Unified communications as a service (UcaaS) streamlines IT management and reduces costs for organisations of all sizes. Unlike traditional on-premise unified communications, UCaaS is delivered via the cloud. It consolidates a range of communication tools including VoIP, video calls, chat/messaging and file sharing into a single platform for simpler delivery and use.

Could UCaaS be the comms game-changer you’ve been looking for in your organisation? You’ll find just a few of the advantages that it can offer listed below, including illustrative examples from exhibitors at ISE 2025.

Relieving IT admin headaches

UCaaS allows for centralised administration, which makes it much easier for IT teams to gather holistic insights and roll out necessary updates and upgrades, particularly in organisations with employees working across multiple locations or utilising hybrid/remote models.

For instance, Cisco’s Webex cloud-connected UC can facilitate simplified certificate management, automated upgrades and centralised troubleshooting.

Better quality, lower cost collaboration

UCaaS amalgamates a range of advanced collaboration methods on the same platform. This gives employees the flexibility to switch between the most effective tools for each specific interaction during their working day to maximise efficiency.

It also reduces costs by limiting the requirement for large scale hardware installations, and eliminating the need to juggle multiple contracts with many different communications providers.

Zoom’s UCaaS solution is among the most effective offerings. It was named a leader in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant in its first year of eligibility, thanks in part to a comprehensive portfolio of comms options including meetings, chat, webinars, rooms and phone.

Staying confidential

The best UCaaS providers include robust security measures – think encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and GDPR/HIPAA compliance – as part of their offering. These security solutions are often more sophisticated and specialised than in-house efforts, with dedicated teams proactively scanning for the latest vulnerabilities and threats.

This makes UCaaS a great choice for those operating in industries where security is paramount. Microsoft was able to help Brazilian medical organisation Grupo Fleury to enhance the security of its employees when communicating with one another via Teams. This was particularly important given the potentially sensitive nature of information being discussed.

Grupo Fleury also developed a chatbot that allows employees to activate the company’s security centre in case of events such as theft or other suspicious situations in the workplace.

Easily accessible innovation

A UCaaS setup gives organisations the quickest possible access to the latest developments in communication and collaboration innovations, allowing systems to be updated to include new features as soon as they become available. Recent examples of advanced features that providers have added to UCaaS systems include AI-driven analytics, transcription services and advanced integrations.

Google’s Workspace has a particularly strong reputation for being at the forefront of UC innovation. It won acclaim from Forrester in 2023 as one of the three leaders in the analyst’s UCaaS wave, with Google’s rollout of the AI tool Gemini for Google Workspace being a key factor.

UCaaS can offer businesses a scalable, cost-effective, and feature-rich alternative to traditional UC systems. It’s particularly beneficial for those looking to eliminate the complexity associated with managing on-premises infrastructure while gaining early access to the latest developments in the industry.

Stay informed!

ISE is the world-renowned annual tech show for the AV and systems integration industry, taking place in Barcelona, 4-7 February 2025. It will spotlight the latest unified communications solutions from leading manufacturers, including video communications, integrated flat-panel displays and content-sharing tools.

To discover the latest solutions and innovations from the unified communications suppliers exhibiting at ISE, as well as the hottest industry trends, sign up now for updates.

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