Enterprise communication solutions are rapidly shifting from on-premise UC systems to UCaaS models, offering increased productivity, cost savings, and innovation. However, before making the leap, it’s crucial to consider four key areas to ensure a successful transition.
Contracts: Ensure a Smooth Transition
Timing is crucial when it comes to contracts. Before moving to a UCaaS provider, clarify the contract dates with your telco provider, equipment suppliers, and support vendors for your existing UC platform.
Take note of common telco auto-renewal clauses and express in writing at least 30 days before the end of the contract that you’d prefer a month-to-month arrangement if migrating numbers from current carriers to the UCaaS provider. If contracts prohibit the porting of numbers, explore the Bring Your Own Carrier (BYOC) model, leveraging your existing circuits for PSTN connectivity. Additionally, confirm ongoing support options for your current environment until the transition is complete.
Internet Infrastructure: Plan for Success
With UC platforms hosted externally, additional demands are placed on internet circuits. Assess your circuit utilization and ensure sufficient bandwidth to support UCaaS requirements.
More importantly, consider network design and potential challenges related to corporate or cloud-based firewalls and SSL decryption. Optimize performance by swiftly egressing UCaaS traffic to the cloud provider and consider implementing an SD-WAN solution that utilizes multiple internet circuits simultaneously for enhanced performance and reliability.
Device Compatibility: Embrace Flexibility
While physical desk phones can still be used, utilizing softphone clients on computers or smartphones offers greater flexibility and accessibility. UCaaS eliminates the need for VPN clients or complex proxy gateways, enabling secure calling with corporate numbers over the internet. If feasible, upgrade legacy analog devices to SIP-enabled devices or register ATAs with the UCaaS provider for analog integration.
Effective Communication: Facilitate Adoption
Successful enterprise communication solution implementation heavily relies on effective internal communication. Proactively engage with end users, support staff, key stakeholders, and executives early and often to address concerns and gain buy-in.
Emphasize the ways UCaaS empowers employees to be more productive and innovative. Identify influential individuals who embrace change as early adopters, enabling them to champion the benefits of the new solution to their colleagues. By fostering informed and engaged employees, the transition to UCaaS becomes smoother.
By leveraging modern enterprise communication solutions, businesses can achieve increased productivity and more effective communication. Follow these four steps to navigate the transition successfully, minimizing unexpected challenges. For further insights and assistance in these areas, reach out to our Cloud experts today.
