Today, voice, voice mail, unified messaging, video, and mobility are some of the most sought after features federal IT executives are looking for in a cloud solution. Being able to obtain these services via a low risk, subscription-based model means not having to worry about capital expenditures. However today’s federal IT executives are faced with a sea of cloud offerings by some of the biggest names in the industry and many smaller, more specialized vendors. The range of options can cause significant confusion and might even delay the ability of some to realize the improved performance and budgetary savings that come with Hosted Collaboration Solutions.
When selecting a Hosted Collaboration Solution (HCS), there are several important criteria to consider:
#1 Select a HCS with flexibility:
Be sure any service you select is architected around an open API structure for ease of integration with other applications.
Also, seek out solutions that enable you to adjust bandwidth according to your usage requirements.
#2 Purchase a HCS with hybrid deployment options:
Considering the sensitive nature of government data and the rapidly evolving security requirements on IT, government agencies increasingly need to keep certain functions and information within their own networks and servers and other applications within the cloud. Be sure to select a HCS that allows you to do both through a blended model.
#3 Identify a HCS with current encryption methods:
In terms of encryption, be sure to select a HCS utilizing the most advanced methods.
#4 Select a HCS that complies with key standards:
When you operate in the public sector, cloud security must be at the forefront of any of your tech decision-making. Any HCS you purchase should be both FedRAMP and FISMA certified. FedRAMP and FISMA require significant investment and rigorous testing processes to meet high standards, ensuring vendors offer safe and secure cloud services. The architecture of the Cisco Powered™ collab9 HCS is designed to exceed these benchmarks.
#5 Adopt a HCS that has all the functionality you need:
The collab9 HCS offering encompasses voice, mobility, messaging, contact center, video, and presence/instant messaging in a unified platform. The technology can integrate applications such as WebEx®, Cisco TelePresence®, Google Apps, IP paging, and call recording. As an FCC-registered telecommunications provider, collab9 delivers local, long distance, and international dialing services – as well as data connectivity and SIP-based trunking.
If you operate in the Public Sector and are thinking about adopting a HCS, be sure to identify one that addresses your unique needs. Get in touch, we can help.
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