Differences between Unified Communication and non-Unified Communication

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.

● Send messages through communication components (such as email, voice mail, and fax. 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.

To define Unified Communication, UC requires at least IM, status, voice, and conferencing functions, and integrates contacts, directories, and calendars. Video is also a popular UC feature. UC can quickly find people, usually through status and IM. There will be better functions in the future, starting from chatting, then rising to voice, video, or even teleconference. UC is flexible and can be transferred from one communication mode to the next mode with only one click. The UC function varies depending on the selected module and integration. UC products also include connectors used to integrate mail, voice, video, and other systems.

How to define non-uniform communication?

Some single-point solutions are alternatives to UC and provide similar communication functions, such as the following single-point solutions:

● Enterprise email, enterprise voice and voice mail;

● Use business mobile phones of different voice mails;

● A modem equipped with fax software on a computer;

● Through the audio conference of the conference supplier;

● Video chat through Skype and other programs;

● Instant messaging through Windows Live Messenger and other programs;

● Web collaboration, such as GoToMeeting.

Although these single-point solutions can be considered UC components, they cannot be defined as Unified Communication. The Single Point solution also has some disadvantages. Without the UC client, it is difficult for users to find the appropriate tools required for different communication modes on the desktop.

Synchronization is another problem caused by multiple solutions. For example, each tool has a contact list and different methods of downloading or synchronizing contacts, such as downloading files or importing contact information from Facebook. If you cannot synchronize the contact list, you need an independent contact list.

The use of single-point solutions may be filled with technical support and user satisfaction issues. Some users may be doing well, but other users may be trying to overcome these difficulties. Synchronizing contact lists through Facebook often makes enterprise IT "unhappy ".

In general, although enterprises can use single-point solutions (such as GoToMeeting and Skype ), however, if these single-point solutions are not integrated into a tool set to make communications more convenient and UC tools more transparent, the advantages of these solutions cannot be fully utilized.