What is UCaaS and VoIP

Are you starting to use the concept of running your enterprise voice communications over the internet? If so, you might have heard that companies are going for a complete suite of cloud communication tools.
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Maybe you are still confused regarding the difference between UCaaS and VoIP. Read this blog to know about the difference between them.

VoIP vs. UCaaS: The Difference

VoIP ( voice-over-internet-protocol) first gained popularity as a tool for business calling in the late 90s. The features of UCaaS (Unified-communications-as-a service) technology has been in existence for decades. Just a decade ago, tech giants such as Google and Amazon made switching cloud apps for enterprises somehow accessible.

It is difficult to say which is better between the two because it depends on the business. Most organizations unify their enterprise communications in the cloud. And thus can enjoy great benefits by using UCaaS. But, the needs of some organizations can only be best achieved by VoIP.

However, we have made it easier for you to choose one that suits you by highlighting their differences in this article.

What is VoIP?

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. The other names of VoIP is Internet Phones, IP Phones, or IP Telephony. It is an alternative of traditional phone service . Back in 2011, VoIP became the fastest-growing technology for that decade. It had beaten out internet dating, online shopping, and search engines.

VoIP is not a new technology, as it is a well-established usual way for businesses to unlock their cost savings on enterprise voice communications. Also, it is not regarded as a high-risk means of managing your enterprise calls. Many enterprises that have switched from traditional telephones to VoIP enjoy significant cost savings, easier contact center supervision, and other aspects.

How do enterprise-class VoIP function?

A unique adaptor is used in the establishment of VoIP on-site as its good in connecting to your internet provider, instead of utilizing telephone cables which get installed by various telephone companies. You can make VoIP calls on-site using softphones or handsets that are compatible with the internet. They have built-in mobility and improved features.

Also, it is possible to manage these services on-premises or provided like cloud-based phone services by a hosted VoIP vendor through a legal agreement. Moreover, call many business-class VoIP providers automatically offer features like call blocking, voicemail, three-way calling, call forwarding, caller ID, and call waiting.

Use cases and advantages of VoIP against Alternatives

UCaaS comprises of VoIP calling. Thus, VoIP is not its alternative. For some organizations, particularly firms that compare advantages of VoIP against traditional phone services choices such as publicly-switched telephone networks, VoIP is their perfect option. Also, for organizations that require an easier and cheaper phone calling, VoIP is a worthy choice for:

  1. Huge monthly cost savings, particularly international, long-distance, and interoffice calling.
  2. A cost-effective and simpler contact center management.
  3. Mobility, inclusive of appropriate mobile apps which lets mobile access to enterprise calls and voicemails.
  4. Easier phone lines management, inclusive of the immediate capacity of adding and removing phone lines.
  5. Access to extension features like remote phone lines control, interactive voice recognition, and automated call distribution.
  6. The ability to bundle data and phone service via the same vendor, save costs, and achieve easier troubleshooting.
  7. The capability of scaling from VoIP to UCaaS using a vendor who provides both services.

If you are still facing problems with quality of calls, you can try enhanced Voice API.

What is UCaaS?

UCaaS is an acronym for Unified Communications as a Service. Also, its popularly known as Unified Cloud Communications. It’s a method of uniting business communication tools into one smooth platform. Services like instant messaging, file sharing, collaboration tools, video conferencing, VoIP, and others are brought together. But, the precise tools that feature UCaaS may differ between organizations. Nonetheless, here are two things that define UCaaS:

  1. User Experience: the outcome of uniting communications tools is a smooth user experience which offers a single user interface, as well as consistent encounter across devices. This includes sending and receiving messages in many forms, such as email, voice, and instant message via one user app on many platforms.
  2. As-a-Service: a cloud communication tools vendor hosts and deliver united communications apps.

Also, UCaaS is provided via a service agreement with a Unified Communications vendor who establishes vital structures and a United Communications platform. Even so, some organizations do not prefer an on-premises placement of connected communications tools from private cloud resources. Nonetheless, the adoption of UCaaS is increasing. Forbes predicts that within 80% of IT budgets will be assigned to cloud apps and solutions for 15 months.

Although the adoption of UCaaS might lead to significant cost savings and outcome increase, process enhancement and smart vendor selection may be vital in post-adoption satisfaction.

Use cases and advantages of UCaaS against alternatives

Generally, UCaaS is strictly not an alternative to VoIP. However, its usual for organizations to examine if they should only establish VoIP, or a complete UCaaS establishment. In both cases, UCaaS will feature IP telephony.

Further, UCaaS might be an alternative to on-premises connected communications tools, and a VoIP only establishment. Or, even a non-unified suite of enterprise communication tools which comprise of traditional software, many vendors, and a mixture of cloud apps.

Nevertheless, organizations that are trying to determine between a hosted VoIP-only establishment and UCaaS might opt UCaaS if their requirement includes these:

  1. To support mobility or shift to a bring your own device culture that has easier and safe employee communication apps.
  2. Enhance the customer encounter by uniting channels like phones, email, and chats.
  3. Integrate data across apps to minimize errors and increase productivity.
  4. Make powerful enterprise continuity and disaster control processes, which include broadcasting through email, text, instant messages, and voice phones.
  5. Minimize the cost of ownership across communications, as well as cloud communication tools.
  6. Easier communication and control across many locations and websites.
  7. Integrate video features which includes screen sharing, web and video conferencing.

Conclusion

Rather than asking yourself which is better between VoIP and UCaaS, you should ask yourself about appropriate cloud communications apps that your business might require. And, how you can partner with a vendor who will support your technology growth goals.

You do not need to get started with UCaaS using the right vendor. Instead, you may switch to VoIP and then install fiber-optic internet connectivity. As a result, you will instantly unlock your business calling cost savings. Besides that, you can gradually switch to connected cloud communication tools in a manner that ideal for your business. You can try a unique and enhanced cloud communication platform for your effective business communications.