In today's fast-moving business world, collaboration has become indispensable, streamlining and rationalizing internal and external communications. Nowadays, we participate in video conferences or send instant messages to colleagues, assign new tasks, consult updates or share files, all from the same interaction window. When communication channels - voice and video calls, e-mail, SMS videoconferencing, etc. - are unified, communication is never interrupted, productivity is improved and customer service is enhanced.

Unified Communications (UC) tools make it possible to communicate in a variety of ways: e-mail, phone calls, video conferencing, messages on social networks and even SMS. By opting for collaboration software, you can redefine the way teams interact with colleagues and customers, efficiently and productively.

Today, unified communications tools are in great demand, and in a short space of time have become the essential communications tool for a large number of companies.

Here are three key reasons why you should consider deploying a unified communications solution in your company.

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Reason number 1: because they help to streamline team communications

According to productivity experts, e-mail is time-consuming. Instead of spending a lot of time sending and receiving e-mail, it's better to collaborate with a single interface. Equipping employees with unified communications tools enables them to manage their communications from a secure online portal, accessible with any equipment. Collaboration features enable experts to minimize interruptions and stay focused on their tasks. Functionalities are grouped together in a single platform from which it is possible to participate in video conferences, exchange instant messages, share a screen or call colleagues, in real time or asynchronously. Used wisely, unified communications tools help create a productive workspace, facilitate teamwork and develop a modern collaborative culture.

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Reason number 2: because they stimulate mobility

Smartphones are omnipresent in our private and professional lives, and it is now imperative for companies to adopt a sustainable BYOD ("Bring Your Own Device") strategy. A properly deployed unified communications platform facilitates the implementation of a BYOD policy, enabling employees to use their own devices wherever and whenever they wish. Instead of dedicating resources to managing multiple, siloed communications systems, unified communications saves time and money, and gives more freedom to employees in the field. When workgroups need to stay connected, unified communications enable collaboration and streamline processes. Employees become more productive because they can easily access advanced features that help them work more efficiently.

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Reason number 3: because they facilitate communications between remote teams

Real-time communication is not always possible, especially when employees work remotely or in different time zones. Unified communications tools are specifically designed to synchronize communications between remote teams. For example, group chat functionality, one of the most widely used tools, makes it easy to monitor conversations in real time, as each discussion is recorded in context and can be used for reference at a later date.

Unified communications can thus help manage fragmented exchanges and improve communications and productivity for remote workers. Given the ever-changing trends in technology and the use of personal equipment in the workplace, it is essential to adopt a unified communications solution that gives teams the flexibility and autonomy to use the equipment of their choice anywhere, anytime.

For these three reasons alone, deploying a unified communications infrastructure should be the primary objective of every business manager.

CounterPath's range of unified communications solutions boosts business communications. Bria Enterprise is a highly secure unified communications platform, managed in the cloud, offering HD audio and video conferencing, messaging and screen sharing, and simple, centralized management of softphone clients.

Designed for professionals to improve communication and stimulate collaboration, Bria Enterprise boosts business productivity by providing employees with collaboration tools that can be used on any network, anywhere, with any equipment.

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