8x8 as a Unified Communications Provider

Unified Communications (UC) has revolutionised how businesses operate by integrating various communication tools—such as voice, video, messaging, and collaboration—into a single, cohesive platform. Among the many players in the UC space, 8×8 stands out as a leading provider, offering robust, scalable, and innovative solutions tailored for businesses of all sizes.

At Agile Comms, we have been providing 8×8 solutions to a wide variety of organisations across the country for over 2 years.

In this article, we give an overview of the platform and some of the reasons why our clients find it great for their organisations.  

 

Overview of 8×8

 

8×8 is a global leader in cloud communication and collaboration services, specialising in Unified Communications as a service (UCaaS). With a presence in over 190 countries, 8×8  has built a reputation for delivering reliable, secure, and easy-to-use communication solutions that empower businesses to stay connected and productive, no matter where they are.

 

Founded in 1987, 8×8 initially focused on VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services before expanding into a full suite of Unified Communications solutions. Today, 8×8 offers everything from cloud-based phone systems and video conferencing to contact centre solutions and team messaging, all integrated within a single platform.

 

8×8 Products and Services

 

8×8’s Unified Communications offerings are designed to meet the diverse needs of modern businesses. Their key products and services include:

 

  • 8×8 X Series: This is the flagship product suite, combining voice, video, chat, and contact centre functionalities into a unified experience. The X Series is designed to enhance collaboration and streamline communications across multiple channels.
  • VoIP Phone Systems: 8×8’s cloud-based VoIP solutions replace traditional phone systems with more flexible, scalable options that can be accessed from anywhere, ensuring businesses stay connected even as workforces become more distributed.
  • Video Conferencing: Integrated video conferencing tools allow for seamless face-to-face meetings, whether between team members or with clients, all within the same platform used for other communications.
  • Team Messaging: Real-time messaging and collaboration tools are integrated within 8×8’s Unified Communications platform, enabling teams to communicate and collaborate more efficiently without switching between different apps.
  • Contact Centre Solutions: 8×8 provides comprehensive contact centre services, helping businesses manage customer interactions across multiple channels, from voice and email to social media and chat.

 

Features of 8×8

 

8×8 is known for its feature-rich platform that supports the diverse communication needs of businesses. Key features include:

  • Simplicity and User Experience: 8×8’s Unified Communications platform is designed with ease of use in mind, offering an intuitive interface that simplifies communication management for users at all levels. This ensures a seamless experience, reducing the need for extensive training and allowing teams to focus on what they do best.
  • Omnichannel Support: Manage all communication channels—voice, video, chat, email, and social media—from a single platform, improving customer service and team collaboration.
  • AI-Powered Analytics: 8×8’s AI-driven tools provide insights into communication patterns, customer interactions, and overall performance, helping businesses make data-driven decisions.
  • Global Reach with Local Presence: With services available in over 190 countries, 8×8 supports global operations while offering local phone numbers and compliance with regional regulations.
  • Security and Compliance: 8×8 ensures that all communications are secure, with end-to-end encryption and compliance with standards like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS.

 

Comparing 8×8 with Other Providers of Unified Communications Solutions

 

When evaluating 8×8, it’s important to consider how it stacks up against other Unified Communications providers. Here’s how 8×8 compares to some of its main competitors:

There are hundreds of hosted phone systems to choose from. Some good, some not. What sets 8×8 apart from the crowd and makes them a market leader is a combination of their robust infrastructure and unrivalled uptime, their comprehensive service offer and their global reach. 

 

  • 8×8 vs. RingCentral: Both 8×8 and RingCentral offer comprehensive UCaaS platforms with similar features. However, 8×8 is often praised for its global reach and built-in contact centre solutions, making it a better choice for businesses with international operations or those needing advanced customer service tools.
  • 8×8 vs. 3CX: 3CX is another popular Unified Communications provider, known for its flexibility and on-premise deployment options. While 8×8 is a cloud-first solution, 3CX offers both cloud and on-premise installations, appealing to businesses that prefer more control over their infrastructure. However, 8×8’s fully managed cloud service reduces the burden on internal IT teams, making it a better choice for businesses looking to minimize complexity and maintenance efforts and be more confident around uptime. 
  • 8×8 vs. Microsoft Teams: Microsoft Teams excels in collaboration and integrates well with other Microsoft Office tools. However, 8×8 provides a more robust telephony system and global communication capabilities, making it suitable for businesses needing more advanced communication tools beyond basic collaboration. Some of our clients run the 8×8 Teams integration to get the best of both!

 

Pros and Cons of 8×8

 

  • Pros:
    • All-in-One Solution: 8×8 provides a unified platform that covers all communication needs, reducing the complexity of managing multiple tools.
    • Scalability: The platform scales easily with business growth, allowing for seamless addition of new users or expansion to new markets.
    • Reliability: 8×8 is the most reliable unified communication platform on the market, with financially backed 99.999% uptime.
    • Comprehensive Support: 8×8 offers 24/7 customer support and a wealth of resources to help businesses get the most out of their Unified Communications solutions.
  • Cons:
    • Learning Curve: Given the extensive features offered, there may be a learning curve for new users, especially those unfamiliar with Unified Communications systems.
    • Cost: While competitive, 8×8’s pricing can be higher than some other providers.

 

Why work with Agile Comms?

 

Choosing the right Unified Communications provider is crucial, but equally important is partnering with a trusted telecoms provider who understands your unique needs. At Agile Comms, we specialize in delivering tailored 8×8 solutions to UK businesses, ensuring that you get the most out of your investment in Unified Communications solutions.

Here’s why you might choose Agile Comms as your 8×8 provider:

 

  • Experience and Customisation: Our team of telecom experts works closely with you to understand your specific communication needs. We customize 8×8’s solutions to fit your business, ensuring seamless integration with your existing tools and processes.
  • Personalised Support: Unlike larger providers where you might just be another number, Agile Comms offers personalised, UK-based customer support. We’re here for you every step of the way, from initial setup to ongoing maintenance and support.
  • Competitive Pricing: We offer competitive pricing on 8×8’s products and services, ensuring you get the best value without sacrificing quality. Plus, our flexible contract options make it easier for businesses of all sizes to afford the latest in Unified Communications technology.
  • Local Presence, Global Reach: As a UK-based telecoms provider, we understand the local market and regulatory requirements. However, with 8×8’s global capabilities, we can support your business wherever it operates.
  • Other Services: Put all your comms together, including mobiles, connectivity and video conferencing, to simplify support and billing. 

 

Conclusion

 

8×8 is a market leader in the Unified Communications space, offering a feature-rich, scalable, and secure platform that caters to the needs of businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re a small business looking for a simple VoIP solution or a large enterprise needing a comprehensive Unified Communications platform with global reach, 8×8 provides the tools to keep your team connected and productive.

By partnering with Agile Comms, you gain more than just access to 8×8’s leading UC solutions—you get a dedicated partner committed to your success. Let us help you navigate the complexities of Unified Communications and empower your business to thrive in today’s digital landscape. Contact us today to get started!