What are the key features and criteria for choosing a unified communications platform for your business?

1 Business objectives and requirements

Before you start comparing different UC platforms, you need to have a clear understanding of your business objectives and requirements. What are the main communication and collaboration challenges that you face in your industry or sector? How do you measure the success and impact of your communication and collaboration efforts? What are the current and future needs and expectations of your customers, employees, and partners? How do you plan to scale and grow your business in the long term? By answering these questions, you can define the scope and purpose of your UC project and identify the features and functionalities that are essential, desirable, or optional for your business.

2 User experience and adoption

Another important criterion for choosing a UC platform is the user experience and adoption. You want a UC platform that is easy to use, intuitive, and consistent across different devices and platforms. You also want a UC platform that is compatible and interoperable with your existing communication and collaboration tools and applications, as well as with the ones that you may want to add or integrate in the future. A good user experience can increase the adoption and engagement of your UC platform among your employees, customers, and partners, and ultimately enhance the value and benefits of your UC investment.

3 Security and reliability

Security and reliability are also essential features and criteria for choosing a UC platform. You want a UC platform that can protect your data and communication from unauthorized access, theft, loss, or corruption. You also want a UC platform that can ensure high availability, performance, and quality of your communication and collaboration services, regardless of the network conditions, device types, or user locations. A secure and reliable UC platform can help you comply with the relevant regulations and standards, as well as maintain the trust and satisfaction of your customers, employees, and partners.

4 Customization and flexibility

Customization and flexibility are another key features and criteria for choosing a UC platform. You want a UC platform that can adapt to your specific business needs and preferences, as well as to the changing market trends and customer demands. You also want a UC platform that can offer you various options and features to customize and optimize your communication and collaboration workflows, processes, and outcomes. A customizable and flexible UC platform can help you differentiate your business from your competitors, as well as improve your efficiency and innovation.

5 Cost and value

Finally, cost and value are also important features and criteria for choosing a UC platform. You want a UC platform that can provide you with a reasonable and transparent pricing model, as well as a clear and measurable return on investment. You also want a UC platform that can offer you various benefits and advantages, such as reduced operational costs, increased revenue, improved customer loyalty, enhanced employee productivity, and more. A cost-effective and valuable UC platform can help you achieve your business objectives and requirements, as well as maximize your communication and collaboration potential.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?