or as add-ons à la carte.

Connectivity through PSTN

The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) connection is needed to interact with non-office people.

Without it, desk telephones can only communicate with other users connected to the same communications system. Cloud telephone systems offer internet-based, external, and domestic telephone connections.

You will not lose any conventional analog telephone functions. Data packets are readily translated to audio signals between PSTN and corporate VoIP systems. The commercial benefits of UCaaS Messaging are as follows: Cooperate at new levels.

Workplace collaboration today appears very different from just a few years ago. This is partially due to better communication options, such as instant messaging.

Messaging is an essential and extensively utilized UCaaS component. It allows workers to improve procedures and work better (e.g., by sending a short SMS to answer a colleague’s query or sharing ideas in a group conversation).

Mobile VoIP: Stay Connected Everywhere

Mobility is one of the most significant benefits of a cloud-based UC system. Workers need not be on their workstations for a call anymore, and they may utilize all business telephone features from their smartphones directly.

Employees with a corporate VIP connection may stay linked to their colleagues and customers on their smartphones and tablets and continue to work regardless of where they live.

In addition to voice, consider video conferencing

Video conferencing is an essential part of modern days business. A UCaaS system offers improved video quality and users the opportunity to participate from any device regardless of location.

Video conferencing promotes a more open and engaging communication environment – due to the visual presence of participants – in contrast with voice-only sessions.

Integrating business applications: Remove customer support guesses

With a UCaaS solution, you may link your favorite business apps to your VoIP discussion.

Notably, the status of an order and call notes, services, and support personnel can quickly understand and solve an issue by having access to a customer’s purchase history.

Service efficiency is more important than ever! The Hubspot research shows that customers have a 10-minute customer service threshold. In addition, 90% of consumers believe that a “fast response” is essential or very critical.

Call Center: Creating Memorable Client Encounters

Cloud-based UC contact center features such as sophisticated call routing and reports help businesses improve their customer interactions.

Sales teams can easily track prospects and speed up their journey toward a purchase decision.

In addition, customers who contact the business may connect quickly to the person concerned and provide an excellent brand experience.

UCaaS’s Top Business Benefits

The most significant benefits of UCaaS for businesses include:

• Lower cost
• Enhanced user experience
• Enhanced scalability
• Robust security

Competitive Prices

The bulk of UCaaS solutions replaces many business apps you currently use and pay for.

This includes company VoIP services, group chat, video conferencing, and help desk services. You may get everything for less than $60 a month, rather than spending hundreds of dollars for each user.

Furthermore, UCaaS reduces the administrative overhead of maintaining a dozen different suppliers. Nextiva is the most cost-effective solution and has all the features businesses require.

A more pleasant Experience for Users

It becomes a single source of truth by concentrating communication on a single platform. Alarming research from Okta has shown that employees now use an average of 88 apps.

Everyone acts from the same consumer viewpoint rather than from separate apps.

You can offer a seamless customer experience at the fingertips of real-time data.

Extension of Scalability

It takes time to board new employees. It is considerably more complex when you work remotely.

Unified communications radically change the game for companies hungry for growth. Connection to the employee needs minimal technological resources. They are ready to go after downloading and logging into a mobile or laptop app.

You will not have to invest in costly telephone infrastructure as your staff expands. Thus, your efforts are focused on generating revenue rather than installing the server. The supplier of UCaaS handles the rest.

Safely Robust

Data security is a real problem, especially when moving to the cloud. UCaaS systems offer data security via 24-hour monitoring and encryption.

Account administrators may modify user settings and see detailed use logs to ensure you are fully controlled.

Make sure a UCaaS supplier has the relevant credentials to meet your requirements. Make sure they have communication tools that comply with HIPAA, PCI, and SOC 2 requirements.

The best features of UCaaS are at your fingertips.

In short, companies have numerous reasons to go to UCaaS.

For some, it is a way to ensure that employees and customers are on the same page. For others, it is a way of consolidating several communication apps into one. It may be the speed at which a company-wide deployment can be accomplished for many.

On one thing everyone agrees: UCaaS has a considerably greater capacity than traditional telephone networks. The days when technology can dictate how you work are gone. Unified Communications as a Service is not a futuristic idea; it is already a reality.

Distinguish yourself from rivals by working quicker and answering customer needs more quickly.