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IP Communications solutions have proven value in helping organizations address a host of communications challenges, enabling them to streamline business processes and reduce costs. For years, companies of all sizes have been realizing the benefits that a common IP infrastructure for all voice, data, and video communications can deliver.

Today, with the Cisco Unified Communications system of voice, video, and IP Communications products, those benefits are greater than ever. Instead of simply connecting products, the Cisco Unified Communications system provides structure and intelligence to help organizations integrate their communications more closely with business processes, and ensure that information reaches recipients quickly, through the most appropriate medium.

Cisco is a recognized leader in IP voice and data communications. Using a systems approach, Cisco combines the strengths of intelligent networking with security, open application programming interfaces (APIs), and self-service business applications. And because a converged Cisco network offers intelligence that's actually integrated throughout the entire network, organizations can take advantage of networkwide security, enhanced resilience, simplified network management, lower total cost of ownership, and accelerated time-to-value.

Here are just a few examples of how Cisco applications can improve your communications:
Integration

  • With the easy-to-use, integrated interface of Cisco Unified Personal Communicator, users can transparently access powerful Cisco Unified Communications applications and tools—voice, video, Web conferencing, call management, directories, and presence information—to help them communicate more effectively and be more productive. This application streamlines communications, enabling teams and knowledge workers to work smarter, faster, and more securely.
  • All your communications applications integrate transparently with your e-mail, calendar, and directories, simplifying contact- and information-sharing throughout your organization.
  • Users can personalize communications options and interact with the system to manage calls, messages, and conferencing in the way that is most comfortable and convenient for them.
  • You can access conference calls, calendars, directories, data, alerts, e-mail, and voice messages from IP phones anywhere on your network.
  • Secure media and transport protocols provide added protection for sensitive calls and messages.

Collaboration

  • Making a video call is as easy as placing a regular phone call, even between multiple people.
  • Rich-media collaboration allows users in a voice, Web, or videoconferencing session to share all types of media, see all participants, identify who is talking, and manage se up and control of these conferencing and collaboration sessions from the Cisco Unified IP Phone or the Web.

Mobility

  • You can set preferences to have calls forwarded to your chosen devices, providing complete mobility, improving customer response time, and reducing missed calls.
  • On the road, you can use intuitive voice commands to place calls or listen to voice messages in "hands free" mode.
  • You can check all types of messages from an e-mail inbox, Web browser, or mobile device, consolidating and simplifying communications.

Contact Centers

  • Contact center applications integrate with databases and workflow applications such as Siebel, Oracle, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems to maximize agent productivity and customer satisfaction.
  • Cisco can turn your call center into a Customer Interaction Network with the efficiency of self-service offerings and multichannel contact for winning customer loyalty. With Cisco Unified Contact Center solutions, businesses can dramatically improve customer service and increase business efficiencies.
  • Recently added to the Cisco portfolio, Cisco Unified Customer Interaction Analyzer provides new and exciting insights into every customer interaction and has the potential to transform how call centers service and retain customers and how they recruit, train, coach, and measure customer service representative performance.

Cisco messaging, conferencing, and customer contact applications integrate with both existing and IP systems to provide maximum flexibility and allow you to migrate to IP communications at your own pace. Most businesses will realize substantial savings and productivity gains by migrating to IP communications.