# Best Unified Communications Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing

> Find the best UCaaS Software for your organization. Compare top UCaaS Software systems with customer reviews, pricing, and free demos.

Source: https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/ucaas-comparison

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# Best Unified Communications Software of 2026

Updated June 19, 2026

On this page

1.  FrontRunners
2.  Popular Comparisons
3.  Buyers Guide
4.  Related Software

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222 results

### Compare Products

Showing 1 - 25 of 222 products

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**Recommendations**: Sorts listings by the number of recommendations our advisors have made over the past 30 days. Our advisors assess buyers’ needs for free and only recommend products that meet buyers’ needs. Vendors pay Software Advice for these referrals.  
  
**Reviews**: Sorts listings by the number of user reviews we have published, greatest to least.  
  
**Average Rating**: Sorts listings by overall star rating based on user reviews, highest to lowest.  
  
**Alphabetically (A-Z)**: Sorts listings by product name from A to Z.

[RingEX](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/office-profile/)

RingEX is a cloud-based business communications solution that offers tools for Messaging, Video and Phone. Core features of the ...[Read more about RingEX](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/office-profile/)

**4.2**

([1204 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/office-profile/reviews/))

**15**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Dropbox Business

Google Workspace

+8 more

+7 more

+6 more

RingEX's Best Rated Features

5.0Multi-Channel Communication

See All

RingEX's Worst Rated Features

3.17Reporting & Statistics

See All

[Dialpad](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/dialpad-profile/)

Dialpad is an AI-enabled customer communications platform that includes a phone system, video conferencing, cloud contact center...[Read more about Dialpad](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/dialpad-profile/)

**4.2**

([565 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/dialpad-profile/reviews/))

**9**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Slack

Salesforce Sales Cloud

+52 more

+51 more

+50 more

Dialpad's Best Rated Features

4.63Computer Telephony Integration

See All

Dialpad's Worst Rated Features

3.32Call Transfer

See All

[Intermedia Unite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/intermedia-unite-profile/)

Intermedia Unite® brings business communications, collaboration, and customer engagement into one easy-to-use platform—keeping t...[Read more about Intermedia Unite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/intermedia-unite-profile/)

**4.7**

([188 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/intermedia-unite-profile/reviews/))

**7**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Slack

Google Meet

+19 more

+18 more

+17 more

Intermedia Unite's Best Rated Features

4.91Two-Way Audio & Video

See All

Intermedia Unite's Worst Rated Features

4.17Caller ID

See All

[Ultatel Cloud Business Phone System](https://www.softwareadvice.com/screen-sharing/clarity-business-phone-system-profile/)

ULTATEL enables people to work together and get the information they need to do their best work, anywhere they are. Our cloud p...[Read more about Ultatel Cloud Business Phone System](https://www.softwareadvice.com/screen-sharing/clarity-business-phone-system-profile/)

**4.7**

([41 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/screen-sharing/clarity-business-phone-system-profile/reviews/))

**6**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Microsoft Teams

Zoho CRM

+6 more

+5 more

+4 more

Ultatel Cloud Business Phone System's Best Rated Features

4.60VoIP Connection

See All

Ultatel Cloud Business Phone System's Worst Rated Features

4.14Call Logging

See All

[Zoom Workplace](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/101384-Zoom-Video-Conferencing/)

Zoom Workplace brings communication, employee engagement, spaces, and productivity solutions together on a single platform with ...[Read more about Zoom Workplace](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/101384-Zoom-Video-Conferencing/)

**4.6**

([14612 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/101384-Zoom-Video-Conferencing/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Google Drive

PayPal

+55 more

+54 more

+53 more

Zoom Workplace's Best Rated Features

5.0Call Recording

See All

Zoom Workplace's Worst Rated Features

3.89File Transfer

See All

[Livestorm](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/livestorm-profile/)

Livestorm enables powerful, yet pain-free video engagements at scale. Our end-to-end video engagement platform enables organizat...[Read more about Livestorm](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/livestorm-profile/)

**4.7**

([398 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/livestorm-profile/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Google Drive

Slack

+36 more

+35 more

+34 more

Livestorm's Best Rated Features

5.0File Sharing

See All

Livestorm's Worst Rated Features

4.17Live Streaming Production

See All

[Telnyx Suite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/telnyx-profile/)

Telnyx Suite is a comprehensive cloud communication platform that provides communication capabilities via voice, SMS, fax, and I...[Read more about Telnyx Suite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/telnyx-profile/)

**4.8**

([195 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/telnyx-profile/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

