Collaboration tools can elevate the way teams communicate at the office, at home, remotely and anywhere in between. Global enterprises have invested in unified communications (UC) solutions for years to manage and optimize disparate teams. Small and mid-size businesses, however, are just now seizing the power of a comprehensive toolset made up of various communication components that offer numerous benefits for teams working in and out of office. Some of these communication tools have continued to become lifelines as hybrid office schedules have secured a foothold across numerous industries. Let’s look at three top tools available in a unified communications solution.
Messaging/Chat
One of the most common components of unified communications is messaging. Arguably the most flexible of solutions, messaging applications provide that real-time communication we need to keep tasks and projects moving without needing to pick up a phone or wait for an email response. With availability status, file sharing and data recording, employees are better supported as an agile team who can effectively collaborate with constant communication. While messaging began as a solution for people who wanted to chat with family and friends over the internet, it has emerged as one of the most important and powerful tools for businesses that we can recommend.
Voice Over IP (VoIP)
When you’re considering every cost-saving opportunity, adopting a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone system can do away with extra hardware costs like PBX because it has enabled phone services to operate over computer networks. As a strategy, VoIP offers a business greater flexibility in the numbers of users and channels used and increased mobility for employees moving between an office, home and out in the field—making it a critical feature for hybrid workforces. VoIP also comes with access to rich features including video calling, voicemail, click-to-call on websites, recording services and messaging.
Video Conferencing
Prior to quarantine, face-to-face communication by way of video conferences and virtual meeting rooms reduced the need for costly travel. But with remote working now part of many business models, video allows for dispersed teams to work collaboratively, increase productivity, and allow for more expansive company cultures that include telecommuting team members. It’s one of our favorite tools for providing valuable face-to-face time with team members no matter the distance.
Whether you are a large enterprise or small business, the right combination of unified communications tools can take your business processes to the next level. There is no single strategy for implementing UC and here at Computer Solutions, we can help you create a custom UC solution to get your teams communicating more effectively and working more collaboratively. From hardware to software, Computer Solutions is ready to be your complete IT partner for any technology business solution. Contact us today.
