Are you trying to find the perfect UCaaS provider for your business? If so, certain factors, such as the value-added capabilities and integration features, should be fully analyzed to find the right fit for your company. At the end of the day, the provider you choose should meet all the functional requirements you need, remain on budget, and provide your business with improved margins.
What is a UCaaS System?
Unified Communications as a Service, frequently referred to as a UCaaS system, allows users to communicate across multiple media channels. Three main functions can be supported through a UCaaS system, which are telephone communication, virtual meetings, and instant messaging. These functions give businesses added flexibility in the workplace to communicate through multiple channels, ultimately leading to more efficient work outputs and a stronger sense of teamwork within the workplace.
What Value-Added Capabilities Should I Look For?
When deciding on a UCaaS provider, you need to analyze the value-added capabilities each provider is promising you. Value is only added to your business if it helps you generate a return on investment. A return on investment can be analyzed a few different ways, from increasing the net profit at the end of the month to improving employee productivity. You will need to analyze the value-added capabilities your business needs to avoid overpaying for services that won’t be used.
Additionally, the longest list of features a UCaaS provider sends you isn’t always the greatest. Because of this, you should only consider services from a UCaaS provider that will generate more productivity or profit within the business. Some businesses may be evolving and need remote capabilities, but for other businesses, everyone works in the office so that is not a needed service. Be sure you read contracts to understand and avoid any maintenance fees, training expenses and other add-on services that you might not be aware of.
What Integration Capabilities Should I Look For?
After you determine what functionality your business requires from a UCaaS provider, take a look at the integration capabilities with other software platforms. Your UCaaS system should seamlessly integrate with other functions and programs within your business, such as your email service, CRM and programs that include business automation. Seamless integration avoids having to switch to different windows and launch separate applications. If a potential UCaaS provider does not have these integration capabilities, your business processes won’t flow as smoothly, which could lead to decreased productivity and increased time spent on redundant tasks. You want to give your employees the tools necessary for efficient operations within the business, making integration capabilities a top priority when choosing a provider.
Summary
The value-added features and integration capabilities each UCaaS provider offers need to be evaluated to find the best match for your company. Still stuck on finding the right option? Well, the good news is we have made a Part 2 that goes into detail on the security features to look for in a provider to help you make the right decision.