More businesses are transferring their apps and data to the cloud for improved security, scalability, and simplicity. Another collection of products that provides benefits to consumers is cloud communications. So what does the future hold in this area? Nicholas Kyriakides, Co-Founder and COO of netTALK CONNECT and netTALK MARITIME, discusses the trends to look out for and offers a glimpse into the future of cloud-based communications.
The acceleration of cloud adoption was fueled by the pandemic and the need for remote access to mission-critical apps and services. While still a relatively new service, cloud communications provide scalability, dependability, and considerable cost savings to enterprises – those benefits are already industry standard. According to IDCOpens a new window , spending on computer and storage goods for cloud infrastructure climbed 12.5% year over year to $15.1 billion in the first quarter of this year.
Organizations that implement a complete set of remote work regulations while keeping effective and thorough cloud-based communication channels will be well equipped for the future of work. The strategic benefits for businesses are clear: a richer customer experience, a broader talent pool, and the ability to offer more flexible working environments.
Video meetings, team collaboration, call monitoring, recording, forwarding, and admin management are all possible in a cloud-based environment, giving companies a range of in-office interactions while working remotely.
Let’s examine how cloud-based communication will help businesses expand further in the coming years.
Telecom Services and Video-calling
Adopting telecom services via the cloud is crucial for growth, especially for organizations aiming to expand globally. A cloud-based virtual telecommunications service eliminates the need for costly on-premise equipment and related maintenance and upgrading expenditures.Â
WebRTC (a new standard for enabling Real-Time Communication (RTC) within a web browser has a lot of promise, and cloud communications are well-positioned to explore it. WebRTC video calling and conferencing will play a more significant part in general communications, both at and outside of work, as formats and codecs become more common and broadband access becomes more widespread.
Without WebRTC, the user must first upload the file to a server, after which the receiving user must download it. These files are sent directly over the WebRTC Data Channel, without the need for servers or infrastructure.
From VoIP to CCaaS
The VoIP industry’s net worth reached $30 billionOpens a new window in 2020, with a CAGR of 15% in 2021. The cost-benefits over traditional landlines, forthcoming 5G technology, and rising demand for mobility and flexibility are all driving its projected worth of $95 billion in 2027. VoIP is the founding technology for cloud communications. It has led to the development of Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS), enabling the streamlining of processes by centralizing business communications channels.
You can think of Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) platforms as a kind of UCaaS solution designed for customer service or sales teams dealing with high quantities of client conversations. These solutions include artificial intelligence (AI) tools like self-service features and interactive voice response (IVR) to assist interaction efficiency and client satisfaction.
Increased Customization
Cloud communications services include several configurable features to improve usability and customize the user experience. However, in the future of cloud communications, customization will expand to include user type, use case, and business necessity.
Accountants, payroll, I.T., legal, compliance, customer service people, and others, for example, all have various demands and uses for a communications system in a shared center setting. Different plans, pricing, and features will be available for each use case in the future.
See More: A Cloud Networking Primer: Building Your Network in the Azure Cloud
Technical Challenges
The reality with remote work is that companies have to deal with the network impact of many concurrent video conferencing sessions. To counteract the effect, businesses should use network traffic management tools (SD-WAN) in conjunction with existing Cloud apps, understanding that employees’ home internet services will vary significantly in terms of speed and bandwidth.Â
While the next global mobile wireless standard, 5G, will enable remote and flexible working, it will come at a cost. Businesses will need to think about how they will support staff with more affordable connections in the future. Dealing with this and other technical difficulties will be a top concern for IT executives in the future.
Rethinking Communication
With the active shift to hybrid-work models, the acceptance of flexible, cloud-based services is increasing across businesses of all sizes and sectors. Business executives and other technology investment decision-makers are reassessing their organizations’ technological capabilities and future roadmaps. Whether implemented over several years or quickly during the pandemic, siloed, non-integrated, and outdated communication technologies are ready for updates and greater alignment with future business goals.
Are you reassessing the communication technologies at work? Tell us what you think on LinkedInOpens a new window , TwitterOpens a new window , or FacebookOpens a new window . We’d love to get your take on this!
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