| Unified messaging is essentially the name for a | | | | analyse the requirements of such a system, as |
| service that attempts to draw together the | | | | well as the benefits that it could offer. Choosing a |
| relatively disparate forms of messaging | | | | Unified messaging system that is compatible with |
| communication into a single interface which can be | | | | the current communications technology most |
| easily accessed at any time. This includes | | | | frequently used by a business is of course |
| amalgamating all messages received in text form | | | | essential, but perhaps equally important it is worth |
| via email, voice messages left from a phone call | | | | considering what technologies the business may |
| and fax messages that would traditionally require | | | | decide to use in the future and how these choices |
| that the recipient prints them out in order to | | | | might influence the decision as to which Unified |
| make them accessible. Unified messaging will | | | | messaging system to pick. |
| make all of these different types of message | | | | The key to a future-proof and cost-effective |
| accessible from one inbox. The messages can | | | | system lies in its scalability, so that it is neither |
| then be viewed or heard as the user requires, | | | | excessive when the business is growing, nor |
| depending on the access method chosen. This can | | | | restrictive when serious expansion suddenly |
| include access via a computer; via a mobile phone; | | | | occurs and the unified messaging system might |
| or a landline call. | | | | be stretched. Regardless as to the type of |
| Unified messaging has the ability to read emails to | | | | communications system in use, the purpose of |
| the user over the phone thanks to | | | | Unified messaging remains the same; it is intended |
| text-to-speech technology, whilst users wishing to | | | | to streamline communication within a business and |
| set up complex multi-user calls or reply to a | | | | consequently increase productivity, unleashing the |
| message received in any of the mixed formats | | | | true potential of any enterprise whilst reducing |
| can use a simple mouse-driven interface to do so. | | | | costs. |
| Unified messaging should be completely accessible | | | | It is worth noting that the installation of any UMS |
| and unrestricted regardless as to the time of day | | | | may encounter some issues which could call for |
| or the location of the user. As such, a system | | | | an upgrade to existing systems, for example if a |
| that is accessible whilst the users are at their | | | | Private Branch Exchange server is in use and the |
| desks during working hours might be suitable for | | | | current model has inadequate memory to support |
| some, whilst remote access for those who spend | | | | the new system. Thankfully all good UMS |
| their time in the field will be better for others. | | | | implementations should require minimal investment |
| Desktop access will allow users to privilege certain | | | | to cover staff training in familiarising staff with the |
| types of message in the order that is most | | | | new system, since the interface and working |
| suited to their needs and receiving faxes and | | | | environment are designed to be intuitive and easy |
| voice messages direct to an email inbox will make | | | | to get to grips with, helping to keep down the |
| organising and tracking messages throughout the | | | | initial costs of deploying the technology. |
| day far easier. | | | | The functionality described in this article are |
| It is possible for businesses to buy into a Unified | | | | available on all number ranges including 0800 |
| Messaging System (UMS), although it is advisable | | | | numbers, 0845 numbers and 0844 numbers. |
| for those considering such a move to seriously | | | | |