Previously on the blog, we’ve explored the benefits of Unified Communications, or UC. Through centralization and improving collaboration, businesses using UC are already reducing inefficiency and providing better services for their customers – and it’s only just the start.
Here’s what’s on the horizon in the UC space for 2025, and a look into how it could impact your business operations.
So Far in Unified Communications
- The UC market size was predicted to reach around $144.72 billion in 2024
- SMEs were the fastest growing segment of the UC market in 2023
- Demand for UC has increased, largely due to remote teams, BYOD policy adoption, and elevated understanding of its value for small businesses with on-the-go workforces
- AI capabilities are present in some platforms, but often lack the ability to search the internet. This limits suggestions as they’re based only on information and guidance that might be susceptible to the same blind spots as internal teams.
So what can we expect over the next 12 months?
AI-Empowered UC
On the surface, you might not think of time lost to app switching as all that significant. But how many times have you opened a platform to grab a piece of information for your current job, only to find yourself 30 minutes deep in an unrelated task that caught your eye?
Instead of falling into the app switch spiral, AI-powered UC platforms will act as your digital workplace concierge, handling everything from meeting coordination to information retrieval.
With intelligent searching, each member of your team gains their own PA. These tools are able to transcribe and summarize meetings, suggest suitable scheduling options, and use data integrated from your CRM to make suggestions on personalizing customer interactions and outreach.
Next-Level Security for the Quantum Age
Cybersecurity keeps many an IT leader up at night. The newest generation of UC tools are being designed to rectify this.
As well as enforcing stricter multifactor authentication (MFA) protocols – asking users to prove their identity by using something they have, like a passcode or cellphone, something they know, like a security question, or something they are, like a fingerprint – standard end-to-end encryption is getting a revamp.
In its place comes quantum-resistant encryption, capable of withstanding the computing power of tomorrow’s machines (which can solve the mathematical problems that keep data encrypted fast enough to make encryption redundant).
For businesses handling sensitive of classified data, a heightened focus on security will be a welcome development in the UC landscape.
One Platform to Rule Them All: The UCaaS Revolution
At its core, the future of UC is all about integration, bringing everything together in one seamless platform.
UCaaS (Unified Communications as a Service) suites are evolving into comprehensive command centers for all your communication needs. Think of it as the Swiss Army knife of business communication – everything you need, right at your fingertips, working together perfectly.
Instead of multiple platforms that each do one thing, UCaaS suites mean doing all things through one platform. This means there’s less need for training on multiple systems, less employee frustration, and lower chances of data loss.
It isn’t just about convenience (though that’s a huge plus). It’s about unlocking new possibilities through better analytics, smoother workflows, and enhanced collaboration.
Ready for the Future of UC?
As we move toward 2025, success will depend on choosing UC solutions that don’t just meet today’s needs but are ready for tomorrow’s challenges.
The age of agentic AI is imminent, according to Zoom Architect Patrick Kelley. So, the question isn’t whether to embrace these changes, but how quickly you can leverage them to stay ahead of the competition. After all, in the world of business communication, standing still is the same as moving backward.
Are you ready to take the leap into the future of unified communications?
KKworx: Connecting Midwest Businesses to Their Goals Through Tailored IT Solutions and Personal Service
We started KKworx out of a passion for helping people to solve business challenges using technology, combining our expertise with genuine integrity, passion and transparency.
We’re honest brokers, protectors, guiders, nurturers and IT wizards, and take care to make sure that our services and solutions are always putting your best interests first.
We’ve helped growing businesses and enterprises to harness exceptional and tailored technology so that they can thrive, and we’re here to help you too.
Thanks for taking the time to get to know us. We’d love to get to know you – get in touch to start the conversation!
FAQs
- How much will AI-powered UC systems cost compared to current solutions?
While initial costs may be higher, partnering with an experienced IT provider helps optimize your investment through strategic implementation and negotiated vendor pricing.
Your provider can assess your specific needs, recommend the most cost-effective licensing tiers, and ensure you’re only paying for features that deliver value to your business.
- What specific security certifications should we look for in future UC platforms?
Look for SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, and NIST compliance as baseline requirements, plus post-quantum cryptography standards. A knowledgeable IT partner can audit potential platforms against your security requirements, handle compliance documentation, and provide ongoing security monitoring and updates.
- Will these new UC platforms integrate with our existing technology stack?
Modern UCaaS platforms offer extensive integration capabilities through APIs and native connectors.
Don’t panic if you don’t understand this terminology – your IT provider can assess your current infrastructure, plan and execute integrations, and provide ongoing support to ensure all systems work together seamlessly while minimizing disruption to your operations.
- How will AI assistants handle sensitive or confidential information?
Enterprise UC platforms include granular permission controls and data handling policies.
Your IT partner can configure these settings according to your compliance requirements, implement data governance policies, and provide regular audits to ensure AI features maintain appropriate data access boundaries.
- What kind of training will our team need to effectively use these new features?
While the interfaces are designed to be intuitive, your IT provider can develop a customized training program tailored to your team’s needs.
They can provide ongoing support, create documentation specific to your use cases, and offer dedicated help desk services to ensure your team maximizes the value of new features.