However, when one is exploring the possibility of implementing UC, the benefits and challenges, some of which are outlined below, should be considered:<\/p>\n

PRO:\u00a0\u00a0Produces cost savings<\/span>.<\/span><\/strong><\/span> One of the main reasons why UC is implemented is that in the long run, significant cost savings are realised. Depending on the services and method used to integrate them, both fixed and recurrent expenses could be dramatically reduced.<\/p>\n

CON: Relatively large upfront cost<\/strong>.<\/strong><\/span> To implement UC might require some of the equipment currently being used be replaced and\/or upgraded. Thereafter, the focus would be on establishing the desired degree of interoperability and attending to all aspects that will foster a favourable user experience. At the very least, the transition to a UC platform would require specialist expertise, which typically might be outsourced. When contracting\/consulting fees are factored in, along with equipment costs, and the need to train the in-house tech team to manage the new platform, the cost to implement UC can be substantial. The relatively large upfront cost is a deterrent to many organisations. Although they would benefit greatly from UC, they may have limited funds available to apply to such a venture.<\/p>\n

PRO:\u00a0 Improved access and information sharing. <\/strong><\/span>This is a key benefit when UC is being considered.\u00a0 In large organisations, and where staff members tend to be dispersed, people (or teams) can appear to be operating in insolation to others, and the institution splintered. Further, all employees might not necessarily have the same tools at their disposal, which can result in a number of inter-communication challenges. Having a single platform upon which all devices and media can operate means that any employee can communicate with another regardless of the interface. This \u00a0leads to improved sharing and greater sense of cohesion.<\/p>\n

PRO:<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0 Increased productivity<\/strong>.<\/span> Through improved access and information sharing, productivity can be increased, since the delay in accessing various types of communication \u2013 until one has access to the appropriate interface \u2013 is virtually eliminated. For example, regardless of the device a person can be notified immediately of an instant message, voicemail left on his\/her office phone, or a received fax, on the one device and his\/her reply to the sender will be delivered to the device the initial sender is using. Such capability is highly useful when employees are out of the office, especially when communications options might be limited but they are still required to respond promptly to the needs of the rest of the organisation.<\/p>\n

<\/strong>PRO:<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Improved optimisation and competitiveness<\/span><\/strong>. A natural consequence of all of the above benefits is that communication processes can become optimised, which leads to increased efficiency and improved competitiveness. This factor has become increasingly important, since in many organisations, performance-related factors are measured and targets are set.<\/p>\n

<\/strong>CON:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>Potential interoperability challenges<\/span><\/strong>. Since a UC solution will comprise a variety of tools and products, they most likely will be from different vendors\/manufacturers. As result,, getting all of that equipment to operate as a seamless medium can be challenge. Some of the interoperability problems between different products and manufacturers might be known and can be accommodated from the outset. However, there are those that will only become apparent during implementation and may require a hardware or software solution, or a combination of both. This situation introduces some degree of uncertainty into the implementation process, which might not be acceptable to some organisations.<\/p>\n

<\/strong>CON:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>The impact of a malfunction<\/span><\/strong>. Equipment or other technical failures are inevitable. They can occur regularly, and can involve one or more components of aUC suite. These breakdowns \u00a0can affect the effectiveness of other components, but ultimately compromises the entire suite, which could have an impact across an organisation. However, to varying degrees such difficulties can be managed by implementing a robust solution, and by ensuring that the appropriate resources are available to attend to any failures that might arise.<\/p>\n