3CX

VICIdial

+9 more

+8 more

+7 more

Telnyx Suite's Best Rated Features

4.88Multi-Channel Communication

See All

Telnyx Suite's Worst Rated Features

4.45Call Center Management

See All

[CTM](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/calltrackingmetrics-profile/)

CTM is a conversation analytics software designed to provide tracking and insights for sales and marketing teams. It helps organ...[Read more about CTM](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/calltrackingmetrics-profile/)

**4.7**

([158 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/calltrackingmetrics-profile/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Slack

Salesforce Sales Cloud

+59 more

+58 more

+57 more

CTM's Best Rated Features

5.0Alerts/Notifications

See All

CTM's Worst Rated Features

3.83Cross Channel Attribution

See All

[Spoke Phone](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/spoke-phone-profile/)

Spoke is the leading platform for high-value, complex, and regulated conversations. Spoke guides employees to say and collect th...[Read more about Spoke Phone](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/spoke-phone-profile/)

**4.7**

([56 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/spoke-phone-profile/#reviews))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Slack

Microsoft 365

+17 more

+16 more

+15 more

Spoke Phone's Best Rated Features

4.75Call Routing

See All

Spoke Phone's Worst Rated Features

4.43Mobile Access

See All

[VirtualPBX](https://www.softwareadvice.com/digital-workplace/virtualpbx-profile/)

VirtualPBX is a cloud-based phone solution that caters to all-sized businesses. VirtualPBX enables companies to streamline and i...[Read more about VirtualPBX](https://www.softwareadvice.com/digital-workplace/virtualpbx-profile/)

**4.7**

([38 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/digital-workplace/virtualpbx-profile/#reviews))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Slack

Trello

+12 more

+11 more

+10 more

VirtualPBX's Best Rated Features

4.55Voice Mail

See All

VirtualPBX's Worst Rated Features

3.50Call Center Management

See All

[VoIPstudio](https://www.softwareadvice.com/contact-center/voipstudio-profile/)

VoIPstudio is a cloud-based call center management solution designed for businesses of all sizes. It offers features that includ...[Read more about VoIPstudio](https://www.softwareadvice.com/contact-center/voipstudio-profile/)

**4.7**

([55 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/contact-center/voipstudio-profile/#reviews))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Salesforce Sales Cloud

Zoho CRM

+8 more

+7 more

+6 more

VoIPstudio's Best Rated Features

5.0Voice Mail

See All

VoIPstudio's Worst Rated Features

3.83Call Logging

See All

[Monster VoIP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/monster-voip-profile/)

Monster VoIP is a Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) solution that helps voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) providers ...[Read more about Monster VoIP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/monster-voip-profile/)

**4.7**

([44 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/monster-voip-profile/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

[Kixie PowerCall](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/kixie-powercall-profile/)

Kixie: AI-Powered Revenue Communication for High-Performing Teams Kixie is a next-generation revenue engagement platform that h...[Read more about Kixie PowerCall](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/kixie-powercall-profile/)

**4.6**

([295 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/kixie-powercall-profile/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Slack

Salesforce Sales Cloud

+31 more

+30 more

+29 more

Kixie PowerCall's Best Rated Features

5.0Interaction Tracking

See All

Kixie PowerCall's Worst Rated Features

4.0Call Transfer

See All

[Vonix](https://www.softwareadvice.com/cloud-communication/vonix-profile/)

Vonix flex is a business VoIP solution that provides hands-on support and reliable service with all business phone plans for sma...[Read more about Vonix](https://www.softwareadvice.com/cloud-communication/vonix-profile/)

**4.8**

([23 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/cloud-communication/vonix-profile/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Zoho CRM

Zapier

+5 more

+4 more

+3 more

Vonix's Best Rated Features

4.89Call Routing

See All

Vonix's Worst Rated Features

4.63Voicemail Transcription

See All

[IPFone with Webex](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/ipfone-with-webex-profile/)

IPFone with Webex is a fully integrated solution that combines calling, meetings, messaging, and file sharing into one app to st...[Read more about IPFone with Webex](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/ipfone-with-webex-profile/)

**4.8**

([9 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/ipfone-with-webex-profile/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

IPFone with Webex's Best Rated Features

5.0Call Routing

See All

IPFone with Webex's Worst Rated Features

4.83Task Management

See All

[Cloud Softphone](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/acrobits-profile/)

Acrobits is a cloud-based softphone solution, which helps small to large businesses configure, develop and deploy communications...[Read more about Cloud Softphone](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/acrobits-profile/)

