Many businesses are turning to cloud-based unified communications (UC) solutions, such as Unified-Communications-as-a-Service (UCaaS), to facilitate employee collaboration and improve customer experience. This article provides you with valuable insights, best practices, and additional tips to prepare for a hassle-free migration from on-premises unified communications to cloud-based UC.
Consider going hybrid
The migration of UC systems to the cloud doesn't necessarily have to be a full shift. A hybrid structure can be adopted, with some systems being transferred to the cloud while others remain in house. Maintaining critical applications on site may be a wise decision, especially for companies with limited bandwidth.
Therefore, it's vital to carry out an assessment of current bandwidth demands concerning core applications and data requirements. Verify that crucial applications will always operate efficiently before determining which ones should be moved to the cloud and which ones should remain in house.
Conduct evaluations and tests
It’s vital for businesses to conduct thorough evaluations and tests throughout the entire migration process. Prior to the migration, establish a benchmark level of performance, and then compare it with the actual performance during and after the migration to ensure that everything is functioning as expected.
These tests should examine the upper limits of performance. In other words, evaluating a system's capabilities based on its performance during a single phone call is insufficient. Instead, evaluate how it performs during dozens or hundreds of calls simultaneously, keeping scalability in mind. This is especially important because the business may expand significantly in the future, necessitating an increase in the number of users or the addition of new features such as teleconferencing and video conferencing.
Be careful of the pilot trap
A pilot trap happens when a pilot test is performed with a specific number of users and meets expectations. However, when the system is fully operational, the significant surge in traffic and resource demand overloads the system, rendering it unable to cope. Therefore, when conducting pilot tests, it is essential to make projections that consider peak demand, including both the number of users on the system and the required bandwidth.
Monitor performance
Businesses should take a proactive approach to monitoring quality and performance standards, particularly in hybrid migration scenarios. The most effective quality assurance and performance tests gather data from various points throughout the entire UC system and meticulously analyze and compare these to draw insights. Any potential issues should be identified and addressed as soon as possible.
Keep track of user experience
Given that most businesses use various cloud platforms with products and services from different providers, it is crucial to monitor user experience carefully. It is essential to note that a cloud-based unified communications platform can only function effectively when users can fully utilize its features in real time.
Contact us today to discover how our experts can assist your business with a hassle-free and seamless migration experience using our flexible, dynamic, and advanced unified communications solutions.
