Differences between unified communications and VoIP

by Jon Lober | NOC Technology

What are the differences between unified communications and VoIP, and how can each of them serve your modern office? The short answer is that both of these new, innovative telephony approaches can be a good modernization for an enterprise that wants to upgrade toward cutting-edge telecom systems.

However, these systems are different from each other in some fundamental ways and are better geared towards different kinds of organizations. Here’s how the two stack up.

Differences Between Unified Communications and VoIP: What Is Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)?

Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, is part of what has replaced the obsolete landline telephone system.

VoIP tends to focus on internet telephony itself with “softphones” and related systems that can create a call bridge over the internet.

VoIP is based on the idea that the global internet already provides a robust network, so innovators could port voice-over that network instead of bringing it through the traditional fiber-optic lines used for the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). Then, all kinds of rich features came along with new VoIP setups, including new kinds of voicemail handling, new kinds of custom handling for inbound calls, and much more that work to benefit businesses.

VoIP systems can also come with internet-connected handsets featuring digital screens for rich media information about calls. All of this contributes to better business insights, better call handling, and, usually, subsequent improvements in metrics like sales and conversions.

Differences Between Unified Communications and VoIP: What Is Unified Communications?

Unified communications is a bit different and broader in scope than VoIP. While unified communications does address internet telephony, it often adds things like resources for video conferencing, screen sharing, voicemail, and SMS assistance.

Specifically, unified communications (UC) offers the opportunity to bridge these types of communications and create new functionality for handling inbound calls and other aspects of enterprise telecom. When a call comes through to your business line, it rings your desk phone at home, in the office, your cloud-based web browser, and your cell phone.

Unified communications offers the capability to digitize a voicemail and send it to email or SMS. A call generated at any time of the day or not might come in over internet telephony, but your UC system may be able to use a speech-to-text engine, a relatively new tool, to create a text message and send it to the correct recipient.

Complex call routing is another critical part of what UC systems can achieve. Simply put, the use of real-time and non-real-time systems creates that new responsiveness. Operations are so smooth that it might seem like calls are getting handled magically, when in reality behind-the-scenes technology is delivering messages in new ways.

Communication methods like Facebook Chat and texting that are typically disjointed from your business phone system become fully integrated. Controlling, managing, and integrating your organization’s voice, video, messaging, and content sharing becomes simple when you employ unified communications.

Unified Communications with NOC Technology

Think about how your business communicates internally and externally. Unified communications systems can be set up to deliver call functionality that makes a business more responsive to its customer base and creates a better frontline impression. How you collaborate is important to business success; companies that adopt and scale these technologies will often see their offices become more competitive in their given markets.

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At NOC Technology, we've worked with Missouri sheltered workshops for over seven years, and I've witnessed firsthand how the right technological implementations can transform sheltered workshop environments. Today, I'd like to share some insights on leveraging modern technology to create safer workspaces while maintaining the dignity and privacy of all participants. The Unique Safety Challenges of Sheltered Workshops Sheltered workshops provide valuable employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, but they also present unique safety considerations. Workers may have varying levels of physical mobility, cognitive processing, and sensory perception—all of which can impact how they respond to traditional safety measures. Additionally, the production environments often involve machinery, tools, and materials that require careful monitoring and management. The Role of Smart Technology in Safety Advancements in smart technology provide real-time safety monitoring, immediate alerts for potential hazards, and improved emergency response times. Let’s explore some key technologies and their benefits in sheltered workshop environments. Personalized Alert Systems Traditional emergency alarms can be overwhelming for individuals with sensory sensitivities. Smart alert systems can deliver personalized notifications through: Vibrating wristbands that alert workers without auditory overload Visual notification systems with customizable colors and patterns Tablet-based communication for workers who benefit from visual cues Location-specific alerts that only notify those in affected areas We recently implemented a multi-modal alert system at a workshop in central Missouri that reduced anxiety-related incidents during emergency drills by 65% . Environmental Monitoring Maintaining optimal environmental conditions is crucial for both safety and productivity: Temperature and humidity sensors that automatically adjust HVAC systems Air quality monitors that detect potentially harmful particulates Noise level monitoring to prevent sensory overload Automated ventilation systems that activate when chemical levels exceed thresholds These systems not only protect workers but also provide documented compliance with OSHA regulations. Enhanced Supervision through Smart Cameras Security cameras have evolved beyond simple surveillance. Modern systems can: Detect unusual patterns that might indicate a worker in distress Monitor restricted areas without constant staff presence Identify when machinery is being used incorrectly Alert supervisors to potential safety hazards Important note: All camera systems should be implemented with strict privacy protocols and transparent policies. Workers and guardians should be fully informed about what is being monitored and why. In many cases, audio cannot be recorded, and the camera system must be configured to meet this requirement. Wearable Safety Technology Wearable devices offer personalized safety monitoring without stigmatization: Fall detection pendants that automatically alert staff Location tracking that helps locate workers in emergency situations Biometric monitoring for workers with health conditions Proximity sensors that prevent accidental entry into hazardous areas These wearables can be designed to look like standard ID badges or watches, preserving dignity while enhancing safety. Implementation Best Practices Successfully integrating smart technology into sheltered workshops requires careful planning: Involve all stakeholders: Workers, guardians, and staff should participate in selecting and implementing new technologies. Prioritize simplicity: Choose solutions that require minimal training and maintenance. Phase in gradually: Introduce new technologies in stages to allow everyone time to adapt. Balance automation with human oversight: Technology should supplement, not replace, trained staff. Respect privacy: Collect only essential data and maintain strong security protocols.
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