More WFH apps, more problems: How to consolidate and do remote collaboration right
Under the pressures of the pandemic, IT leaders moved fast to enable work-from-home (WFH) communication and collaboration, including adding a menagerie of applications to meet the needs of cloud calling, virtual presence, chat, and video conferencing. But fast forward to the present day and this approach has devolved into a long list of apps, vendors, and additional costs that most companies can’t afford as they look to make their WFH and hybrid work models sustainable and effective for the future.
The average company now has Microsoft Teams, Webex, Slack, and countless other apps – some implemented by IT, and others implemented by different departments on the fly. These rogue, redundant apps need to be intelligently distilled to reduce IT overhead, ensure a consistent user experience across all locations, and create a single strategy for remote work and unified communications. This requires moving away from “capability checkboxes” and rethinking collaboration apps as one consolidated approach where one provider, one solution, and one dashboard can simplify IT management–preferably at a reduced cost.
Here’s how organizations can start reframing their UCaaS approach for a smarter, more sustainable hybrid work strategy.
Voice and video consolidation: 3 steps for cleaning up the mess that the pandemic made
First thing’s first: inventory your current UCaaS apps both those implemented formally by IT and those introduced via shadow IT channels (non-sanctioned implementations). Shadow IT discovery tools can help you understand how many apps you currently have running on your network, which ones are redundant, and what the impact of your “UCaaS consolidation” effort would be. These tools provide instant visibility into cloud apps with usage analytics showing which ones are most used. With data driving your strategy, IT leaders can more easily prioritize which apps should stay or go.
Next, evaluate your options for consolidation, considering both applications, providers, and the network services behind them. Think not just about which tools and vendors you want to be beholden to and how their solutions are evolving with the latest innovations, but also about the IT infrastructures supporting them. Network providers and their platforms can serve as on-ramps to the cloud, offering direct connectivity to those critical voice and video applications.
Network service consolidation can also be helpful, as can 24/7 application performance monitoring services. These not only make the user experience more consistent across today’s distributed workforce locations, but they remove burdens from your corporate IT team. Many of our clients at Masergy are struggling with the spikes in network demand these bandwidth-intensive apps have on their IT resources. With fully managed services, your IT team doesn’t have to spin their wheels troubleshooting or be the sole “babysitter” for video apps. Additionally, service level agreements and even cloud SLAs for direct cloud interconnections can help improve service reliability.
Simplicity of management is also key. One dashboard means better visibility into Mean opinion score (MOS), app performance per location, and real-time performance analytics, with AI intelligence helping to predict and prevent outages proactively via AIOps.
Finally, remember that partnership is paramount — not “pie in the sky” promises but actual partnership. This doesn’t mean perfection but rather transparency, accessibility, responsiveness, and responsibility (think “TARR” for quick reference). Many voice, video, and UCaaS apps are commoditized, with lookalike providers offering virtually the same features. Don’t worry about whether the technology will work. We’re all using it already. Worry about whose boat you’re going to be tied to for the next year or multi-year contract term. What’s most important is the service experience and the level of support you get. Of course, every provider will say their support is great. Get to the nitty-gritty to tease out the differences:
- How quickly will your UCaaS provider inform you of a network or service outage, and perhaps most importantly, what will happen then?
- How fast can you get service, and what are the issue escalation processes?
- What is the provider doing to prevent finger-pointing when it comes to network problems?
- Will you get a dedicated account manager?
Another tip: It’s extremely important that you migrate to a unified approach with certainty. Hybrid cloud deployments, SIP trunking, and PSTN replacement offer a stepping-stone approach to a fully hosted model where companies can create their own timelines for migration rather than taking a rip-and-replace approach. Look for a service provider that offers prudent, measured migration strategies. Then, you can make the move to your new service with confidence.
If you’re dealing with post-COVID collaboration complications, don’t stress. Masergy helps countless organizations like yours create a consolidated approach that you can be confident in.
Interested in learning more about Unified Communications?
Call us now to arrange a consultation (866) 588-5885.
Or arrange for a consultation through our request form.
Hybrid work without the headaches: 7 technologies you need now
With hybrid work the new permanent, simplifying the necessary tech stack is key. The real secret—consolidating tools for less IT complexity.
Learn more about Hybrid work without the headaches: 7 technologies you need now
Masergy UCaaS services now available in more European countries
Masergy UCaaS services are now available in four more regions. With PSTN replacement and local calling capabilities, clients get a wider footprint of reliable services for more globally consistency.
Learn more about Masergy UCaaS services now available in more European countries
Masergy’s Jim Glackin receives 2021 Channel Partners Circle of Excellence award
Circle of Excellence honors Masergy for vision, innovation, and advocacy of the channel during a time of transition and convergence.
Learn more about Masergy’s Jim Glackin receives 2021 Channel Partners Circle of Excellence award
Understanding unified communications in the new world of remote and hybrid work
Unless 100% of your employees are working in-office 100% of the time, you’re going to need to master cloud-based UC. Here’s what you need to know.
