In recent unified communications (UC) news, surveys have found many organizations increasing UC cloud services adoption. According to cloud industry monitors, more than half of organizations across a range of industries are slated to adopt cloud UC services by 2020. These services are also expected to:
- surpass on-premises PBX deployments in favor of hosted PBX,
- attract and engage businesses of all sizes looking to switch over to cloud-based services, and
- streamline and centralize communications protocols for team collaboration, contact center services, and client fulfillment.
Industry Shifts
Early adopters of UC cloud services tended to be small- to mid-size businesses. However, a dramatic shift in recent months has seen more medium to large enterprises adopting these vital services as well. Industry monitors predict the following scenarios based on current surveys and statistics:
- Over 45% of customer contact centers will have sound cloud technologies by 2020.
- Centers will also integrate UC and team collaboration services, resulting in smoother and more efficient client and in-house communications.
- Legacy PBX systems will become as obsolete as traditional desktop and conventional laptop computers.
These changes reflect a myriad of current industry shifts and developments. In fact, more employees are demanding better mobility in their work – along with higher bandwidth to facilitate and support crucial cloud services and worker needs.
Changes Already Being Implemented
Cloud providers are seeing strong uptakes in UC adoptions for newer businesses. UC is also being heralded for providing timely communications solutions, particularly for companies that are struggling with old PBX systems. While PBX still plays an essential role in overall business communications, more organizations are integrating hosted services as opposed to on-site or premise-based systems. This is helping them to:
- redistribute available bandwidth for other business services and protocols,
- save time and money by having remote IT teams manage and monitor UC cloud services, platforms, and apps, and
- secure constant online connections and presence with little to no service interruptions stemming from inclement weather or downtime maintenance.
UC cloud services will only continue to grow and expand. For businesses dealing with a lack of communications due to outdated hardware or systems, now is the right time to switch over to cloud and reap its many benefits.