With the constantly changing business landscape, more entities are exploring how to implement cloud-based solutions to increase workplace efficiency. One solution is the Communications Platform as a Service, commonly known as CPaaS. Consequently, the CPaaS market is growing significantly attracting different vendors. In general, the vendors are helping businesses with various aspects such as enabling them to embed related applications with the goal of facilitating communication through means such as text messages and video.
Why Your Business Needs a CPaaS Solution
A CPaaS solution enables businesses to communicate with clients in a highly scalable and customizable environment. A CPaaS provider offers products and services that can potentially empower a company’s marketing and customer care teams to interact with clients seamlessly. By integrating a CPaaS solution into your business’ apps, products, and services, you can benefit in the following ways:
- Global reach
- Increased flexibility
- Cost-efficient
- Supports omnichannel communication
- High security
- Scalability
- Numerous customization options
How to Choose a CPaaS Solution
Selecting the right CPaaS solution can be hectic, especially if you are not aware of factors to consider. Below are tips on selecting a CPaaS for your business:
Identify your needs
There are several solutions in the market that serve different needs. To get the right platform, you need to identify your business needs and consider your daily activities. At the same time, identify communication challenges and issues within your business that you want to solve. From this point, you can settle the CPaaS features you need.
Vendor’s network infrastructure
Ensure the vendor can offer consistent and reliable service in your targeted region. This is mainly for companies intending to use CPaaS solutions for outbound calling or SMS. At the same time, the provider you are selecting should support more carrier networks since it ensures a high level of redundancy if one carrier’s network is not working properly.
Plan for API integration
Your communication model will require integration with several APIs to achieve effective communication. Factor in the breadth, depth, and general quality of the CPaaS provider’s APIs. The API solution should align with your company’s current-day needs and plans.
Compliance
Review the compliance requirements in your area of operation. Notably, cloud-based communication platforms must also comply with several cyber security standards and Government regulations. For instance, ensure your service provider has an ISO 27001 or SOC2 certificate on insecurity matters.
Test the CpaaS solution before full integration
To get value for your money, ask the preferred solution provider to give you a live demo. Most providers will have a free trial option to test drive the CPaaS functionality and user experience. Leverage the test trial period to check the solution’s user-friendliness and support.
How to be Ready for a CPaas Solution for Your Business
If you opt for a CPaaS solution, your organization needs to be ready from infrastructure to human resources. Below are the requirements for your organization before deploying CPaaS.
Reliable network: A fast and reliable network is usually needed when in-house developers operate your solution. A reliable network prevents throttling with increased traffic.
Developers: Effective CPaaS solutions are meant to be developer-friendly and easy for programmers to run. However, in some cases, you might need experienced developers to handle the designing of additional apps alongside integrations.
Mistakes to Avoid When Integrating a CPaaS Solution:
- Ignoring your basic business needs
- Implementing a CPaaS without a clear strategy
- Failure to involve employees
Endnote
The market has an array of CPaaS solution providers serving different purposes. However, in selecting your preferred vendor, look for factors like scalability, security, and how the solution will complement your business needs. By working with the right CPaaS provider, your business will eliminate inefficient communication challenges that can cause frustration for both consumers and employees. Note that, if communication is right, your business will be on course to achieving its results.
