One of the biggest advantages of modern telecommunications is Unified Communications. Unified Communications, or UC, merges voice, chat, video, mobility, and presences management and puts them on your laptop, smartphone, and other devices. The best thing about UC is that busy people can stay in touch and not miss important meetings and events in the office. Not only does it permit better communications in general, but it improves customer service. It sounds great, but is there a downside?
Pros of Unified Communications
Softphone
Ever since the development of softphones, they have beneficial to remote workers. Soft phones run on your laptop or smartphone and connect you directly to your desk phone. Not only can you make and receive calls as though you were on your desk phone, but you can check voicemails, call logs, and the directory from it.
Voicemail to Email
One of the other great features of Unified Communications is that you can get your voicemail delivered into your email account. Now, if you’re on the go or have a few spare minutes prior to a meeting, you can catch up on your voicemails. In many ways, it’s less complex and more convenient than calling them up from your desk phone.
Find me Follow me
Find me Follow me (or Twinning) connects your smartphone to your desk phone. Whenever someone dials your DID number, not only does your desk phone ring but your smartphone does as well. This decreases the likelihood of playing phone tag with a colleague or client.
Cons of Unified Communication
One of the biggest drawbacks to unified communications is that you are a little too available. Unfortunately, work can often seep into your free time. Now that everyone is available all the time, instant responses have become the new normal. While all of these features are fantastic, it is advisable that you implement some rules and set clear expectations in regard to response time.
The other challenge is that sometimes IT staffs forget that there are voice applications operating on the LAN and routed to the internet. If your LAN, IP address or ISP changes, all of your UC features may stop operating. You’ll have to work with your IT staff to make sure that any changes are during business downtime.
Unified Communications should be a vital aspect of your business communications. Even if there are some downsides, the advantages far outweigh the negatives. If you have any Business Phone System questions, please contact us. You can also follow us on Twitter.
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