Also referred to as UM, Unified Messaging means integrating varied communication methods – such as email, fax and voice. The main purpose behind Unified Messaging is that sending and receiving any kind of communication, can all be carried out using simply one interface. This means that your voice mails, emails and even fax messages can all be accessed through a mailbox on your computer, mobile phone or even on your landline. What is even more fascinating about UM is that you can even receive emails on your phone, using software that converts text to speech, this works vice versa as well.
What are the benefits of using UM?
Unified Messaging gives you access to communication on a single platform regardless of where you are located. If you work in an office, it might be more convenient if you could receive all your communication via your email. This way, you can deal with it all at the same time, and thus prioritize, just like you do with your emails. If your job entails that you are constantly travelling, then integrating all your communication onto your mobile phone will make things even more convenient. In this manner, you will always have access to your messages – be it email or fax. UM systems generally have a wide variety of features you can choose from. They include being able to access all your messages throughout the day, provision of accessibility to the internet and even notifications of messages received.
Depending on the service provider, the functions you receive on a UM system could differ. When choosing one for an organization, it is best that you choose one that is congruent with the current communication practices being used.
