There are so many ways to communicate in a business. Whether it’s online or over the phone, everyone needs a way to get in touch. Unified communications as a service (UCaaS) describes companies that offer a full suite of communication services to other companies. With all of these different methods of communication, it’s very important to have a centralized system that assures you can always get in touch with the people you need.

UCaaS Defined

UCaaS companies provide a centralized platform to their clients. In addition to telephone and video conferencing, you’ll have access to real-time messaging and various applications that can allow employees to check in and give information about what they’re working on.

Essential Functions of UCaaS

UCaaS is such an important service to a company because it keeps the workplace integrated when everyone is spread out. Whether you have a centralized office or a distributed workforce, using telephones, video conferencing, messaging and tracking apps is crucial to understand where everyone is and what they’re up to.

There are five major components of UCaaS: voice, video, messaging, collaboration and the cloud. The point of using UCaaS is to give employees more ways to collaborate and give managers access to their employees’ workflows. Everyone can strategize to make operations more efficient.


How UCaaS Works

UCaaS takes all of its services to the internet. This is especially helpful for companies that want to save money on hardware costs because they won’t need landline phone systems. Since UCaaS functions online, employees can easily route calls throughout the system. It uses voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) to process calls.

Communications platform as a service (CPaaS) is another popular service for companies to integrate messaging into their applications. However, UCaaS is distinct from CPaaS because it provides software that is costly or difficult for a nonexpert to operate.


Benefits of UCaaS

The advantages of migrating to UCaaS are obvious from the beginning. Cloud-based services are significantly less expensive than installing all of the hardware necessary to maintain a large phone system.

UCaaS is also great for the whole company because it allows for flexibility for all employees. Being able to work from anywhere with access to all communications is great for remote and hybrid working options. Companies, where people have to travel a lot, would benefit from UCaaS.

UCaaS providers also take security very seriously. This is ideal for both internal communication and protecting customer information. Additionally, the many communication options give customers a better experience.

Finally, a UCaaS system is easily scalable. The cloud system makes it easy to scale up with very little fuss. Instead of buying new hardware, all you need is more online storage.


Setting Up a UCaaS System

When you implement a big new program such as UCaaS, you have to make sure you have a plan for integrating it across the company. Starting with employee training is extremely important.

While you’re still in the early stages, you’ll also want to monitor the system closely and take assessments and reports from everyone using it. Soon enough, it will run with very little intervention. 

Finding the best UCaaS provider depends on your business needs for the system. Nextiva, RingCentral, Zoom, Vonage and 8×8 all provide UCaaS systems for businesses of all sizes.


Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between UCaaS and CPaaS?

CPaaS providers mostly handle messaging platforms that are easily integrated with existing technology. UCaaS takes a global approach to communication and implements voice, video and all types of communication.

Is Zoom a UCaaS?

Yes, Zoom offers plans that cover UCaaS needs for businesses. It has voice-calling capabilities in addition to video calls.

Is UCaaS cloud-based?

UCaaS takes all types of communication and transfers them to the cloud. This is why you don’t need telephone hardware with UCaaS.

What are the types of messaging that a UCaaS platform works with?

A UCaaS platform can integrate several different forms of messaging, including instant, voice, conference, mobile, presence and business processes, using collaboration tools like landline phones, mobile phones, tablets, laptops and desktop computers.