The last two years have pushed unified communications (UC) into the forefront as a business staple. Ninety-three percent of businesses have increased their UC use, and the global UC market is expected to grow by $169.82 billion during 2021-2025. Business leaders and IT executives must be familiar with the key concepts in unified communications to make the right decision for their business. Here’s what you need to know about UC technologies, updated for 2022:
What is Ambient Computing? The concept of ambient computing encompasses cognitive technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, virtual agents, etc., in a business environment. Learn more.
What Is Asynchronous Communication? Asynchronous communication occurs when users communicate without being present simultaneously. It is the opposite of real-time communication and can be conducted through digital tools. Learn more.
What is Bring Your Own Carrier? Bring Your own Carrier or BYOC refers to the practice of sticking to a local or existing carrier plan when modernizing the telephony stack. One can use a cloud platform but still bring their own carrier. Learn more.
What is Cloud Calling? Cloud calling or cloud telephony allows users to replace on-premise carrier-based systems with Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP. It also streamlines back-end call management. Learn more.
What is Cloud Communications? The cloud is a foundational technology for UC that enables communication via the internet instead of standards PSTN. It also supports greater integration. Learn more.
What is Collaboration Analytics? This refers to data analytics insights on teamwork, productivity, collaboration patterns, and other aspects of online work. Nearly every UCaaS platform today offers collaboration analytics. Learn more.
What is Collaboration Software? These software platforms provide organizations with a virtual workplace where employees can chat, work, meet on video, share files, and more. They can be cloud-based or on-premise. Learn more.
What is CPaaS? CPaaS or Communications Platform as a Service is an API-based solution that allows organizations to integrate communication tools such as chat into their existing applications. Learn more.
What is Direct Routing? Direct routing refers to a Microsoft service that allows users to make direct calls via Microsoft Teams while using their preferred carrier. Learn more.
What is Hybrid Remote Work? As the term suggests, hybrid remote work refers to a working model where employees primarily work remotely but may come into the office for essential in-person sessions. Learn more.
What Is a Hybrid Meeting Room? These are meeting rooms that support in-person presence and remote join-in through a video conferencing platform. Employees in the office and at home can work together in hybrid meeting rooms. Learn more.
What is a PBX? PBX or Private Branch Exchange is a private telephone network that allows users to speak with each other, typically in a business environment. It is essentially a switching system that improves the older PSTN. Learn more.
What is PoE? Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a way to carry electrical energy through data cables, such as Ethernet connections. It lets users connect their devices to the internet and derive power supply using the same cable. Learn more.
What is a Session Border Controller? A Session Border Controller or SBC is a device that VoIP networks use to manage media streams. It enforces a standardized quality of service while managing calls. Learn more.
