Unified communications solutions are now the standard for virtually any technology stack. In a world where effective comms are crucial to keeping teams aligned, productive, and efficient, organisations can’t afford to deal with the challenges of multiple distributed tools.
Employees need to be able to access all of the resources they need to connect and collaborate with colleagues in the same secure space. Today, the rising demand for synchronised communication platforms is driving the UC marketplace towards a projected value of $417.86 billion by 2030.
As companies continue to consolidate their technology stacks, some platforms are standing out from the crowd, with an incredible selection of tools, and phenomenal flexibility. Here are just some of the top UC platforms on the market in 2023.
1. RingCentral (MVP)
Investing in everything from contact centre software with built-in AI components, to APIs and integrations, RingCentral offers a host of communication platform options to businesses. The company’s flagship UC solution is the MVP platform, a cloud phone system enhanced with intelligence, workflow automation, messaging, and video capabilities.
The RingCentral MVP platform combines enterprise-grade phone functionality with in-depth analytics, and omnichannel collaboration tools. Companies can also choose from a range of add-ons to include in their platforms, such as a webinar system and RingCentral Rooms. The platform is accessible across 110 countries, and includes 7 layers of secure protection.
2. Microsoft (Teams)
Quickly emerging as a popular tool for UC buyers, Microsoft Teams is a flexible platform where teams can meet, collaborate, and share information. The solution offers Unified Communication capabilities in a variety of formats. Users can choose to leverage Microsoft’s own phone system solutions, or connect their own carrier with Direct Routing and Operator Connect.
The Microsoft Teams ecosystem enables communication across a range of channels, from messaging to video and audio. It can also integrate with a variety of tools throughout the business landscape, including CRM systems, ticketing tools, and analytics systems. The platform is even implementing new AI features to boost productivity among employees.
3. 8×8
Offering companies a flexible way to build a custom communication stack, 8×8’s modular technologies include offerings for contact centres, collaboration, and more. The 8×8 Unified Communications platform features patented technology to ensure calls are routed quickly and efficiently. Companies can leverage out-of-the-box insights and analytics, including sentiment analysis tools. Plus, there’s a mobile app available for remote workers.
8×8’s platform can be deployed in a huge range of implementations, and experts are available from the team to assist with setting up the suite. The plans come with video meetings, chat, voice connectivity, and extensibility options, all for a single billing price.
4. Vonage
Vonage is a communications vendor offering contact centre, AI, and collaboration tools. The brand’s UC platform promises reliability through a 99.999% uptime guarantee, as well as secure connections designed to adhere to high compliance standards. Powered by AWS, the Vonage UC platform provides nationwide coverage with highly distributed architecture for peace of mind.
Vonage also provides companies with a turnkey communication experience, which allows them to implement and use their system quickly, integrating any tools already in use throughout the business. The product even comes with access to communication APIs, and the ability to implement contact centre functionality, for an all-in-one communication environment.
5. Avaya
Providing companies with the freedom to move to the cloud at their own pace, the scalable Avaya UC platform is a flexible tool for cross-channel communications. One of the core UC solutions provided by Avaya is the Cloud Office ecosystem, powered by RingCentral. This solution allows employees to access a comprehensive app for calling, meeting, and messaging.
The company also offers Avaya Spaces, for collaboration in the workplace with productivity and organisational tools. Plus, the Avaya Enterprise cloud is available to companies looking to leverage company-wide digital communications delivered on their own terms. Organizations can even utilize hybrid cloud models for their unified communication strategy.
6. Cisco Webex
Known for their contributions to the technology, network, and communications landscape, Cisco offers a range of UC tools via the Webex portfolio. The Webex platform for unified communications and collaboration provides a synergized solution for messaging, calling, and meeting, through the cloud. Companies can take advantage of worldwide calling with security and compliance features.
Cisco also has its own Unified Communication Manager, which assists businesses in simplifying the management of UC tools, and improving mobility. The platform can also be optimized to address the specific needs of companies in highly regulated industries, such as the public sector or education. Plus, integrations are available with a host of software tools.
7. ATOS (OpenScape)
Designed to simplify communications, the Atos OpenScape UC platform is scalable for between 100 and 500,000 users, with integrated multi-media conferencing and chat capabilities. Companies can leverage mobile apps to empower employees on the move. Plus, there are a host of ways to expand the platform through APIs and SDKs, as well as pre-built integration plugins.
The ATOS OpenScape UC platform includes built-in security and compliance features, whiteboarding and document sharing tools for productivity, and presence features. The solution can also be integrated with an existing PBX system, for companies looking to migrate from the on-premises landscape into the cloud ecosystem.
