Enterprise Communications Featured Article

Unified communications (UC) is an industry that has taken off and should continue to be strong for several years. A Transparency Market Research study predicts that UC, which was a $22.8 billion industry worldwide in 2012, will grow to $61.9 billion in 2018, a CAGR of 15.7 percent. In spite of its strength, obstacles have stood in the way of UC achieving its full potential. They also stand in the way of success.

One of the simplest examples of an obstacle to UC success is the overly controlling company that does not allow its employees to telecommute. Such practices may give management a sense of control in the short term, but the costs outweigh the benefits.

Mobile employees can respond faster to customers than employees who are only available during working hours. Allowing telecommuting also means that a company is not limited to hiring people from the immediate area. The environmental impact by reducing or eliminating commutes altogether can be huge, especially to companies with green initiatives.  

The sales team can also benefit from UC. Collaboration tools reduce the need to perform presentations and demos at the prospect’s office. This not only helps the environment, but also saves on time and money spent in transit.

Success not only means being able to connect more efficiently with employees, prospects and customers, but also to keep the business running in spite of disasters or other unplanned interruptions. UC allows communication to occur without regard to the location of employees. If employees can communicate from anywhere, then the next earthquake or power outage near a company office will not automatically mean disruptions in sales and support.

The future for UC is bright; thanks to technology that has not only made it possible, but cost effective. To take full advantage of its potential, companies and organizations need to get away from the centralized, top-down command structure that they have been comfortable with and develop an environment that is more decentralized, will save money in several ways and keep them connected to their customers.