Can you define unified communication? What does "U" in UC mean? (1)

Every supplier has its own definition of Unified Communication. How does the industry define this term? This article will discuss the difference between UC and other communications.

How do you define unified communication?

Unified communication (UC) has many definitions, but people are still pursuing a clear definition. What is UC? In general, the UC system can integrate communication tools to break the barriers between communication modes to reduce costs, eliminate complexity, and improve ease of use.

In its simplest form, Unified Communication is a single client that combines multiple communication modes. This client can use calendar, contact list, and host platform address book. The Unified Communication System provides basic collaboration and communication functions. Based on the modules installed by the enterprise and the degree of integration, the UC system may also contain more advanced communication functions, such as voice-to-text translation. Most UC clients have mobile devices with the same feature set.

What components does Unified Communication contain?

UC components include the following:

◆ Instant messaging IM) and status presentation presence ). Rich presence) technology surpasses the simple "Green Dot" state, simple statuses only list basic statuses such as "do not disturb", "meeting", "exit", and "offline. Rich statuses are algorithms used to determine the user status based on activity, and sometimes the status is displayed across multiple devices.

◆ Audio and video conferencing. Ideally, the speech and video conferencing functions can be used independently or in combination with web conferencing, and they allow external participants to join. Only participants of audio devices can call for meetings, for example, when a mobile user is on the road. Desktop videos allow on-road staff and remote staff to attend face-to-face meetings.

◆ Web conference. Web conferencing functions include application sharing, desktop sharing, and whiteboards. Normally, participants are allowed to remotely "control" presentations. In addition, external participants can also join.

◆ Speech and telephone technology-integrate VoIP phones and dial numbers into the UC client. If UC is integrated into the enterprise phone system, the UC client network phone will replace the desktop phone. Telephone Control will allow users to transfer calls and aggregate multiple phone numbers to office numbers. For example, a user can enter a mobile number, residential phone number, or a phone number at a location being accessed. Users can switch between these numbers manually or through the program logic such as a day of a month or a time in a day. The caller only needs to know the primary number.

◆ Communication components such as e-mails, voice mails, and faxes) send messages. Voice mail can be integrated into a single voice mailbox and sent to an email as A. WAV file. The received fax can also be sent as a PDF attachment via email.

Other functions include automatic operators, text-to-speech converters, document management portals such as SharePoint), and integration into other applications, such as business processes and social media websites.