Familiarity Breeds Contentment in Shift to UC&C

Unified communications and collaboration (UC&C) can help large businesses and government agencies streamline business processes, accelerate decision-making, enhance the customer experience and improve the bottom line. Still, for many organizations, the challenge of migrating to an enterprise-wide UC&C approach can be daunting.

Most initial reservations about the UC&C migration can be overcome by addressing the cultural and technical shifts involved when developing the deployment strategy. Experts advise organizations to address a range of issues including evaluating and measuring how UC&C will benefit their organizations; determining whether adequate in-house technical resources, personnel and network capacity are available; and integrating UC&C into everyday business processes and aligning its deployment with critical business initiatives.

Enterprises should select a global strategic provider that offers the right mix of professional consulting services expertise, broad Internet protocol (IP) capabilities and comprehensive business tools. The best providers demonstrate a proven ability to understand complex business issues and processes to help organizations identify what needs to be changed to realize the full potential of UC&C and guide them along their UC&C path.

Verizon Business has a series of tips for organizations on what to consider when making the move to unified communications:

Invest in advanced IP networks. UC&C starts with a capabilities-rich IP infrastructure. Flexible and expansive IP networks serve as the foundation of a successful UC&C deployment. Networks should be equipped to accommodate increased traffic loads and support a high-quality, consistent end-user experience.

Inventory technology and personnel resources. Understand the scope of current technology deployments as it relates to UC&C to help identify potential network, equipment and application gaps. Perform skills-based assessments of technical staff to identify possible new hires needed and individuals requiring additional training.

Align technology with business objectives. Make purchasing decisions with a focus on meeting specific business goals. Verify that vendor platforms meet identified technical and financial requirements. Carefully evaluate network, hardware and software options to validate ability to meet current and future enterprise objectives. Partner with a service provider that can integrate multiple technology platforms for best success.

Establish a benchmark for success. Know the ultimate objectives for a UC&C deployment. Survey corporate end users to understand their needs and willingness to embrace change. How is business conducted today and how can UC&C help empower employees and streamline business processes? Understand end-user requirements and develop profiles covering key functional areas. Determine current and future requirements and plan accordingly.