**4.7**

([10 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/acrobits-profile/#reviews))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Ivanti Neurons for MDM

+0 more

+0 more

+0 more

Cloud Softphone's Best Rated Features

4.86VoIP Connection

See All

Cloud Softphone's Worst Rated Features

4.83Call Routing

See All

[InGenius](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/ingenius-profile/)

Ingenius is a computer telephony integration (CTI) solution designed to help contact centers track, analyze, manage and report o...[Read more about InGenius](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/ingenius-profile/)

**4.9**

([8 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/ingenius-profile/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Salesforce Sales Cloud

Salesforce Service Cloud

+9 more

+8 more

+7 more

[RingByName](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/ringbyname-profile/)

RingByName is a cloud-based phone and VOIP service provider that offers e-fax, teleconferencing tools, note sharing, customer re...[Read more about RingByName](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/ringbyname-profile/)

**4.6**

([69 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/ringbyname-profile/#reviews))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Google Docs

Salesforce Sales Cloud

+3 more

+2 more

+1 more

RingByName's Best Rated Features

5.0Call Monitoring

See All

RingByName's Worst Rated Features

4.22Real-Time Analytics

See All

[Yeastar Cloud PBX](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/yeastar-cloud-pbx-profile/)

Yeastar P-Series Cloud PBX is a business communication solution that offers companies of all sizes with a complete package for c...[Read more about Yeastar Cloud PBX](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/yeastar-cloud-pbx-profile/)

**5.0**

([5 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/yeastar-cloud-pbx-profile/#reviews))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Microsoft Teams

Zoho CRM

+7 more

+6 more

+5 more

[Cytracom](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/cytracom-profile/)

Designed to connect MSPs and customers, Cytracom is a complete UCaaS platform that streamlines business communications by centra...[Read more about Cytracom](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/cytracom-profile/)

**4.7**

([18 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/cytracom-profile/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

HubSpot CRM

ConnectWise Automate

+1 more

+0 more

+0 more

[UniVoIP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/officeconnect-profile/)

Cloud Voice for Microsoft Teams from UniVoIP Why Use Microsoft Teams as a Phone System? ● You already have M365, so maximize ...[Read more about UniVoIP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/officeconnect-profile/)

**4.7**

([20 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/officeconnect-profile/#reviews))

Free trial

Free version

[Voximplant Platform](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/voximplant-profile/)

Voximplant Platform is a full-featured cloud communications platform as a service that enables organizations in industries such ...[Read more about Voximplant Platform](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/voximplant-profile/)

**5.0**

([4 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/voximplant-profile/#reviews))

Free trial

Free version

[Hosted Contact Center](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/hosted-contact-center-profile/)

Intelligent Contacts’ Hosted Contact Center is an inbound, outbound, blended and omnichannel contact center solution powered by ...[Read more about Hosted Contact Center](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/hosted-contact-center-profile/)

**5.0**

([2 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/hosted-contact-center-profile/#reviews))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Zoho CRM

Zoho CRM Plus

+3 more

+2 more

+1 more

[Unitel Voice](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/unitel-voice-profile/)

Unitel Voice is the business builder's phone system. It lets you run your business from anywhere using any device. Easy to set u...[Read more about Unitel Voice](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/unitel-voice-profile/)

**4.6**

([65 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/unitel-voice-profile/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

Unitel Voice's Best Rated Features

4.91Call Transfer

See All

Unitel Voice's Worst Rated Features

3.83SMS Messaging

See All

[EveryDay Voip](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/everyday-voip-profile/)

Product description missing...[Read more about EveryDay Voip](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/everyday-voip-profile/)

**5.0**

([1 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/everyday-voip-profile/#reviews))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Salesforce Sales Cloud

Zendesk Suite

+1 more

+0 more

+0 more

1

[2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/ucaas-comparison/?page=2)[3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/ucaas-comparison/?page=3)[4](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/ucaas-comparison/?page=4)[5](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/ucaas-comparison/?page=5)

...

[9](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/ucaas-comparison/?page=9)

## Popular Comparisons

[

Microsoft Teams vs Slack

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/microsoft-teams-profile/vs/slack/)[

GoTo Meeting vs Zoom Workplace

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/101384-Zoom-Video-Conferencing/vs/188188-gotomeeting/)[

Nextiva vs RingEX

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/2683-Nextiva/vs/173497-office/)[

3CX vs GoTo Connect

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/2766-GoTo-Connect/vs/4936-3cx-phone-system/)[

LiveAgent vs Lime Connect

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/liveagent-profile/vs/userlike/)

## Your Guide to Top Unified Communications Software, September 2022

Software Advice uses reviews from real software users to highlight the top-rated Unified Communications products in North America.

