Unified communications (UC) systems are rising to meet the challenge of communicating across far-spread businesses.
Creating a UC system requires knowledge of a broad variety of communication technologies: voice, video, email, text, data, and more. Integrating one into a business’s infrastructure and organization requires in-depth education into the abilities of such a system. If a business attempts to adopt a UC system without a proper specialist, this may result in a waste of time and money.
Having a good UC integrator to assist with system development and implementation can turn this daunting task into a relatively simple one. UC integrators can help businesses in a variety of ways. They will:
- View UC integration from a client-focused perspective: This perspective allows for a UC integrator to look at the communications systems a business already has in place and suggest specific areas where UC can improve on them. A UC integrator conducts research into the company’s communication requirements, networking capabilities and more. Finally, they ensure that all changes they suggest are in tune with the company’s goals. A good UC integrator knows that no two enterprises reap the same benefits from the same systems, so they design a unique solution for each business they work with.
- Stick to UC integration goals and schedules: Having a UC integrator helps keep the UC integration project on budget and on time.
- Support all hardware and software issues: UC integrators investigate problems with company infrastructure, and develop solutions. They also work with software issues such as data center surveillance and service-level agreements.
- Provide ongoing consultation: After the initial integration is complete, a UC integrator can provide businesses with further recommendations to meet their communications needs. UC integrators can also keep companies informed of the latest developments in communication technologies and methods.
Beware the Difference Between VARs and UC Integrators
Some companies have expressed confusion over how UC integrators differ from value-added resellers (VARs). VARs seem to offer many of the same services as UC integrators. However, a VAR only takes an existing product or system and adds features to it. That product is then sold as a single integrated solution. VARs don’t go nearly as in-depth into the integration of a UC system as UC integrators will.
UC integrators offer many benefits beyond VARs because of the wider scope of their knowledge. VARs specialize in only the technical aspects of creating a UC system; they lack knowledge related to incorporating and using those systems. Therefore, a value-added reseller can’t assist companies with developing best practices for using their new UC systems as well as a UC integrator can.
UC systems are becoming a necessity as businesses spread themselves across wider and wider geographical areas. Developing and implementing a system to facilitate effective communications among such an endeavor can be incredibly complex. Companies need UC integrators to ensure they integrate their new UC systems efficiently and skillfully.