West Unified Communications Services: Re-Imagining Conferencing with UCaaS

Scott Etzler, President

State of the art technology in the Unified Communications (UC) industry involves integration of real-time, enterprise-grade network communication services such as conferencing, voice, video, or instant messaging, with asynchronous services like voicemail, email, and text messages. When deploying Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS), enterprises gain enhanced productivity and workspace collaboration, increased financial flexibility, improved employee interactions, and the access to leverage cloud technology. “In UC, clients need the tools, processes, and infrastructure to consistently leverage high-quality UCaaS solutions and user experiences that improve their day-to-day business activities,” begins Scott Etzler, President, West Unified Communications Services.

The Chicago, IL based West particularly focuses on providing cloud-based UC solutions that consist of enterprise voice, conferencing and collaboration, network management, messaging and presence, contact center, and client application integration. The company continues to expand its broad communications services with support for high-end video conferencing, Skype for Business integration and most recently, the acquisition of enhanced 911 solutions provider 911 Enable. West has extensive experience in designing, deploying and managing UCaaS solutions as well as providing superior long-term support to its clients.

West provides conferencing services and delivers world-class audio, unmatched support, and the expert insight which enterprises need to make their business communications efficient. With the freedom to connect anyone from anywhere at any time, firms can take collaboration to a whole new and more meaningful level. Further, West has pioneered cloud-based managed-voice solutions and has developed unparalleled expertise in implementing these solutions for their clients. From fully cloud-based to hybrid approaches that allow for structured migrations over time, West provides the flexibility and services that best meet client needs.

The company’s digital media services support an enterprise’s need to leverage its virtual content in real time and on-demand—from hosting recurring internal webinars and large-scale multimedia webcasts to on-demand virtual trade shows and learning environments.

In UC, clients need the tools, processes, and infrastructure to consistently leverage high-quality UCaaS solutions and user experiences

The company’s interactive virtual environments, flexible webcast offerings and rich video experiences, together with best-in-class support services, make the messages more impactful and give them a dynamic appearance.

Additionally, West’s Maxxis Application Aware Network provides enterprise-class network infrastructure to install connectivity for centralized, cloud-based applications. The company’s network provides intelligent application-based routing, sophisticated management and control, and unprecedented network performance in a single Multi Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) solution.

To illustrate a compelling case study, one of West’s clients, Methode, a manufacturer of custom-engineered and application specific products and solutions, wanted to move a few of its production processes to Asia. This presented a challenge for Methode’s already aging and piecemealed communications infrastructure. West Unified Communications Services was approached by Methode to provide assistance in their network situation. Subsequently, West boosted the performance, resiliency, and transparency of the communications infrastructure by implementing the Maxxis Application Network. Maxxis consolidated all the traffic onto a single, easy-to-manage network infrastructure and proved to be a completely private, fast, and flexible solution that allowed Methode to prioritize voice, video, and data applications.

West has demonstrated the ability to not only identify, prioritize, and pursue emerging growth opportunities, but also lead the market in terms of industry innovation. Due to rapid transition, the sectors of UC, including hosted audio, web, and video conferencing as well as managed video conferencing services are expected to experience varying growth rates over the next decade. Forging ahead, West looks to capitalize on the opportunities that are expected to be spurred by high growth rates of new services and commoditization of mature technologies.