The 5 Pillars of Unified Communications

Communication has always been an essential aspect in the operation of any business, whether large, medium, or small. Unified communications not only improve employee productivity and communication but they also enhance collaboration as well. With the use of various technologies to communicate across various channels, employees can collaborate together at any time of the day, not just during work hours. Better collaboration can help improve the workplace experience, streamline IT operations, attract the next generation of candidates and boost business agility.

According to McKinsey & Company, having ‘connected’ employees improves productivity by 20-25%. Unified communications take standard communication to the next level by integrating instant messaging, in-person conferencing, voice, mobility features (i.e. extension mobility, single number reach, etc.), and video.

Below are the 5 pillars of unified communications:

1. Voice

Although new methods of communication such as email, texting, and social media are more instant, voice communication is still important to businesses, especially in an increasingly impersonal world. An ordinary telephone call is still effective in communicating because it connects a caller with a human voice, and thus, creates a connection that other media fail to create.

2. Messaging

Instant messaging allows online chat between users, reducing email inefficiencies. This makes messaging easier and gives users the ability to respond to each other without needing to wait long periods of time for a response. Because instant messages appear immediately on the screen, this saves a considerable amount of time.

Utilising instant messaging can make workplace communication more efficient, reduce interferences, and even improve customer service. Instant messaging also lends users the ability to remain in constant contact with each other in case issues arise that may require assistance.

3. Conferencing

Physical presence shows personal status, which helps to define the best way to communicate. Due to this, video conferencing negates travel and expense issues yet still allows for face-to-face meetings in order to help create a strong bond between participants while also making it easier to focus.

With video conferencing and the interactions between the participants, people can build strong relationships with each other by engaging with each other as well as picking up on different emotions and body language.

4. Mobility

Mobile can mitigate a number of business issues such as missed meetings and delays.

With mobile devices, you can view all scheduled meetings while on the go. Mobile will also allow you to stay auto-synced with your offline calendar. Having a mobile device that is ‘meeting ready’ will allow you to simply tap an icon on your phone to immediately connect you to a meeting. No more searching for access codes and phone numbers, which can make you late for meetings.

5. Video

84% of people prefer remote meetings and 83% of people work remotely at least part of the time. Although video conferences don’t involve a physical presence, seeing someone on video can make communication more personal. Not only that, but virtual meetings can eliminate delays at the start of your meeting, help you gauge reactions and modify your meeting accordingly and shorten response times.

Virtual conferences also help keep everyone on the same page. For example, you may be discussing an important business concept. You can share your desktop screen with attendees and show them webpages, application, and documents relevant to the topic you’re discussing. This eliminates the confusion over where to find the file being discussed because you can show it right on your screen and share it with others.

You can find all the pillars of unified communication in one place

All of these essential elements of communication can be found in one product: the Horizon Collaborate from Windsor Telecom. At Windsor Telecom, we will bring you memorable business numbers, call handling, and communication solutions. Contact us today to learn more.