Cloud technology has revolutionized the way companies do business. Enterprises from home-based micro businesses to multinational corporations rely on cloud-based software and tools to streamline operations, improve efficiency, ensure resiliency, and save money. One area that has especially benefited from the cloud is communications. Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) allows companies to design a comprehensive and streamlined way to collaborate and share information to ensure productivity no matter where workers are located. If you are considering upgrading your company's approach to communications, refer to this guide to get started.

What Business Owners Need to Know About Unified Communications as a Service

What is UCaaS?

At its core, UCaaS is a cloud-based system that encompasses the primary forms of business communication — phone, fax, email, video conferencing, instant messaging, etc. — into one single, cloud-based solution. Instead of relying on multiple tools and systems, which can become complex and costly to manage, a unified communications system is streamlined. Your team can be more productive and easily collaborate because they are all working on the same platform. 

How can users access UCaaS technology?

Businesses using UCaaS typically subscribe to a service that provides applications that fulfill primary business communication needs, paying a monthly, quarterly, or annual fee. The system infrastructure, such as the servers and other hardware, is owned, managed, and maintained by the service provider.

Once the application is installed on your team's devices, they can communicate and work as usual. Most of the functions rely on Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP), but UCaaS also integrates with most email solutions. 

Is UCaaS secure?

Data security is a critical concern for any business. Relying on a cloud-based platform for unified communications can actually improve security for several reasons. First, you aren't responsible for managing the security of multiple platforms with varying degrees of security and different protocols. Second, UCaaS providers are held to strict security standards and best practices, including third-party security audits, compliance with standards like HIPAA, and ongoing network monitoring. UCaaS data centers are also tightly controlled, with the highest levels of physical security.

Is UCaaS reliable?

Cloud-based solutions have become a crucial component of many business disaster management and recovery plans. When your company uses UCaaS for communication, there is less concern that a local disaster will knock out communications. Reliability during normal operations is also important, and UCaaS providers are committed to maintaining maximum uptime. Ideally, your unified communications provider should guarantee 99.99% uptime and provide accessible, responsive technical support to ensure uninterrupted communications. 

Explore UCaaS solutions for your business with Flair Data Systems. For over 100 years, businesses in the Dallas–Ft. Worth area have relied on these experts for industry-leading, secure, and reliable unified communications systems tailored to their unique needs. Learn more about their offerings on the website, or call (214) 445-3500 to speak with a knowledgeable team member about your needs.