The term unified communications has become a buzzword in the telecommunications industry over the last several years. Basically, it refers to systems that are capable of integrating with each other or include different types of communication through one platform. A common motivation to install systems offering some unified approach is to allow messages of different types to be retrieved and/or responded to in one place. Most of us have voice mail in the office, email, and one or more fax numbers. The ability to check all of these messages from one convenient place can save time and allow you to respond more quickly. There are a variety of ways this can be accomplished. Typically, email is used as the central point to receive messages. A simple glance over your inbox quickly shows email, voicemail, and faxes waiting for you.
These type of applications can vary substantially in price. They also vary significantly in exactly how they function. The specifics regarding the benefits you need for your business are the starting point to evaluate which approach is best for you.
