How unified communication solutions are transforming collaboration

In today's swiftly evolving business environment, where effective communication is paramount, unified communication solutions stand out as a business essential, particularly as mobile integration becomes critical. This isn't just speculation; there's a wealth of data confirming that the mobile market is outpacing PC and tablet growth, especially among the incoming information workers. A mobile strategy has transformed from a 'nice to have' to a fundamental aspect of any long-term collaboration strategy.

This shift towards mobile-centric communication strategies reflects a broader change in workplace dynamics. It's not merely about the devices through which people collaborate, but the flexibility and mobility these devices provide. Mobile device usage isn't just surpassing PC growth; it's reshaping the very notion of workplace accessibility. Organizations can now facilitate real-time communication and collaboration, with employees able to access data and key workloads from any location and on any device. The emergence of this mobile-first approach dovetails with the increasing trend of flexible hours and remote working, challenging the traditional 9-to-5 office paradigm and demanding a more adaptable communication infrastructure.

Incorporating a mobile strategy into the fabric of business operations is no longer optional but a definitive requirement. Unified communication systems allow a user to be reachable on multiple devices and systems using a single phone number. That's a robust solution that optimizes the tools employees use to collaborate, serving the new remote- and flexible-work business norm. This article will help demystify UC and explain how to take advantage of UC solutions for your business.

Creating a UC strategy

Unified communications contribute to collaboration by streamlining different modes of communication into a cohesive system. This allows for real-time communication and information sharing, enabling team members to work together more effectively regardless of location.

The three main components of unified communications typically include:

1. Call Control and Multimodal Communications: This is the core of unified communications, which manages various types of communication. Call Control allows users to initiate, answer, redirect, hold, and end calls, while “Multimodal” refers to communication through multiple modes or types of communication (voice, video, chat) within the same session or context.

2. Presence: This is a feature that indicates the availability and current status of a user to other users within the network. It shows whether someone is online, busy, away from their desk, in a meeting, or out of the office.

3. Instant Messaging: This is a form of real-time, text-based communication between two or more people over the internet or a private network, and is typically used through a dedicated software application or web service. It enables users to send and receive short messages instantaneously, both synchronously or asynchronously.

The value of unified communications is that it unifies all communication tools under one platform – for instance, Verizon Mobile Microsoft Teams uplifts calls made and received through Microsoft Teams to the traditional voice network – leading to cost savings, increased productivity, and a simplified IT environment. Unified communications addresses the modern need for comprehensive and flexible communication tools that accommodate remote work, diverse communication preferences, and the fast pace of business operations, and supports business growth by adapting to changing communication technologies and workstyles.

But where do mobile devices fit into this strategy?

The concept of unified communication as it applies to mobile communication and collaboration refers to the integration of various communication channels, like voice, video, and text, into a single mobile device, providing a consistent and connected experience across all platforms. This enables flexibility and mobility, as team members can collaborate using the same set of tools whether they're in the office or on the go.

Mobile UC benefits collaboration by providing constant connectivity and the ability to interact through various forms of communication from any location. This improves the pace at which tasks can be completed and enhances the flexibility of team dynamics.

Transitioning to a Single Number

The concept of the "single number" refers to the integration of various communication channels into a single point of contact, typically a mobile number. This concept has evolved from the need to streamline communication processes and ensure that connectivity is seamless, regardless of the device in use. By consolidating multiple contact points into a single, easily accessible number, businesses have been able to enhance their communication efficiency and foster a more collaborative work environment.

One of the significant advantages of a single number strategy is the ability to transition seamlessly between devices. In today’s mobile-centric world, professionals are constantly on the move, requiring access to communication channels across various devices. Unified communication solutions ensure that whether an employee is at their desk, on their mobile phone, or using a tablet, they can access calls, messages, and collaboration tools effortlessly. This not only boosts productivity but also enhances the user experience, leading to greater job satisfaction and engagement.

In recognition of the evolving business communication landscape, Verizon introduced Verizon Mobile for Microsoft Teams (VMMT)—a service designed to seamlessly integrate mobile devices with Microsoft Teams, enhancing calling and collaboration capabilities. As the pioneering U.S. operator to offer such integration, Verizon enables users to make and receive Teams calls directly through their mobile device's native dialer. This development signifies a substantial step forward in creating a cohesive business communications experience, leveraging Verizon's 5G/LTE prowess alongside Microsoft's robust Teams platform.

Aimed at addressing the demands of IT business leaders seeking to consolidate collaboration tools, increase employee responsiveness, and optimize costs, the service offers a mobile-first approach to Teams. It simplifies the hybrid work model by providing a unified business number that links mobile and desktop environments, facilitating constant connectivity for the modern, mobile workforce.

Cost Savings and Reducing Redundancies

The adoption of a unified communication strategy not only streamlines business processes by eliminating redundancies and consolidating multiple systems into one, resulting in significant cost savings and operational efficiency, but it also ensures compatibility and scalability across various devices and platforms. Such integration enhances collaboration and productivity as employees benefit from a streamlined communication experience without the complexity of multiple contact points.

The narrative is clear: businesses must adapt to a landscape where personal and portable devices are becoming the primary tools for accessing collaboration solutions, requiring a seamless and secure communication platform. By accommodating these imperatives, companies not only keep pace with technological and societal shifts but also unlock new levels of efficiency and employee satisfaction, setting a new standard for what it means to be connected in the modern world.

Verizon Mobile for Microsoft Teams helps reduce customer costs by providing a unified communications platform that integrates mobile devices with Microsoft Teams, eliminating the need for multiple communication systems and the associated maintenance and operational costs. By streamlining communication tools into a single application, businesses can reduce expenditures on redundant devices, voice services, and support infrastructure.

From an operations and administration standpoint, the consolidation of services can simplify IT requirements and lower administrative overhead. The mobile-first approach also supports flexible and remote working conditions, which can lead to further cost savings by potentially reducing the need for physical office space and related expenses.

The evolution of solutions like Verizon Mobile for Microsoft Teams represents a significant leap forward in the world of business communication. By integrating mobile numbers with collaboration platforms, unified communication solutions are simplifying business processes and setting the stage for a new era of connectivity – and with its Microsoft partnership, Verizon is at the forefront of this evolution. As organizations continue to navigate the complexities of the digital age, the importance of seamless transitions between devices, cost savings, and the reduction of redundancies cannot be overstated.

With the right unified communication solutions in place, businesses can unlock their full potential, driving innovation, efficiency, and success.