8. Mitel
Offering both on-site and cloud-based unified communications solutions, Mitel supports companies in shifting to a hybrid model at their own pace. The Mitel Unified Communications platform combines multiple aspects of business communication into a single dashboard, including conferencing, screen sharing, file sharing, messaging and audio.
Companies can leverage various PBX features, advanced call controls, as well as IP desk phone, mobile, and softphone connections for voice. Additionally, there are various applications available for boosting analytics, utilizing mass notification, campaign management, and workforce management. Users can even combine the UC platform from Mitel with contact centre capabilities.
9. 2600Hz (Kazoo)
Exploring CPaaS, UCaaS, and CCaaS solutions, 2600Hz offers a variety of platforms and tools for internal and external communication. The Kazoo UC platform is a white labelled solution which includes all of the functionality and features vendors need to serve their customers, including faxing, voicemail, video conferencing, and an enterprise-grade PBX.
The suite of tools is brimming with apps and integrations companies can leverage, as well as more than 300 open APIs for custom connections. The technology includes voice, video, and conferencing in one app, with WebRTC technology for easy access. Plus, organizations can tap into the SMS landscape too, with integrations via Zapier.
10. NEC
ICT vendor NEC delivers Unified Communication platform solutions to small, mid-size and enterprise businesses. Within the portfolio, companies can access voice and mobile technologies, with bring your own device (BYOD) capabilities and free applications. NEC supports secure WebRTC conferencing, as well as video meetings, and screensharing for up to 32 users.
The UC platform from NEC also supports a range of VPN connections and devices, allowing organisations to support their employees working from home. Each platform option is customized to suit the specific needs of organizations with a specific number of employees, and unique needs for security, redundancy, and reliability.
11. Sangoma
The product suite within the Sangoma UC platform allows companies to run their business from anywhere, using any device. Companies can support employees in making calls from their desktop computer, joining conference bridges with a desk phone, or utilizing smartphone technology. The UC solutions combine messaging, voice and video into a single solution.
Efficient and reliable, the Sangoma cloud and on-premise technology solutions can scale to suit any business, and include access to SMS capabilities. Options include the CommUnity UC platform, with call centre solutions and unified communication tools built into a single platform. Users can also take advantage of advanced call control features, collaboration apps, and voicemail.
12. Yeastar (Linkus)
The Linkus UC clients from Yeastar support companies in the age of hybrid and remote work, by allowing anyone to leverage voice, video, messaging, and conferencing from any device. The solutions are available through web browsers, mobile clients and desktop tools, with integrated tools for collaboration, such as screen-sharing and in-meeting chat.
Companies using the Yeastar solution for unified communications can access instant messaging and presence tools, native contact management, and integration with existing tools, such as CRM platforms. Yeastar also offers tools for remote desk phone control, and there’s a dedicated Chrome extension available for employees who spend the majority of their time in the browser.
13. Dialpad
Dialpad’s Unified Communication platform combines the power of artificial intelligence with the tools companies use every day to keep staff members connected. The solution includes an intelligent phone system, with flexibility and scalability built-in for global brands. Companies can also leverage messaging functionality and meeting tools within the same platform, with video conferencing.
Dialpad is one of the few carriers promising 100% uptime to customers, and it also allows businesses to connect the tools they’re already using to their ecosystem with simple integrations. Real-time analytics are also available for managers and admins, with metrics for tracking call volume, usage, and adoption across the workforce.
14. Zoom (One)
Best-known for its video conferencing capabilities, Zoom built the “One” platform for unified communications. The toolkit brings teams together in a video-first workspace, with meetings, team chat, and enterprise voice all in one place. Companies can leverage a VoIP phone system, online whiteboard, email and calendaring tools, and conversational intelligence in one place.
Zoom One offers specialist solutions for industries ranging from education to healthcare and government, and comes with a variety of tools to explore, including Zoom Spaces for hybrid conferencing, and Zoom AI for sales teams. Developers can also build on the Zoom platform with APIs, SDKs, and integrations.
15. Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise (Rainbow)
Otherwise known as ALE, Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise provides companies with a variety of UC solutions to suit different needs. The core solution from the company is the Rainbow cloud communication platform, which can be deployed in any environment. The open architecture allows organisations to embed their existing applications and tools into their communication strategy.
Rainbow supports both audio and video conferencing for collaboration, as well as telephony capabilities. Companies also have the option to connect their existing on-premises telephony system into the Rainbow cloud. ALE also offers the full UCaaS Rainbow Office solution, enhanced by RingCentral technology with messaging, phone, and video capabilities.
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