One of the most impressive innovations in business communication technologies over the last few years, unified communications, is being adopted globally. Although not every business has signed up and reaped the benefits of a UC-driven workforce just yet, for businesses that have, we’ve noted several trends to keep an eye on this year.
- Don’t expect 5G this year
It hasn’t taken long into 2019 for all the hype surrounding the much-anticipated 5G networks to come crashing to a halt. While 5G services are certainly expected to land soon, the likelihood of their mainstream popularity in the next 12 months appears to be minimal.
With few mobile devices currently capable of supporting 5G, we won’t expect to see it filtering through to the business world this year. However, as this is an issue currently restricted by devices and supporting networks, the applications and tools of unified communications won’t change significantly when 5G does land.
- Machine learning and AI
However, one of last year’s other super-hyped UC trends could certainly be about to take off. Anticipated by TechTarget, AI is about to permeate UC services in a big way. With the potential of simultaneously analysing data and using the information to automate workflows and working processes, machine learning is a trend worth watching this year.
This will naturally involve business owners keeping an eye on performance and security, but more automation will certainly mean more time to focus – for staff at all levels.
- Team collaboration and UCaaS
With all this exciting AI going on in the background, businesses will begin to take serious advantage of the collaboration facilities within UC, and Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) will become increasingly popular.
Now perceived as the most effective way of taking advantage of unified communications, UCaaS is a cloud delivery model that provides instant access to a range of both communication and collaboration software. With AI running in the background, voice control and interaction of these tools will also become more practical.
- Any device communication
Where will you be able to make use of progressive UC software? Absolutely anywhere. As more businesses begin to operate with UC or sign up for UCaaS, both hardware and software developers will be forced into ensuring that their devices and applications are ready for this next phase in business communication.
While it may take another generation of mobile devices before this trend is fully adopted, you can be sure that, sooner rather than later, you’ll be able to access your UC platform on any new model.
- Scalable, mobile, worthwhile
With this increased functionality will come the possibility of having real-time control of a business from almost anywhere in the world. When handling tasks ranging from organising shared documents to engaging in multiple location video conferencing, assigned personnel can always have complete control over the platform.
This allows strategies to be implemented immediately, users to be assigned and added to the network at the touch of a button, and responsiveness to become standard across the workforce. While there are many facets of unified communications, it is a trend worth buying into all on its own.
