The ROI of Unified Communications Part 2

The ROI of UC seemed to be of interest to many readers. It should be noted that Unified Communications efforts will produce an updated communications architecture that will carry the organization well into the future. The final outcome will provide flexible communications options for employees and stakeholders across the organization. Specifically a UC effort will generally achieve the following:

· Reduced voice related costs between government owned facilities (VOIP)

· Improved voice related services by providing new and/or enhanced features (unified messaging)

· Provide new forms of synchronous communication thereby decreasing communication lag (IM)

· Provide new ways for individuals to share information and collaborate (Whiteboarding, application sharing, meeting spaces)

· Enhance the acquisition, storage, and dissemination of knowledge across the organization (Knowledge portals, business networking)

· Reduced carbon footprint and reimbursed mileage costs due to enhanced digital communications and collaboration (IM, meeting spaces, video conferencing)

Typically, these benefits can be linked back to strategic documents such as an organizational business plan. Through decreased costs and a strong link to the organization's business plan; architects should be able to justify UC efforts.