
Unified communications (UC) refers to the integration of real-time communication with non-real-time communication such as messaging, voice mail, fax and others. The real-time communication in the UC includes instant messaging, video conferencing, data sharing, internet protocol (IP) telephony, desktop sharing and others. It can also be used for other forms of communications which include digital signage, internet protocol television (IPTV) and others. Unified communications is a business term used to illustrate all types of call and multimedia message handling functions managed by an individual user for business processes. Unified communication is a useful tool to enhance the business processes as it provides seamless communication. Moreover, unified communication saves time and helps increasing productivity of the employees in an organization as it provides easy and convenient mode of communication. Unified communication is also useful for communication between two different networks. For instance, it allows a person to send a message from one particular network/medium and receive for the same communication via another medium. Unified communications is also useful for critical communications such as emergency cases, damage mitigating notifications and other emergency instructions. The unified communication market is backed by increased demand due to increasing mobile workforce and enterprise mobility. Moreover, concepts such as bring your own device (BYOD) is another factor supporting the growth of unified communications market. In addition to this, unified communications as a service (UCaaS) is a highly updated, standardized, pre-integrated and low cost service that accelerates business processes. This helps in fast decision making for the enterprises. Unified communications service can be used in various sectors such as retail, transportation, banks financial services and insurance (BFSI) and other business enterprises.