Communications services - voice, data and video - are transitioning into one converged network based on an IP delivery platform, replacing traditional telecommunications equipment. Software is trending away from packaged delivery to a service delivery model. This software as a service (SaaS), which has made Salesforce.com and NetSuite successful, allows software to be accessed over a network connection from an externally-hosted platform.
What if IP communications could be delivered in much the same way? This is known as Converged Communications as a Service (CCaaS), and it promises to have a dramatic impact in terms of costs and how suppliers do business.
The approach offers a host of advantages for enterprises that can impact their bottom lines. It minimizes upfront investment, installation efforts and costs while lowering ongoing expenses. Businesses can buy only as much bandwidth and services as they need because a provider will only charge by the user each month. Upgrades and performance monitoring are also handled by the provider.
It improves the way firms collaborate and communicate with customers, suppliers and business partners. Once users are supported by one converged IP-based network and one software-based IP communications platform, they have access to a new level of possibilities. For instance, users in different company offices and even at home can all function as one virtual call center. Managers can dynamically monitor and manage employees, call flow patterns and queues along with overall staffing levels from secure web portals.
Smoothstone has developed an IP services delivery platform capable of providing clients with a single source for all communications needs, from basic dial tone to ACD and contact center management. The company provides centrally-managed communication services including VoIP over a private nationwide network, with local dial tone available in more than 6,200 calling areas.
CCaaS may have an equally significant impact on the business communication ecosystem. Smoothstone predicts the multi-vendor way of delivering products will pass away, ushering in an industry consisting of three primary types of providers: IP network bandwidth providers for reliable and ubiquitous connectivity, end user device manufacturers to offer anywhere communications and the CCaaS provider to tie all of the features, functions and applications together.
For more visit smoothstone.com.
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