How to keep remote teams connected, collaborative and engaged
In a very short time, the coronavirus pandemic has disrupted every aspect of daily life, forcing most businesses to
make rapid—even drastic—shifts to the way they operate. Companies that have made incremental investments in their
digital transformation over the years are likely experiencing a smoother transition than those who remain fully
premises-based, though even the most agile among us are facing new challenges in this time that is anything but
business as usual.
Cloud-based collaboration tools that combine productivity applications like email and chat with voice and video
capability, presence and file sharing are keeping employees in sync, informed and engaged. Obviously, a paradigm
shift of this size and scope requires tight orchestration and coordination.
Unified communications (UC) is helping make this happen.
Telework has been gaining steam for years, leading to a rise in UCaaS adoption
As businesses around the world gain footing with new teleworking conditions, the right technology can make or break
their users’ experience. UC gives employees more freedom and flexibility to stay connected to the people, the tools
and the information they need to deliver on promises, deadlines and results—whether they’re across town or on the
other side of the world—all from a single application or platform.
Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for Unified Communications as a Service, Worldwide noted that “the UC market is making a
fundamental shift from premises-based UC to cloud UCaaS” and predicts that “by 2021, 90% of IT leaders will not
purchase new premises-based infrastructure—up from 50% today—because future cloud UC offerings will be far ahead in
terms of features, functions, portals, analytics and dashboards.”1 Additionally, the rise of the IoT
(Internet of Things) and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) means that the number of connected devices will only continue
to grow. Before UC, enterprises had to own, maintain and update the equipment and licensing needed to provide UC
services. This is why more and more enterprises have been shifting to a model that offers unified communications as
a service. Known as UCaaS, this cloud-based approach provides greater flexibility and scalability, as well as the
enhanced protection of redundant and secure data storage. UCaaS can be delivered via two types of cloud
models—multi-tenant, in which users share a common software license, or multi-instance, where each user receives
their own license. While both delivery models provide access, the multi-instance model is more secure, allowing for
greater flexibility, customization and control. And because it’s based on individual as opposed to group licenses,
it is often more cost-effective.
The trend toward telework has been on the incline over the past decade as social, mobile and cloud technologies
converged with IT consumerization and BYOD initiatives. Whether we knew it or not, we have been steadily preparing
for this new work-from-anywhere paradigm we find ourselves in today and have a plethora of collaboration tools at
the ready to support our efforts if we only embrace them.
UCaaS: Unifying today’s remote workforce
While none of us can predict how long this crisis will keep businesses working virtually, we can be sure of one
thing: Remote does not have to mean removed. Traditionally, organizations that have explored cloud-based
communications have been fundamentally seeking ways to reduce costs and increase efficiency. Now more than ever,
UCaaS offers companies that may not yet be operating in the cloud a secure, reliable and affordable way to get
there. We are fortunate to live in a time where we can leverage communications technology to create truly connected
and highly collaborative experiences, allowing business as near-usual to march on during these unsettled times.
At Frontier, we believe meaningful work is all about what you do, not where you do it. Now more than ever, we need
connection to feel engaged. We’re here with you and for you, during the COVID-19 pandemic and far beyond. Reach out to us
today so your business can still make a difference, even from a distance.
Source: 1. Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Unified Communications as a Service, Worldwide, Daniel O’Connell et al.,
10 October 2018 #G00383772
