Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) refers to a cloud-based model of communications solutions delivery where enterprises can choose an integrated set of features and pay for it per their monthly use. Typically, it combines messaging, voice, and video on one platform, sometimes with optional add-ons like virtual events.

The market for UCaaS has increased in the last two years due to the pandemic. It supports remitted communications and collaboration by providing users with the same cloud-based tools on any device. That is why UCaaS has witnessed a market growth rate of around 29 percent, year over year, a trend that will continue into the era of hybrid work. In this highly competitive market, there are 10 providers organizations must consider when selecting a UCaaS platform.

1. Cisco

Cisco offers UCaaS services as part of its Webex suite of solutions. Using Webex, organizations can manage calls, share files, send instant messages, conduct meetings, host events, and much more while maintaining a relentless focus on security. Admins can use Cisco Unified Communications Manager (UCM) to oversee the UCaaS deployment, including its people, processes, and tools.

2. 8×8

8×8 is a recognized UCaaS leader. The company recently took its solution to “the next level,” as it were, by reimagining it as an Experience Communications as a Service (XCaaS) solution. This means that organizations can gain from contact center capabilities alongside UCaaS, deployed via the cloud. 8×8’s pure-play UCaaS component comprises a business phone system, team communications, and advanced call analytics.

In 2022, 8×8 has strengthened its UCaaS capabilities further by acquiring industry leader, Fuze. The company announced in December 2021 that it would be purchasing Fuze for $250 million to accelerate its growth in the as-a-Service segment. Fuze (now part of 8×8) is a recognized UCaaS provider, and it combines calls, meetings, chat, and contact center capabilities on one platform.

3. RingCentral

RingCentral offers a UCaaS solution for small to mid-sized businesses called RingCentral MVP. It combines message, video, and phone capabilities on one platform, complete with domestic, international, and toll-free calling. This makes it easier for companies to scale their business without ripping and replacing their existing communications systems. Like 8×8, it offers optional contact center capabilities.

4. Google

Google offers UCaaS features through its team collaboration suite, Google Workspace. The offering is available in several different plans and tiers, including a starter essentials plan for free. Starter Essentials includes video and chat capabilities, while other plans include built-in calling minutes. Google Workspace is ideal for those who need a UCaaS centered on collaboration.

5. Zoom

Initially popular as a video conferencing platform only, Zoom is now a full-fledged UCaaS service, thanks to Zoom Chat, Zoom phone, and Zoom Webinars. It also has a physical meeting room solution called Zoom Rooms that enables fast and easy meeting hardware setup for hybrid workplaces. Organizations can gain from this provider’s UCaaS capabilities by signing up for the Zoom United plan.

6. Dialpad

Dialpad is an AI-powered cloud communications platform that can be deployed as UCaaS, for contact center use cases, or as a standalone AI tool. Dialpad Business Communications is its UCaaS offering for small to mid-sized businesses. It supports local calling, video meetings, SMS, chat, and other essentials you would expect. Interestingly, it is among the few solutions to promise 100 percent uptime as part of the enterprise license.

7. Vonage

Vonage offers 50+ voice and unified communication features as part of its UCaaS solution. It includes a fully functional video collaboration platform and voice and chat. For large organizations in the US, Vonage offers an SD-WAN solution called SmartWAN, which further strengthens UCaaS performance by prioritizing communications traffic on a software-based network. In 2022, Vonage is all set to be acquired by communications giant Ericsson to help bolster the latter’s 5G capabilities.

Ericsson initiated the deal to acquire Vonage in November 2021, which is scheduled to complete this year. Companies can still purchase and benefit from Vonage’s powerful UCaaS products, and the company will retain its branding and workforce.

8. GoTo

GoTo, powered by the same company as LogMeIn, offers a range of solutions to streamline UCaaS and CCaaS for small to mid-sized businesses. Its offerings include GoToMeeting for video conferences, GoTo Webinar for virtual events, GoTo Room for physical meeting rooms, and GoTo Training for remote corporate learning. GoTo Connect is the provider’s all-in-one UCaaS platform that works with every device and enables basic contact center features.

9. Microsoft

Microsoft belongs on the list of top UCaaS providers thanks to its collaboration platform, Teams. Industry analysis suggests that it is the second-largest UCaaS provider worldwide. Users can rely on Microsoft Teams to complete various tasks, from calls, chat, and video to running end-to-end contact centers or industry-specific communication use cases, like healthcare and education. It is extremely versatile and can adapt to virtually any UCaaS need.

10. Sangoma

Sangoma provides a communication as a service solution to businesses worldwide, including UcaaS, CPaaS, and CCaaS. Its best known for its business phone systems, which are augmented by features to sport team collaboration, video conferencing, and connected workspaces. It also has a dedicated solution for companies deploying cloud-native voice services via Microsoft Teams. In March 2022, Sangoma acquired NetFortris Corporation for $68 million to strengthen its offerings as an MSP.

These are the top 10 UCaaS providers for 2022, and the list of notable names includes Sangoma, Wildix, and Windstream. As the cloud becomes the preferred deployment model for Communication and other services, UCaaS will be a business staple. Fortunately, there are options at every price point, catering to every enterprise use case. Remember to read the latest UCaaS Magic Quadrant, listing Gartner’s top UCaaS providers for 2021.

 

 



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