[Learn how products are chosen](https://www.softwareadvice.com/legal-page/frontrunners-methodology/)

#### Explore FrontRunners

-   [Slack](https://www.softwareadvice.com/remote-support/slack-profile/)
-   [Workvivo](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/workvivo-profile/)
-   [Acefone](https://www.softwareadvice.com/cloud-communication/acefone-profile/)
-   [Ringover](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/ringover-profile/)
-   [Whistle Messaging](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/147085-Whistle/)
-   [Ooma Office](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/ooma-office-profile/)
-   [RingByName](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/ringbyname-profile/)
-   [Pumble](https://www.softwareadvice.com/collaboration/pumble-profile/)
-   [11Sight](https://www.softwareadvice.com/video-conferencing/11sight-profile/)
-   [Missive](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/missive-profile/)
-   [Dialshree](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/dialshree-profile/)
-   [Livestorm](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/livestorm-profile/)
-   [MangoApps](https://www.softwareadvice.com/idea-management/mangoapps-profile/)
-   [Blink](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/126757-Blink/)
-   [Dialpad](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/dialpad-profile/)
-   [Flock](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/165028-Flock/)
-   [Front](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/front-profile/)
-   [3CX](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/3cx-phone-system-profile/)
-   [Microsoft Teams](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/microsoft-teams-profile/)
-   [Workplace from Meta](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/165817-Workplace/)
-   [AirSend](https://www.softwareadvice.com/collaboration/airsend-profile/)
-   [YOOBIC](https://www.softwareadvice.com/internal-communications/yoobic-profile/)
-   [CallTrackingMetrics](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/calltrackingmetrics-profile/)
-   [GoTo Meeting](https://www.softwareadvice.com/collaboration/gotomeeting-profile/)
-   [Vonage Business Communications](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/vonage-profile/)

“Usability” includes user ratings for Functionality and Ease of Use.

“Customer Satisfaction” includes user ratings for Customer Support, Likelihood to Recommend and Value for Money.

Reviews analysis period: The reviews analysis period spans two years and ends the 15th of the month prior to publication.

“Unified communications” (UC) is a buzzword for technologies that connect voice, email, text messaging, instant messaging (IM) and other business communication channels through intuitive user interfaces and software integrations. UC software systems focus communications functionality around the end user and provide a consistent experience across multiple devices (laptops, IP phones, smartphones, tablets, headsets etc.).

**Unified-Communications-as-a-Service (UCaaS)**, meanwhile, is simply a term for cloud-based UC, which is typically delivered on a subscription basis (in other words, you pay per-month rates for user licenses instead of one-time license fees).

This guide is intended to help you research UCaaS solutions for your organization. It covers the following topics:

[What Are Unified Communications and UCaaS?](#WhatAreUnifiedCommunicationsandUCaaS)

[On-Premise UC, UCaaS and Hybrid Deployment Models](#OnPremiseUCUCaaSandHybridDeploymentModels)

[UCaaS Functionality](#UCaaSFunctionality)

[Key Considerations for Buyers](#KeyConsiderationsforBuyers)

## What Are Unified Communications and UCaaS?

Traditional business phone systems primarily focused on managing the voice channel. This created a disjointed experience for employees who had to use other applications for email, instant messaging and so on. Moreover, these systems didn’t offer the flexible configuration settings users need to personalize their various communication methods. Even worse, legacy phone systems were difficult to integrate with other types of business software.

UC emerged around the turn of the millennium, as phone systems designed for VoIP service began to evolve in response to these issues. Unlike traditional phone systems, UC systems put users at the heart of communications. These systems allowed users to manage all workplace communications from a single system with a unified interface, accessible through tablets, smartphones, laptops and a range of other devices.

_iPad video conferencing with_ ShoreTel _Mobility 8_

In addition to streamlining the user experience across devices, UC systems and cloud-based UCaaS systems also help users manage communications by providing real-time control over their contact preferences (e.g., whether they’re available for a phone conversation). Moreover, UC and UCaaS systems can integrate with [customer relationship management (CRM) systems](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/), accounting systems and other vital software categories to add communications capabilities to workflows involving multiple types of software.

The net result in successful UC implementation: new possibilities for collaboration throughout your organization. UC can also reduce the costs associated with using multiple communication systems. For example, **instead of paying for a phone system, a video conferencing system and a stand-alone audio conferencing service, under UC, businesses only need a single communications provider**.

