Your communications ecosystem is critical to the success of your business – especially in the new era of work that is geo-dispersed and remote or hybrid-remote for the foreseeable future. Traditional communications systems such as on-site VoIP had their day, but many businesses have recognized the power of the cloud now. The flexibility, scalability, security, and convenience of cloud-based communications solutions has put unified communications as a service (UCaaS) in the spotlight.
UCaaS is a collaborative, cloud-based platform that helps your employees communicate and collaborate through multiple modes with each other and customers, saving you time and money. But there are an overwhelming number of UCaaS vendors out there. How do you know which one is right for you? When you’re ready to move to UCaaS, this guide can help you choose the right provider.
Look for Available Features
The unified communications landscape for your business looks a lot different today than it did five years ago, and it will probably look different five years from now. As the field of unified communications evolves, you need to have a vendor that can change with it. Your UCaaS provider must be up to date on the latest innovations and able to integrate your communications systems effectively to create a seamless communications experience for your employees and customers.
Different UCaaS providers will have different services and features based on the industries they cater to, so make sure you find one that has the correct functionality to meet your unique needs.
Make Sure Security Is a Priority
The cloud is a secure place to house your communications data and services, but only as long as you have a vendor that prioritizes security. As you evaluate UCaaS providers, check to make sure they adhere to the specific requirements in your industry, including GDPR compliance and PCI compliance if necessary.
Reliability
Many businesses are hesitant to move communications services offsite because they worry about losing control. Hosting your communications in the cloud does mean that you rely on a third party to ensure that your services are always up and running. However, the right UCaaS provider will provide even more security than your onsite facility with redundancy, backups, and an effective plan in case of a disaster.
Keep an Eye on Costs
Your technology expenses are a big part of your overall budget, but keeping track of where it all goes can be confusing as your vendor list grows. With the right UCaaS vendor, you can streamline your costs to reduce waste. Additionally, technology expense management services such as those offered through Symplicity can help you find ways to consolidate services and avoid wasteful spending on redundant ones. Centralized communications management can also help you discover things you are paying for but not using and get rid of them to further cut costs.
Service & Support
Features, costs, and reliability are all important, but service and support from your UCaaS provider should not be overlooked. Some things to watch for include:
- Fast, simple deployment of a unified communications platform.
- Customized migration strategy based on your needs – either a phased migration or a single rollout.
- 24/7 online or phone support.
- Platform customization to meet your needs.
- Ongoing training for your staff.
Discuss Your UCaaS Needs With Us
Symplicity can help you break through all the noise and confusion in the UCaaS vendor landscape. Our straightforward approach sorts through the myriad of solutions to find the one that will move your business forward based on your specific systems and requirements. Contact us today to learn how we can help in your UCaaS selection process.
