Unified communications solutions are being implemented by companies at a dizzying rate. The market has been growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.5% since 2021,¹ demonstrating the demand for a better set of collaboration tools for a largely remote and global workforce.

Here are some of the factors driving the interest in unified communications:

Cloud-Based Solutions Are Preferred

As companies have experienced the cost savings and flexibility of cloud technology, they are often taking a cloud-first approach. On-premise private branch exchange (PBX) solutions are often shown to be less flexible, more expensive, and offer fewer features when compared with cloud-based unified communications.

Hybrid Teams Demand Consistent Work Experiences

The mandatory remote work environments of the pandemic have largely been replaced by a permanent hybrid setting. Employees need to be able to access the same communications and collaboration tools, no matter where they are working.

Companies have found that productivity is about the same, if not better, when employees work from remote locations as when they are in the office. Employees, having grown accustomed to some of the work-life balance improvements that have come from working at home, are demanding a permanently hybrid solution. As a result, companies need the technology to support hybrid workplaces.

Employees Want Options

Unified communications fuel better global collaboration by offering flexibility in communication formats. Employees can seamlessly chat, email, hold video conferences, and share virtual workspaces.

These circumstances are likely to be some of the same elements being discussed in your own conversation about an upcoming communications technology upgrade. But as you consider options, keep the following considerations in mind:

Think Broadly

You should try to get beyond simply replacing your current technology with a cloud-based option. Think about your business processes and how work environments and siloed teams could completely change with a unified communications solution.

Choose a Solution that Encompasses Your Geography

Not all solutions have the features and tools necessary for global collaboration among your teams. Look for global time zone support, free intra-company calling, and data compliance that covers other countries’ standards.

Demand Visibility

You need a single pane-of-glass dashboard that offers 360-degree visibility and administrative control. A single, cloud-based communications platform makes it easier to stay connected with end users, as well as business partners that may access your systems.

Prioritize Security

Hackers were quick to capitalize on the vulnerabilities exposed by the shift to remote work during the pandemic, so it’s no surprise that they are watching for gaps as companies like yours move to unified communications. Choose a solution with security built in, such as end-to-end encryption.

If your company is contemplating an upgrade, unified communications is likely to provide the features, cost-savings, and scalability you need. Contact us at eXemplify to learn more about the solutions you should include in your consideration.