5 best unified communications software systems in 2024

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2. RingCentral

A leading unified communications software, RingCentral enables teams to collaborate and work productively from anywhere in the world on any device.

RingCentral paves the way for business communication and customer service efficiency. This platform is known for providing excellent customer support and affordable pricing options. It brings together instant messaging, voice calls, and video conferencing.

An engaging user interface has created a large user base for this platform around the globe.

Key features

1. Business numbers for individual users with 200+ area codes

2. HD voice and video calls

3. Real-time group conversations via chat

4. File sharing and collaboration

5. Tasks and reminders

6. 99.999% uptime Service-Level Agreement (SLA)

7. Cloud Private Branch eXchange (PBX) services in over 40 nations worldwide

8. Online fax

9. Voicemail transcription

10. Unlimited audio conferencing

11. Integration with tools including Microsoft 365, ZenDesk, Salesforce, and G-Suite

12. Advanced analytics to measure performance

13. Standard security across all devices

Although people have complained about the absence of on-premise support, inconsistent UI, and software bugs, RingCentral provides 24-hour customer support via phone, chat, or email.

Price: Starts from $32.99 per user/month for a basic package that offers essential services.

3. 8x8

Ranking high as a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service provider, 8x8 lets businesses manage calls, review analytics, and perform administrative functions easily.

This communication platform provides cloud-based services for audio calls, video conferencing, real-time chat & online collaboration in teams, and a contact center to more than 2 million users.

8x8 is a great choice for businesses looking for unified communications software on a budget with basic services. People can also opt for premium packages with additional features to make their virtual workspace more efficient.

Key features

1. Dozens of CRM and business tools integrations

2. Global connectivity through local numbers for businesses

3. AI-powered workflows

4. HD video conferencing with screen sharing

5. Communication APIs

6. Secure and compliant with E2E encryption

7. 99.999% uptime SLA

8. Unified analytics for every customer interaction

9. Visual voicemails

Virtual agents and AI-driven speech analytics are some key features that make 8x8 stand out. As per reviews, multiple call drops, complicated adoption, and misleading UI are potential downsides.

Price: Starts from $15 per user/month.

4. Dialpad

Dialpad is an AI-powered unified communications software that delivers quality services to businesses that use VoIP calls, video conferences, and real-time chat. One of the biggest advantages of using Dialpad is the automatic voicemail and call transcription.

Global teams appreciate this unified software’s ease of use and simple installation process. In addition, Dialpad can be easily integrated with 74+ collaborative tools, including Microsoft 365, Salesforce, and Zendesk.

Dialpad offers dedicated business solutions for different industries – education, healthcare, real estate, and technology – suitable for small and large oeganizations.

Key features

1. File sharing with real-time chat

2. Video conferencing and screen sharing

3. Advanced call controls (transfer, block, or mute)

4. Global reach across 70+ countries with local and toll-free numbers 

5. Internal group chat

6. Application Programming Interface

7. Easy integration with tools and plugins

8. Efficient AI tools (such as AI CSAT)

9. Enterprise-grade security

Dialpad provides a 14-day free trial to help you make an informed decision. 

Price: Starts from $23 per user/month or $15 per user/month if billed annually.

5. Vonage

An easy-to-use communication platform, many prefer Vonage for its advanced customization and multi-tier pricing model. 

This unified communications software has more than 40 critical business features, built-in collaboration tools, and mobile integration. It is a reliable platform for unified communication across the board, backed by a solid team of professionals for business and technical support. 

Key features

1. Real-time chat app with unlimited calls

2. Multi-user collaboration and file sharing

3. Up to 15 hours of call recording

4. Call routing

5. IP desk phones availability

6. Video conferences for up to 100 users and screen sharing

7. Auto attendant and visual voicemails

8. Multi-channel communication

9. Mobile integration

10. API

While it is comparatively more expensive than its counterparts, Vintage does provide excellent customer support. Users often complain about connectivity issues that force them to end calls and reschedule.

Price: Starts from $19.99 per user/month.

How to choose the right unified communications software?

The following criteria can help in the decision-making process of selecting the right communication platform for your team:

1. Needs of your organization

No matter how great a unified communications software is, investing in it wastes resources if it does not meet your organization’s needs.

Some communication platforms offer the most elementary features, such as phone, instant messaging, and basic video conferencing, which may be suitable for small businesses that don’t require advanced functions.

High security and compliance, multi-channel communication, screen sharing, and integrations with business tools are features that are more suitable for larger enterprises.

2. Ease of use

Considering a communication platform’s user experience is crucial since the entire team will be spending a major chunk of their workday navigating the software. Of course, needs will vary from team to team. For example, a developer may prefer software with room for customization, while a customer support executive does not use such a feature and might want omnichannel access.

A good unified communications software will enhance team productivity and increase efficiency. Take a look at our list of best chat platforms to help you choose your solution.

2. Work from anywhere

Effective team collaboration demands a good unified communication platform. A major factor that influences this choice is interoperability.

Whichever UC software you choose, ensure it aids remote teams in performing daily tasks.

3. Integrations with other apps

A unified communications software that integrates everything is ideal, as many businesses work with multiple apps simultaneously. Choose an open-source communication software that allows you to integrate multiple applications.

4. Data security

Remote work comes with data security challenges for the organization. Users can log in to their workspace on any device anywhere in the world as long as they have a working internet connection. This vast reach automatically increases the risk of data theft and system breach.

Look for UCaaS platforms with E2E encryption and two-step authentication at the time of login, along with additional security features (such as certification from reputed organizations) to maintain privacy and ensure data security.

Unified communications for privacy-conscious organizations

Cyber attacks on businesses are on the rise, especially with more and more people working remote. Also, security and compliance breaches are more often than not a product of unintentional human error. That's why a secure communication platform is the best choice for your team.

Rocket.Chat is a unified communications platform that takes the privacy concerns of an organization very seriously. Apart from standard security measures (such as E2E encryption and ISO 27001 certification), it is also compliant with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), all of which are considered as gold standards for security.

Rocket.Chat also gives you complete ownership of your own data through on-premise hosting. Contact us today to see how collaboration in your organization can be improved.