Rich communication suites offer users all kinds of advanced features to stay in touch with each other and keep information flowing freely. Companies that implement RCS services enjoy the benefits of a streamlined package of communication tools that allow them to accomplish work effectively and efficiently, no matter the size or location of the business.
But how users interact with an RCS is important, because the right interface can make all the difference. Ensuring that a user portal is easy to navigate, and even fun to use, enhances the worker experience beyond simply giving them the tools. In other words, it’s not just the access that counts, but how the access is packaged. The VoipSwitch User Portal (VUP), for instance, was created with the end user in mind to offer the best experience possible, by giving users access to all RCS features from any Web browser.
The VoipSwitch User Portal is a self-care, customer portal tailored to Voice of IP (VoIP) service providers, bringing together the RCS features as well as account management and billing functionalities. Because the VUP was built with a focus on bringing its users together, it offers quick access to contact lists stored on the service in the Network Address Book (NAB), which is shared across all RCS devices including smartphones, tablets, and desktops. This makes it easy for users to stay in touch. What’s more, users can pick up a conversation where they left off. VUP user history is shared across all clients and is archived on the server, so that no matter when and on what device a user logs in next, that user’s latest communication details will right there.
Image courtesy of VoipSwitch
A unique element to the VUD that takes its user experience up a notch is the ability for users to create social media-like profiles, complete with personal information, an avatar image, and presence status (i.e. current communication availability). All RCS contacts are presented with these social profiles to give the user portal a personal and community-oriented feel. Quick access to widgets responsible for various RCS functionalities is also presented on the user dashboard.
High quality voice and audio RCS calling features use the WebRTC media engine, so that users can access them directly from a browser. WebRTC works like a universal translator for audio and video codecs, allowing two users with very different video file formats to communicate with one another. Because of this, WebRTC technology is growing in popularity within the business sector, where companies usually have their own strict and certified formatting for video conferencing. WebRTC is also beneficial because it is accessible through a simple Web browser, which means that users will never have to download anything other than what they already have for access to a video conference.
VoipSwitch’s use of WebRTC, combined with the fact that VUD is an HTML5-based system, ensures that the portal is a universally accessible tool. With the rise of bring your own device (BYOD) policies in businesses around the world, it’s becoming increasingly important to use systems that can seamlessly integrate with all kinds of devices and from any Web browser. VoipSwitch User Portal achieves this with flying colors.
Edited by Alisen Downey