Learn more about Understanding unified communications in the new world of remote and hybrid work
5 reasons to be excited about the Comcast Business acquisition
Here’s how our combined company will accelerate digital transformation and unlock more value for clients, partners, and the industry at large.
Learn more about 5 reasons to be excited about the Comcast Business acquisition
Not getting the collaboration experience you want? Look at your technology provider
Collaboration applications won’t perform without the right support systems. In fact, it’s what’s behind the technology curtain that matters most.
Learn more about Not getting the collaboration experience you want? Look at your technology provider
Resourcive, CXT180, and Subsidium Technologies attain Apex level status in Masergy Zenith Program
Congratulations to our partners Resourcive, CXT180 and Subsidium Technologies for attaining Apex level status in the Masergy Zenith Program!
Embracing what’s next
With every new technology shift comes the promise of what’s possible along with uncertainty inherent in change.
Comcast Business to Acquire Masergy, a Pioneer in Software‑Defined Networking and Cloud Platforms
The acquisition accelerates Comcast Business’s increasing growth serving large and mid-size companies with multi-site global operations.
Love the allure of adding PSTN calling to Microsoft Teams but hate the price? You’ve got options
One caveat has prevented companies from maximizing the power of Microsoft Teams: PSTN Calling. Masergy can help you create a cost-effective service.
Masergy Announces Zenith Partner of the Year Awards
Following the company's best year ever, Masergy celebrates channel partners for their 2021 sales achievements.
Learn more about Masergy Announces Zenith Partner of the Year Awards
Masergy’s Florence Le Goff Honored in the 2021 CRN® 2021 Rising Female Stars List
Masergy’s Director of Channel Marketing recognized for contributions shaping the future of the IT channel.
Learn more about Masergy’s Florence Le Goff Honored in the 2021 CRN® 2021 Rising Female Stars List
Masergy Wins Two 2021 Visionary Spotlight Awards
Masergy Zenith Partner Program and Masergy AIOps Recognized for Excellence
Learn more about Masergy Wins Two 2021 Visionary Spotlight Awards
Masergy Wins Globee® in the 16th Annual 2021 IT World Awards®
Masergy Work From Anywhere solutions recognized for providing IT leaders with one cloud platform to cover the needs of their remote workforces.
Learn more about Masergy Wins Globee® in the 16th Annual 2021 IT World Awards®
Datatel1 and Digital Planet Communications Inc. reach Apex level in Masergy Zenith Program
Congratulations to our partners Datatel1 and Digital Planet Communications Inc. for attaining Apex level status in the Masergy Zenith Program!
Want to make remote team collaboration easy? Combine UCaaS with SASE
Build your remote workforce by integrating UCaaS with SASE solutions that back collaboration applications with performance and security.
Learn more about Want to make remote team collaboration easy? Combine UCaaS with SASE
Masergy Zenith Program welcomes Blue Equinox, DVP Technologies and RealCom Solutions as Apex members
Congratulations to our partners Blue Equinox, DVP Technologies and RealCom Solutions for attaining Apex level status in the Masergy Zenith Program!
Our best year in Masergy’s history
Businesses of all sizes are flocking to Masergy’s cloud networking platform. Here’s a look at our sales and why more IT leaders prefer our solutions.
Masergy Zenith Program helps partners reach companies of all sizes with flexible SASE solutions
The Zenith Program is six months old, which makes now a great time to check in on our progress and what’s coming next for the channel.
CRN Names Masergy to its 2021 MSP 500 List
Masergy recognized by CRN as innovative and forward-thinking managed service provider.
Masergy Launches UCaaS with Webex®
With Masergy, the Webex user experience is backed by a high-performance network with service unrivaled in the Industry.
Masergy UCaaS with Cisco Webex: Collaboration that’s as complete as a supreme pizza
Getting a Webex solution that also addresses the network and security can feel like pie in the sky. Here’s how you can get one total solution.
Learn more about Masergy UCaaS with Cisco Webex: Collaboration that’s as complete as a supreme pizza
Jim Glackin of Masergy Recognized as 2021 CRN® Channel Chief
Prestigious CRN Channel Chiefs list recognizes Masergy’s SVP of Global Channels for outstanding leadership, influence, innovation, and growth
Learn more about Jim Glackin of Masergy Recognized as 2021 CRN® Channel Chief
Microsoft Teams calling plans: How Masergy can save you money
Interested in Microsoft Teams’ calling plan? Optimize call quality and costs with Masergy Calling for Microsoft Teams.
Learn more about Microsoft Teams calling plans: How Masergy can save you money
Microsoft Teams can act as your phone service: Here’s what you need to consider
Are you considering a Microsoft Teams Calling Plan? Direct Routing options are a lesser-known alternative that could save you money and more.
Learn more about Microsoft Teams can act as your phone service: Here’s what you need to consider
Professional Services: Planning your move to digital, remote work with UCaaS + SD-WAN
Law firms and other service firms are streamlining digital transformation by addressing UC, the network, and security in one unified strategy.