| Unified Messaging or UM is about mainly about | | | | those whose jobs require them to be on the field, |
| unifying or integrating different methods of | | | | a mobile phone may be the ideal device to |
| communication such as fax, voice and email. The | | | | receive all messages. So regardless of where the |
| basic purpose behind UM is that all communications | | | | user is, all messages can be accessed via the |
| can be sent and received via just a single | | | | mobile phone. Most Unified Messaging systems |
| interface. All types of communications - email, fax | | | | have a range of features that allow users to |
| or voice - can be accessed via a mailbox from | | | | access messages 24 hours a day 7 days a week. |
| the mobile phone, computer or land line. Even | | | | They also provide internet access and message |
| email messages can be received via the telephone | | | | notification facilities. |
| by using the text to speech software. Similarly, | | | | Functionality of the Unified Messaging System |
| phone calls can also be made using the telephone | | | | may vary from one vendor to another. But when |
| interface on the computer. That is the power of | | | | a business chooses a Unified Messaging system, |
| Unified Messaging. | | | | what is most important is that it integrates with |
| Features and Benefits of Unified Messaging | | | | the existing communication infrastructure of the |
| The main benefit of Unified Messaging is that it | | | | organisation, as well as be compatible with any |
| provides access to different forms of | | | | new communication systems that the organisation |
| communication via a single device or terminal that | | | | is likely to use in the future. |
| is preferred by the user, regardless of where he | | | | The effectiveness of a Unified Messaging System |
| or she is. Take the example of an employee who | | | | is typically dependent on its architecture and |
| works at an office. She may have to deal with | | | | scalability so that it may be adapted and modified |
| emails, fax messages and phone calls. She may | | | | to the changing needs of the business. If the |
| have an email client that is already running on the | | | | business, for example, operates a PBX or VoIP |
| desktop, so she may choose to integrate all fax | | | | infrastructure, the aim of the Unified Messaging |
| and voice communications into a single system | | | | System should be to increase the productivity |
| and access it via email. The advantage here is | | | | and reach of the business using the existing |
| that all messages can be easily dealt with and | | | | infrastructure. |
| prioritised just the same as email messages. For | | | | |