Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) Explained
What is Unified Communications as a Service?
Effective ways of connecting and communicating with others have become important more than ever. Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) platforms and providers facilitate the communication between team members, with customers and others.
According to Gartner, UCaaS is a cloud-delivered unified communications model that supports communications functions such as:
- Enterprise telephony
- Meetings (audio/video/web conferencing)
- Unified messaging
- Instant messaging and presence (personal and team)
- Mobility
- Communications-enabled business processes
UCaaS has been around for a few years now, but since last year, there has been increasing demand and interests in providers that support the remote workforce, education and events. There are some platforms for general audiences, which are often used for 1:1 or group meetings, such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet. On the other hand, there are UCaaS providers that specialize in industry-specific needs, such as career-related services and Higher Education, for example, Highre.
How is UCaaS changing the Higher Education space?
As we look at how UCaaS is affecting our industry, it’s important to note that there have been many changes and innovations taking place in Higher Education (HE). The most dramatic change is that all our campus activities moved online. Classes are done virtually, and students work on assignments, projects and assessments all from home. In addition, with uncertainties ahead of us, all HE personnels are doing their part in implementing the most seamless virtual environment for their students, constantly seeking for ways to improve their experience.
One of many obstacles that HE officers come across is career-related events. Traditionally, universities could reach out to a list of employers, inviting them for their events, then promoting the event to the students. However, shifting everything online, the engagement, and interest universities have been receiving from both their employers and students have been lower. Good news here is that, such outcome can be changed, when you find the appropriate platform or software for your needs.
Up until now, UCaaS solutions for Higher Education have been heavily based on text-chat, with very limited audio, video and collaboration functionalities. But as the era of remote recruitment and networking has arrived now, the marketplace has been speeding up to improve 1:1 video chat, group webinar, screen sharing, data visibility and account management. University officers are exposed to an explosive amount of tools to look through to find the best fit for their institutions.
How do you know what’s a good choice for you? We recommend that you check out different options you have, read educational materials on what other universities are doing, and get a free consultation before you make the call.
What can I do with UCaaS?
So, now that you understand the necessity to work with UCaaS providers, what are some key points you should know? Remember one thing. It’s all about your experience. UCaaS providers are meant to make your life easier, better and enjoyable, when running the event.
Unlike video conferencing tools designed for general audience, virtual event tools include some of more tailored features. If you are planning on hosting career events, there are different types of events that you can host with UCaaS softwares, such as career fairs, networking events, roundtable or other similar events, these features are a must. If your provider doesn’t offer them, it’s time for you to start exploring alternatives!
- Schedulable 1:1 video meetings
- Live webinars
- Resume drop-off
- Job board
- Resume download
- Activity report
- Training and support
In this virtual era, we need to expand our outreach, embrace diversity recruiting, increase employer branding and protect the health and safety of our students.
If you are ready to take your virtual experience to the next level, reimagine the opportunities for your talents. Make sure to have a read for more information about the future of virtual career fairs and the industry trends and insights HERE.
About Highre
Highre is the number one virtual career fair platform, helping employers and universities connect students with career opportunities, seamlessly.
Where you can find us
Website: www.highre.co
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/highre
Facebook: www.facebook.com/highre.co
Twitter: www.twitter.com/highre_co
Instagram: www.instagram.com/highre.co
Youtube: www.youtube.com/highre
