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Unified communications as a service vs communications platform as a service
Unified Communications as a Service, and is a category of service from the cloud computing world. UcaaS differs from CpaaS or communications platform as a service in the way that many Ucaas are out-of-the-box solutions with pre-built features.
This article will compare UcaaS to CpaaS and explore the differences in capabilities and costs of these two types of services.
What is UCaaS?
UCaaS is a cloud-based service that delivers voice, video, and conference calling without requiring on-site equipment or ongoing IT maintenance. It strips communication to the bare minimum in it, and it suits companies that require a unified communications solution but prefer to avoid the costly investment.
What is CPaaS?
CPaaS platforms enable customers to integrate their own communications systems with apps like Salesforce and Workday. It also lets your employees access those apps through their phones or computer while seamlessly switching between company calls and personal texts. CPaaS has become increasingly popular among SMBs, as it gives them a simple way to create better customer experiences while saving money along the way.
Difference between UCaaS vs CPaaS
The service is able to handle all types of messaging protocols, including SMS, IMAP, MMS, XMPP, and not only email. Also included are chat rooms and Cloud Video Conferencing. There is support for mobile devices such as smartphones as well as desktops.
The service allows mobile devices to use it as a standalone application or run it in a web browser via IOS or Android apps. To provide this service, a Ucaas uses servers and network equipment that is, in most cases, hosted by the service provider.
More than one site may be required for disaster recovery purposes. Access to this equipment is usually via a secure VPN connection or IPsec tunnel.
The user does not have to handle the hardware at any time. If the user needs to change something he/she will contact his Ucaas account manager and ask for it to be changed.
To set up a Ucaas, one typically creates a new organization/company, sets up a user account, and proceeds with provisioning equipment. Additionally, software applications are installed and configured on computers provided by the Ucaas provider.
The main difference between a Ucaas and a Cpaas is that in a Cpaas the user has to do all the configuration and management of the services such as email, databases, and instant messaging.
A Ucaas will usually require less IT knowledge to manage than a Cpaas.
The cost of a Ucaas is typically higher than that of a CPaaS because more advanced functionality is provided.
However, an organization may have lower long-term costs because it will not need to maintain or upgrade its infrastructure as the vendor releases new updates. For example, if an organization uses Microsoft Exchange for its email server it will need to pay Microsoft yearly licensing fees.
Affordable device-agnostic unified communications technologies, like Salesforce, have seen a surge in demand. They are usually offered as a service with monthly payments and offer additional features for an extra fee.
A Communications Platform as a Service is software that often provides an interface to third-party providers for text messages, voice, video, and other communication tools. CPaaS is available on any device and has increased in popularity over the last few years with the decrease in phone lines and the increase in mobile users. CPaaS is often a standalone service or can be found as part of a larger solution. Small businesses can use CPaaS to send text messages, place calls, and make conference calls.
Unified Communications as a Service is a solution that allows you to consolidate multiple communication devices into one single system. It works with applications like Salesforce to enable video calls, online meetings, and video advertising for customers.
UCaaS is available on various platforms like desktops, phones, laptops, and mobile devices. The main benefit is that your company doesn’t need to purchase physical communication devices; you only pay for the service on a monthly basis.
One distinct difference between CPaaS and UCaaS is who controls the service. CPaaS is generally controlled by the third-party provider that sells it while UCaaS is controlled by your company utilizing it.
Choose UCaaS or CPaaS?
UCaaS is an ideal choice if you’re in a small to mid-sized business. It starts with a simple call flow, and it’s customizable to the way you work. The service’s key qualities include remote management without on-site IT staff and a monthly fee paid every few years. CPaaS suits companies seeking a centrally connected UC system, whether they use an on-premises platform or a cloud-hosted one.
Who’s right for UCaaS or CPaaS?
Small to mid-sized businesses can get a start on unified communications. It provides them with a cost-effective alternative to traditional high-end options. And, if you have hundreds of employees within a relatively small geographical area, the benefits of CPaaS are clear.
Unified communications and collaboration tools have always been seen as a major driver of business success. However, traditional unified communications as service solutions are typically expensive and difficult to deploy.
Cloud-based communications platforms are making UCaaS more accessible by eliminating hardware, installation, and other overheads.
If you have any questions, please visit Unified Communications providers, we are open to serving you.
