What is Managed Communication?
Reliable communication is critical to business, and there are more communication services available now than ever before. Managed communication solutions are business communication systems that are managed remotely or on-site by managed service providers (MSP) or managed communication providers (MCP). Managed communication services cover a broad range of communication infrastructure including data, video, VoIP (voice over internet protocol), and messaging software, as well as managed call center features including integrated email, phone, web, fax, and instant messaging. The following are managed communication services to consider for your organization:
VoIP. VoIP is a technology that allows telephone calls to be made over the internet. VoIP communication creates two-way communication using internet protocol (IP) running through your existing network cabling, rather than over conventional telephone wiring. VoIP communication can be used by traditional telephone handsets or computer USB handsets.
Mobile. Mobile managed communication can include solutions that allow incoming office calls to ring at multiple locations, including mobile and off-site phones.
Wireless. Wi-Fi hotspots can be established onsite to improve wireless call quality.
Communication systems. Communication systems that include VoIP phones, wireless handsets, mobile phones, voice, data, wired, and analog systems can be customized to fit the business environment and the other environments where users may access business communications including their off-site environments and their communications while in transit.
Business unified communications (UC). Unified voice, video, data, instant messaging, fax, and mobility communications can provide consistent and secure communication in a business environment. Communication devices such as PCs and phones, and applications such as videoconferencing and calendars, can be connected so that they can be accessed at any time or place via customizable open interfaces.
Hosted unified communications (UC). Through a hosted unified communication service, your organization can receive a unique dial plan, sets of phone numbers, voice mail, and other IP-telephony resources.
Unified contact center. A unified contact center solution offers an IP-based, centralized infrastructure supporting numerous distributed sites, and may include features such as integrated web collaboration tools and CTI screen pops.
There are many advantages to managed communication services:
Connectivity and reliability. Secure end-to-end networks with active monitoring; faults and incidents are proactively reported; expert technicians monitor and troubleshoot as needed.
Cost control and productivity. Reduces overall costs of managing fundamental enterprise infrastructure; cost savings with bundled services; adaptable and customizable- can add and remove services as business needs evolve.
Security. Firewalls and threat detection services monitor and prevent possible intrusions or threats; data is securely monitored and backed up at physical locations and/or on the cloud.