Unified Communication System(OTT) and Collaboration
With mass enterprises adopting and adapting IP infrastructure, it has been prominent that they are migrating their services across IP network. Unified communication system talks of the system that has the capability to transmit voice, data, and video over the network infrastructure using internet based protocols. It has been seamless to achieve highly available telephony service over enterprise network. By integrating real-time voice, data, video conferencing in a single collaborated solution helps to create Unified Communication System. Unified systems have transformed the way enterprise communicate to accomplish business goals. When it comes to effective communication Unified Communication System removes geographical and psychological barriers. Components such as security, mobility, deployment, management and flexibility UCS works as perfect integrated solution.
Talking about the simple and generic architecture of Unified Communication system on high level it consist of 4 layers i.e. Infrastructure Layer, Call control layer, application layer and endpoints layer. Infrastructure layer consists of switches, routers, voice gateways which helps carrying data, voice and video between applications. Call control layer provides interface for call processing, administration of dial plan and features, device control. Application layer allows the communication between various components which allows applications to reside anywhere in the network. Endpoint layer provides the compatibility with the end devices which helps to bring the applications to the user on his end device which can be IP Phone, software-based phone or any client terminal.
The system architecture is designed in such a way that it optimizes functionality, reduce configurations and maintenance requirements, provide interoperability with different applications. Quality of service is provided by the system as it ensures high availability and security with no loss of data packets.
Various communication technologies such as IP telephony, customer contact center, Video telephony, media conferencing and third party applications are integrated together to produce integrated communication system.
There are various Unified Communication Deployment models like single site deployment model, multiple site deployment model with single with centralized call processing system and multiple site deployment model with distributed call processing system. In former deployment model the Unified Communication services are located in the campus and QoS between the nodes is highly available offering unlimited bandwidth with less than 15 ms of latency. In multiple site with distributed call processing system endpoints are remotely located across QoS WAN although limited bandwidth is available. Whereas the distributed call model encompass multiple independent sites with its own agent cluster connected to IP WAN.
Unified communications and collaboration (UCC) refers to the integration of various communication systems together with collaboration tools such as virtual white boards, enhanced call control capabilities. Before the inception of Unified communications and collaboration the enterprise communication and collaboration services were offered distinctly by the vendors. When referring certain cloud technology services Unified communication and collaboration i.e. UCS is believed to be the most flexible and scalable service which is modelled on SaaS. The quality and standards of communication provided by the Unified Communication System are undoubtedly great to take notice. The idea of UCS is a milestone to achieve seamless, secure and highly available enterprise network.