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Unified Communications is not simply a new phone system, it's certainly more than just VoIP and it shouldn't require any costly hardware expenditure. It can also be confused with unified messaging. (What's this? small arrow).

So, if we know what it isn't, then what is it? Unified Communications is a powerful Virtual Office, with multi-channel communication all joined up and working as one.

Unified Communications allows you to connect all forms of business communications into one seamless stream. Email, telephone, voicemail, audio and video conferencing, instant messaging and desktop sharing all working together seamlessly. Colleagues, suppliers or partners may be spread throughout the world, but will all feel like they're in the same room, able to instantly connect and work collaboratively.

There's nothing complex about Unified Communication and when combined in an intuitive and familiar Microsoft graphical user interface, there's hardly any learning curve at all.

It makes global communication as simple as sitting round a table.

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No, it's not a phone

The tools used in a truly Unified Communications solution are secondary to the software behind it. Unified Communications allows you to transfer your ideas, your instructions and your information seamlessly. It doesn't matter if that's between a laptop, a PC, a mobile, a telephone, or a video conference suite.

That's why if someone tries to sell you a new phone system - no matter how fancy it is - it's not a Unified Communications system. It's just a fancy phone.

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What is unified messaging?

A unified messaging system pulls together messages from several sources (sms, email, voicemail, video messages and faxes). So, for example, you can access your voicemail through your email.

Many companies that claim to offer Unified Communications are really just offering unified messaging.

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What's the difference between traditional and Unified Comms?

Traditional Communications
Problem:

Different hardware, software and suppliers for each communication channel is confusing to use and time consuming to manage.

Unified Communications
Solution:

Unified Communications integrates all the systems you're currently using and helps them work together in real time, in one easy-to-use interface.

Traditional Communications
Problem:

Telephone calls to mobiles and international offices all add up.

Unified Communications
Solution:

Voiceover IP means all calls within the network are free including international offices, home workers and roaming staff.

Traditional Communications
Problem:

Business travel is costly and takes up time and energy. CO2 from flights creates a large carbon footprint.

Unified Communications
Solution:

Audio, video and online conferencing makes meeting easy and cuts overheads. And because UC is hosted on a Private Virtual Cloud (What's this?), CO2 emissions are cut by 80%.

Traditional Communications
Problem:

When you're not at your desk, you're off the radar.

Unified Communications
Solution:

Connect wherever you are, and let people know your status with Presence Monitoring. They can then decide the best way to contact you.

Traditional Communications
Problem:

Vital information gets lost in email trails, phone conversations and instant messages.

Unified Communications
Solution:

Vital information can be located instantly with a holistic search.

Traditional Communications
Problem:

Moving from one place to another requires switching systems.

Unified Communications
Solution:

When you're on the move, seamlessly switch the conversation to your mobile device and stay in the meeting.

Traditional Communications
Problem:

Conference calls are expensive and complicated to set up.

Unified Communications
Solution:

Set up an audio, video or online conference quickly and easily, for the same cost as a standard phone call. It's just a click away.