UCaaS’s on-going development will be shaped significantly by further advancements in technologies such as AI and augmented reality/ virtual reality (AR/VR).
AI, the hot topic of the moment, will continue to be woven into business processes and everyday tasks. While current AI capabilities are not yet incorporated in all applicable platforms, development of real market-ready solutions is operating at break-neck pace to make AI an actual part of our everyday collaboration and working. While we expect much more from AI, many of the things discussed below are available now. They are operational and adding value already to the productivity of the companies that are deploying early.
UCaaS solutions will expand their global reach and focus on localisation to cater to diverse regions, languages, and cultural preferences. AI-powered speech recognition and translation technologies will enable real-time language translation during meetings, breaking down language barriers and fostering global collaboration. Participants will be able to communicate in their own native language while understanding each other in real time.
While a lot of useful information can be shared in meetings, not all information is relevant to all participants. AI algorithms will analyse meeting content, extract key insights, and generate summaries, action items, and highlights. This makes it easier for participants to grasp crucial information and outcomes from lengthy discussions or meetings.
This is also an invaluable capability for key stakeholders who, for reasons beyond their control, cannot attend a critical meeting but need to be kept informed of relevant decisions. While AI can assist in finding the best time for meetings by considering participants’ calendars, time zones, and preferences, and can optimise scheduling to minimise conflicts and accommodate the availability of key stakeholders, there will always be exceptional circumstances that prevent 100% attendance levels.
Although not yet mainstream, AR/VR technologies are being gradually integrated into UCaaS platforms. This technology can revolutionise remote collaboration and training, enabling remote participants to virtually join meetings and feel more present in the physical meeting room. The technology also provides benefits for people in the meeting room by reducing their need to keep remembering to look at the camera for better engagement with remote participants. The net result is that all attendees can focus more on the purpose and desired outcome of the meeting, rather than the physical locations involved.
And, as the trend toward hybrid work models continues, UCaaS will continue to focus on providing the technology that supports seamless communication and collaboration between in-office and remote workers with solutions focussing on ensuring consistent experiences across various devices and locations. AI can further improve meeting efficiency by analysing voice tone, facial expressions, and text to gauge the emotional state and sentiment of participants during meetings. This information can be used to optimise communication strategies and ensure a more empathetic and engaging collaboration experience.
In summary, evolving technology will revolutionise UCaaS and collaboration by automating tasks, improving communication, enhancing user experiences, and optimising meeting processes. Its integration will lead to more intelligent and efficient collaboration, ultimately transforming how teams interact and work together.
