As with all technology, choosing the right solution can be a minefield, as an increasing number of manufacturers are jumping onto the Cloud and Unified Communications bandwagon, how do you know what will be the right fit for your business? Here are some points to consider:

• Does the solution offer true unified comms? Some solutions offer some of these features, but not all, in fact very few offer a true service that includes voice (phones) as well? For example, some platforms still rely on a separate traditional PBX, which not only complicates the setup/implementation, but increases costs dramatically compared to a true unified communications offering.
• Does the solution work across all major operating systems and devices? With the variety of devices available today you want to be sure that the solution will work for everyone, both internally and externally, this would typically include Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and not forgetting different web browsers as well.
• On-premise or Cloud? Apart from the very high hardware, software and maintenance costs associated with a traditional on-premise solution (Often prohibitive for businesses) you would also miss out on future upgrades. Effectively you need to re-invest and upgrade if you want to continue to make use of new features and functionality. With a Cloud based service as new features are released you benefit from them as they are released without additional cost.
• Is the service available globally? Again for smaller businesses this is not necessarily a consideration, but for larger global organisations why would you want to invest in a unified communications solution that can only ever be implemented in the UK? Although you may start a rollout in a single country, to truly benefit from the cost savings and flexibility of a cloud based unified communications service, a system that has the potential to be implemented globally will be far more compelling as a business case.
• Who is behind the solution? This may sound like a strange question, however it’s far more important that you might think. Some resellers choose to white label other vendors solutions, which can mean that you don’t really know who is manufacturing or supporting your system. We feel that with something as important as your communications you need the confidence of knowing this is being implemented and supported by a globally recognised brand that has the resources to ensure a consistent service is delivered, with full disaster recovery in place.

Plexus Communications partner with a leading global Cloud Telephony provider, and one of the only providers to deliver full true unified communications. The services they provide are so flexible that a typical customer ranges from 2 – 5000 users. This is a very rare statement to be able to make, however businesses of all sizes are starting to understand and embrace the benefits these solutions can provide.