When companies need more effective communication and collaboration mechanisms, it’s hard to beat unified communications (UC) solutions. UC brings together multiple modalities, centralizing discussions, file sharing, and more under a single umbrella. However, even as more organizations embrace mobility, mobile UC is not a universal priority.
Why Mobile UC Needs to Be a Priority
Mobile devices – including smartphones and tablets – are staples in many businesses. Employees rely on them in increasing numbers, ensuring they can complete critical tasks and remain connected even when they step away from their desks or offices. In some cases, professionals spend more time on their mobile devices than desktops or laptops. Neglecting mobile UC means these employees may not have the capabilities they need to support operations when on the go. This can harm overall productivity, creating unnecessary delays that hinder business growth or the ability to meet customer expectations. By making mobile UC a priority, organizations can harness mobile devices for increased operational efficiency. No matter where an employee may be, as long as they have a data connection, they can remain in the loop and fully productive. Meeting the expectations of their customers, clients, coworkers, and managers becomes easier. Similarly, the ability to effectively manage their time increases and productivity goals can be obtained without undue hardship.
What Mobile UC Involves
Mobile UC includes more than just voice calls, text-based messaging, and email. While those are all critical components, mobile UC goes further. A comprehensive mobile UC solution can integrate with VoIP systems, allowing employees to receive calls made to their desk phone numbers through mobile devices. File sharing is also a common addition, as well as video conferencing, streaming video, and screen sharing. Additionally, robust mobile UC platforms make security a priority. Encryption can keep the content of all communications secure. Authentication and identity management mechanisms reduce the likelihood that unauthorized individuals can gain access to systems and data. Regulatory and policy compliance can be ensured, and overall usage can be monitored for compliance and cost control.
Mobile Device Considerations
Mobile UC implementations are often app-based solutions. Typically, Android and iOS versions will be necessary, aside from situations where the company issues smartphones to employees and, therefore, can exude more control over the device types in use. While mobile UC can bring dynamic mobility to a company, BYOD policies need to outline any requirements associated with the use of the apps on personally-owned devices. This ensures the organization can enforce various critical security mechanisms to keep data secure and limit risk should a device go missing or become stolen. Ultimately, with the proper mechanisms in place, mobile UC has the ability to unleash the potential of a mobile workforce. Communication and collaboration can remain seamless even when some employees are at remote locations, telecommuting, or traveling. Productivity can remain high at all times, no longer hinder by a lack of connectivity to key conversations, documents, or data. All of this can be achieved simultaneously while ensuring security is given the appropriate level of consideration.
