Cloud computing has established itself in the enterprise and is expected to continue to gain in popularity over the next several years as companies fully realise the potential of the platform, which enables the rapid adoption and deployment of new features.
But cloud-based unified communications or UC as a service (UCaaS) is unlikely to be adopted in the same way as other cloud-based IT services by enterprises. For many companies, the answer is using a hybrid approach for unified communication.
This blends together traditional onsite PBX applications with services supported though the cloud. This allows core ‘mission-critical’ applications to remain under control of management and IT staff, who can leverage existing legacy infrastructure investments, whilst complementary services are hosted though the cloud, where it is easy to add and scale additional technologies for minimal OpEx investment.
A hybrid approach enables the enterprise to procure UC services through several deployment models (e.g. blending traditional on-premise, public-cloud and private cloud) and to select different procurement models for different UCC functionality. This mix and match model means you can support legacy systems throughout the transition – and without a complex integration project.
With budgets under pressure and end-users pushing for the flexibility of unified communications in the cloud, a number of our clients are currently considering the pros and cons of a cloud-based platform.
Many of them want to maintain core telephony and call control on premise (i.e. on the legacy PBX), to avoid downtime, maintain in house response times and network security, with the option of adding additional complementary applications, such as messaging, voicemail and conferencing, to the cloud in the future.
No one size fits all solution
C3 says: "We pride ourselves on offering flexible solutions and attractive commercial terms. This is something that we believe has always set us apart from the competition.
"We work hard to make life easy for our customers, particularly in the current climate where budgets are restricted and internal structures are under review.
"Whether you are seeking to set up and scale unified communications with minimum CapEx investment and take advantage of cloud-based value-added services, or deploy more complex network solutions to support cloud-based business applications, then C3 has flexible deployment options to suit each site and budget.
Enterprise-grade Unified Communications
"Our proven, enterprise-grade call handling and unified communications applications are now available as a cloud-based solution, giving you the flexibility to choose the deployment model and applications to fit your specific requirements:
- Choose from private, hybrid or public cloud deployment options
- Upgrade to IP without the need to purchase, manage and maintain a network
- Lower capital and overhead expenditures for communications assets
- Decrease the time needed to provision and deploy new applications and services
"As enterprises work to deploy unified communications throughout the organisation, many will be considering hybrid approach—one that mixes hosted and premises-based applications and services to best meet a given company’s needs, staffing resources and requirements, and which can grow with them as their unified communication (UC) strategy matures.
"OpEx deployment has further boosted cloud-based UC adoption because businesses are looking for communications delivered as a service model.
"Many of our clients want an onsite solution which will be the right choice for them – and we have over 20 years’ experience integrating this type of system. But for those who want the flexibility of cloud-based telecommunications, or are looking to benefit from the Software as a Service payment model, we can develop hosted applications that meet those demands."
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