Buyers Guide to UCaaS

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Unified Communications as a Service, more commonly referred to as UCaaS, is a preferred solution for many modern-day schools and businesses. Essentially it combines the functionality of an office phone system with apps that allow chatting and video conferencing via different mediums all in one easy to use solution. This is an ideal way to make communicating with others a more user-friendly experience, and having access to a buyer’s guide to UCaaS can make the transition smoother from start to finish.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Why Use UCaaS?

Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) is designed to enhance a student, teacher, employee, or business executive’s work from just about anywhere by integrating multiple communication techniques such as video conferencing and instant messaging into one comprehensive solution. Some of the capabilities UCaaS can offer its users include:

• Messaging: Instant messaging for individual or group chatting
• Video Features: Videos among varied numbers of meeting participants
• Voice Features: Calls, recordings, etc.

All these features are generally internet based via a private cloud connection and can enhance overall feasibility for communication and project management. In addition to potentially making school and business communications smoother, using UCaaS can also offer perks such as:

• Cost-effectiveness. Going to this type of solution may actually save businesses money compared to using a la carte communication solutions such as conferencing services or team messaging software.
• Customizable. Each organization’s UCaaS setup can look and function differently. The key is to work with a reputable AV integrator to design a customizable system that works for an organization’s specific needs.
• Versatility. It can be an excellent tool particularly for those individuals working outside the office or from home.
• Privacy. Teachers needing to contact students or parents can utilize an app on their cell phone (such as Zoom) without sharing their personal number or being on a landline at school.

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Zoom Phone As A UCaaS Tool

Brought to you also by Zoom is the Zoom Phone, a cloud based UCaaS communications solution. It is designed to keep communication moving quickly and efficiently via one comprehensive tool. Some of the features offered by the Zoom Phone include:

• Basics. Although Zoom Phone offers a variety of benefits and perks, it also still covers the essential phone basics such as caller ID, call history and recording, and voicemail.
• Flexibility. This tool allows someone on a Zoom phone call to seamlessly transfer over to an impromptu Zoom video call that does not require prior scheduling. It also lets users switch from a Zoom phone call to a desktop Zoom meeting.
• Merging of services such as messaging, video and voice capabilities into one place. This keeps individuals from having to check multiple apps to access calls, messages, and videos.
• Security. By utilizing transport layer security (TLS) and advanced encryptions standard (AES), Zoom phone offers enterprise-grade security. This can give users peace of mind regarding the sensitive nature of information discussed.

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RingCentral Office As A UcaaS Tool

RingCentral Office is also a cloud based UCaaS communications solution that can be used for groups of various sizes or even just one individual. It is designed to integrate messaging, video, and phone capabilities all into one. Some of the features RingCentral offers include:

• The ability to share work with others securely
• Assisting with basic phone capabilities such as calls, texts, voicemail, and switching between a phone call and video
• Enabling remote video meetings for virtual students or employees, complete with messaging with your team
• Offers dedicated threads for certain topics and projects among team members
• Providing secure encryption to enhance privacy and protection of information

Specifically for schools, RingCentral can offer a way for students to see a lecture, engage in a lesson, collaborate with each other, and connect outside of class time. All of these capabilities can contribute to students and teachers getting the most out of a virtual or hybrid environment. Businesses using RingCentral generally find that this communication tool can be instrumental in inspiring innovation and boosting peer and customer engagement.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

How to Find a UCaaS Provider

Organizations looking to utilize UCaaS need look no further than a reputable and experienced audio-visual integrator. These essential professionals were in the business of connecting people long before the hybrid-work/learning environment began. When it comes to a buyer’s guide for UCaaS, one of the most important things outside of choosing a system that is geared for your specific needs is to select a provider that offers a wide scope of technology solutions geared toward facilitating communications for in person, virtual, and hybrid environments. A combination of the three may be how some schools and businesses continue to operate well into the future.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If you are a school or organization looking for a buyer’s guide to UCaaS, start your journey with the help of a respected leader in the audio-visual industry to help you build and customize a solution that works for you and your staff or students.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]