Hybrid Working
enhances efficiency. Te technology is fundamental to the modern digital workforce, as evidenced by the projected increase in global UCaaS users, which is expected to surpass 131 million by 2028. Microsoſt Teams is a key player in this space. With over 300
million monthly users, it has become the central hub for workplace collaboration. Te platform spans various sectors, from education to enterprise, and its ubiquity presents an excellent opportunity for channel partners to develop value-added solutions that cater to the particular communications needs of contemporary organisations. Te demand for UCaaS – and Microsoſt Teams in particular – is already present; channel leaders simply need to act. Te way we work has already changed and will continue to. People
are no longer tethered to one location to do their jobs. Tat’s why the case for better mobile connectivity is so clear. For example, in healthcare, mobile access allows nurses to update patient records while they are on the move. In logistics, drivers can access delivery information in real time. For working parents, they could take last-minute calls on the move aſter school drop-off. In each of these scenarios, mobile functionality is not just useful; it is vital for business operations. In the UK alone, more than half of all workers depend on
smartphones to perform their jobs, and 71 per cent of Teams users consider mobile access essential to their work. Tis shiſt is not just a trend; it reflects a major expectation that mobile functionality has become a necessity rather than an optional feature. For businesses to stay competitive and connected, their UCaaS solutions must prioritise mobility. Employees must be able to transition seamlessly between desktop and mobile environments, whether in the office, working from home, or on the go. A simple, secure, and scalable UCaaS platform, such as Microsoſt
Teams, allows seamless collaboration among increasingly distributed workforces, significantly benefiting businesses and users. With the Teams Phone Mobile solution, users can make and receive calls using both the native mobile dialer and the Teams app, resulting in greater versatility. It provides a single number for mobile, desk, and Teams-based calls, allowing employees to remain flexible and secure, regardless of location. Organisations can extend their security policies to employees’
mobile devices, including call recording and data retention, ensuring compliance and protecting sensitive information. Additionally, outbound calls from employees’ mobile phones can be configured to display the organisation’s number, safeguarding personal contact details. Tis approach leads to a more reliable experience for users.
Calls can be made over either mobile or fixed networks, ensuring continuity and maintaining call quality. Users can effortlessly switch between devices, taking a mobile call on the go and then transitioning to a desktop meeting without interruption. Communication history, voicemail, and presence status are synchronised across Teams-enabled devices, providing users with a truly unified experience.
Going beyond basics with value-added services As well as adding mobile functionality, other value-added services enhance UCaaS solutions. Additional benefits include AI-driven analytics, which provide actionable insights that empower
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organisations to optimise performance and better understand customer behaviours. Call management capabilities, such as intelligent routing and interactive voice systems, help ensure that inbound calls are handled efficiently, reducing wait times and enhancing the customer experience. Fraud prevention tools also enhance the security of voice
interactions, protecting against increasingly sophisticated threats. Indeed, security is a priority for all businesses today; the distributed nature of the modern workforce makes it essential to protect sensitive information, such as financial data and strategic plans, across various networks and devices. Channel partners should consider this and offer solutions that integrate security at every level. From a business perspective, all of these benefits translate
into margin growth. These improvements are not just operational; they also have financial implications. After all, businesses that maintain responsive, high-quality communication are more likely to retain customers, generate repeat business, and drive revenue growth. Moreover, economic pressures and the impending analogue
switch-off mean organisations must find ways to optimise costs while enhancing agility. UCaaS supports this imperative by simplifying systems, consolidating devices, and reducing the need for complex and costly on-premise infrastructure. As businesses navigate periods of rapid change, integrated
communications will be foundational to their success. Te ability to adapt quickly, collaborate seamlessly, and stay connected from anywhere is now a necessity rather than a luxury. UCaaS and mobile-first connectivity offer the essential tools for organisations to thrive. However, many business leaders find the prospect of adopting
a new IT or communication platform daunting. Concerns about complexity, user adoption, and the potential impact of system downtime can oſten hinder transformation efforts. Fortunately, UCaaS platforms are designed with usability in mind. Updates are delivered centrally through the cloud, minimising disruption and reducing maintenance demands. Te interfaces are intentionally designed to resemble the intuitive nature of consumer apps, meaning little to no training is needed. Tis approach provides peace of mind for business leaders, while also reducing the support burden for IT teams and accelerating the time to realise the benefits. Tis kind of simplicity is a considerable competitive advantage in an age of digital transformation fatigue. Te business case for channel leaders is clear. UCaaS combined
with mobile capabilities represents an enormous opportunity to grow revenue, deepen customer relationships, and build long- term value. By partnering with trusted brands in both mobile and UCaaS spaces, the channel can deliver high-quality mobile-first solutions to a mature and rapidly evolving market. With over 300 million Team users worldwide, there is a ready-
made audience in need of expert guidance and tailored services. Te channel must rise to the occasion. Channel partners that act now can differentiate themselves, increase their margins, and lead the evolution of enterprise communications. It’s those who seize this opportunity who will lead.
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