Here are the most important communications channels managed by UC and UCaaS software systems:

This is just a high-level overview of the basic modes of communication handled by these systems; it is not an exhaustive listing of capabilities. UC and UCaaS systems are capable of extensive functionality and are quite technically complex, with administrator manuals that can be thousands of pages long.

The first UC systems required the deployment of physical hardware, such as servers and switches, on businesses’ premises. Now, organizations can choose between deploying UC on-premise, in the cloud (UCaaS) or both.

## On-Premise UC, UCaaS and Hybrid Deployment

The choice between UCaaS and on-premise UC is an important one. Whereas UC was once confined to enterprises with very deep pockets, UCaaS providers make the technology affordable for a much wider range of organizations by significantly cutting upfront costs. UCaaS solutions can also be easier to manage for organizations with limited IT resources.

On the other hand, on-premise UC systems have disaster survivability benefits: They allow for redundant connections to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) for maintaining service during Internet outages.

Some UC and UCaaS providers allow for cloud deployments at certain sites (such as branch locations) and on-premise deployments at others (such as campuses). This is known as the **hybrid deployment model**.

In the hybrid model, even though the system has been deployed in different ways across multiple sites, it’s still a single system that can be centrally administered (typically, from the main campus). In addition to survivability benefits, hybrid deployments allow businesses to continue using legacy communications equipment in which they’ve already invested heavily.

You’ll need to factor in networking requirements, legacy investments and organizational structure along with costs when deciding whether to go with on-premise, UCaaS or hybrid deployment.

The systems listed on this page are all UCaaS products.

## UCaaS Functionality

The following table lists some additional capabilities of UC and UCaaS systems:

**Administrator console**

Administrators have a unified interface for controlling applications and features, as well as for managing the organization’s dial plan across multiple locations and networks.

**Desktop client**

Clients are installed on end users’ desktops or laptops. Users can communicate across multiple channels, and manage both contact preferences and call routing preferences via the client.

**Mobile client**

Extends major communication channels, such as voice calling, instant messaging, email and conferencing, to mobile devices. Users can make and receive calls with mobile devices using their work numbers. Mobile clients also allow users to access the system remotely to manage settings and preferences.

**Single identity number**

Users make and receive calls using a single work number, regardless of whether they’re communicating on a softphone, headset, IP desk phone, smartphone, tablet etc.

**Mass notification**

UC systems can handle mass notifications in emergency scenarios with capabilities such as SMS blasting.

**API**

Most UC platforms offer APIs for extending the functionality of the system through the development of custom applications or integrations.

_Buddy list in_ Nextiva’s _VoIP App Interface_

## Key Considerations for Buyers

The UC marketplace is complex and continually evolving. Keep the following considerations in mind while evaluating vendors to home in on the systems that will best meet your needs.

-   **Integrations with office productivity suites.** Increasingly, UCaaS providers are developing pre-built integrations with popular office productivity suites, including Microsoft Office 365 and Google Apps for Work. (Such integrations were once a niche filled by middleware vendors.) If you’re already locked into the Google or Microsoft ecosystem, look for vendors that have already done the work of integration so you don’t have to.
    
-   **Combined UC/contact center deployments.** Some UCaaS providers also specialize in deployments for multi-channel contact centers (those that handle communications channels such as email, SMS text, instant messaging, live chat, social media etc.). These vendors can deploy a contact center system that integrates seamlessly with the UC system used by the rest of your organization. Example vendors include [RingCentral](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/office-profile/), [ShoreTel](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/25391-MiVoice-Business-Solution/), Nextiva, 8x8 and Jive.
    
-   **Conferencing requirements.** The continued evolution of [Web conferencing](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/online-meeting-comparison/) has vastly reduced the costs and technological complexity of both audio and video conferencing. However, UC solutions still differ in the conferencing capabilities they offer users. For instance, not all vendors’ mobile clients can support multi-party video conferencing on tablets and smartphones. Others are limited in their Web conferencing features.
    
    In particular, the use of WebRTC (an API for browser-based video conferencing) is still evolving. Vendors are actively developing solutions based on WebRTC, while solutions already on the market have implemented it to widely varying degrees. Make sure your short list only includes vendors that offer the conferencing features you need to support your business’s collaboration styles.
    

### Related Unified Communications Software

-   [Collaboration Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/collaboration/)
-   [Mobility Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/mobility/)
-   [Screen Sharing Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/screen-sharing/)
-   [Telephony Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/computer-telephony-integration-comparison/)
-   [VoIP Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/)
-   [Web Conferencing Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/conference-calling-comparison/)