In today’s hybrid workplaces, seamless communication isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity. Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) platforms like Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex and Zoom Phone are powering how businesses talk, collaborate and connect.
But here’s the catch. To make UCaaS voice truly shine, you need to connect it to the outside world – the PSTN and any legacy systems still hanging around.
Which Is the Best UCaaS Deployment Model?
That’s where managed solutions come in – leveraging the popularity of the cloud, with its effortless scalability, predictable costs and easy maintenance, but offering organizations that need it more robust security and greater adherence to regulatory requirements. The big question then becomes: which deployment model works best for you?
Let’s unpack the three choices and spotlight how to dodge deployment drama along the way.
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Cloud All the Way: Public Cloud Deployment
Think scale, speed and simplicity. Public cloud solutions, either dedicated or multi-tenant, offer a fast-track to voice deployment without the heavy lifting.
Dedicated Cloud: Your own slice of the pie, with no resource-sharing. Great for customization and security, though it comes with a bigger price tag.
Multi-Tenant Cloud: Cost-effective and quick to deploy, but with some trade-offs in control and configurability.
Either way, you get:
- Easy scaling to match business growth
- Predictable subscription costs
- Hassle-free updates and built-in redundancy
But here’s the fine print. If your business operates in highly regulated industries or needs direct PSTN access, you’ll need to double-check your provider’s compliance creds or consider hybrid alternatives.
💡 Best For: Businesses of all sizes looking to offload infrastructure management and scale fast.
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Take the Reins: Private Cloud or On-Prem Deployment
If control is king in your world, this one’s for you. Private deployments, either in your own data center or hosted environment, put you firmly in the driver’s seat.
With everything under your control, from hardware to data, this model is a go-to for enterprises with strict compliance needs or heavy reliance on legacy systems and analog devices. You get:
- Total infrastructure control
- Enhanced data security
- Tailored integration with existing systems
Just remember, more control equals more responsibility (and more investment). You’ll need the resources, financial and human, to manage, maintain and scale your environment as your business grows.
💡 Best For: Large enterprises with stringent security and compliance requirements.
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Best of Both Worlds: Hybrid Deployment
Not yet ready to go all-in on the cloud? No problem. Hybrid deployment gives you the flexibility to straddle both worlds – cloud and on-prem.
This setup is perfect for organizations in transition, those juggling compliance obligations or businesses that need to keep legacy equipment running while rolling out UCaaS. You can:
- Combine cloud agility with on-prem control
- Enable phased migration and testing
- Seamlessly integrate analog and digital systems
- Support local PSTN breakout where required
Hybrid keeps your options open and your business moving forward, even as you adapt to new demands or regulations.
💡 Best For: Multi-site, multinational businesses or those with complex communication setups.
Key Considerations Before You Deploy
Whichever path you choose, here are some critical checkpoints to cover:
- Regulatory Readiness: Does your deployment align with local and international compliance frameworks like GDPR?
- Analog Integration: Don’t forget about that fax machine in the finance department. Your solution needs to support legacy hardware too.
- Local PSTN Rules: Different countries, different rules. Make sure your model supports required breakout capabilities.
- Cloud Migration Pains: Transitioning isn’t just plug-and-play. Legacy coexistence, security and network prep are essential.
- Manageability Matters: Decide early who manages what and how. A clear operational plan can make or break the user experience.
Three Paths to UCaaS Voice Deployment Success
This guide is packed with valuable insights and expert advice to ensure your voice network is flexible, scalable and ready to meet the demands of today's hybrid workplace.
Your Very Own UCaaS Cheat Code: AudioCodes Live
Let’s face it, juggling all these factors can get overwhelming. That’s where AudioCodes Live comes in. It’s a managed voice solution built to plug right into your chosen UCaaS platform – Teams, Webex, Zoom – you name it. You get:
- Seamless PSTN connectivity
- Full-spectrum management tools
- Built-in compliance and security
- AI-powered features like meeting summarization and contact center integration
Your Voice Strategy, Simplified
Choosing the right deployment model isn’t just a tech decision, it’s a business one. Get it right, and you unlock better security, smoother user experiences and long-term savings. And with AudioCodes Live in your corner, navigating your UCaaS voice journey is easier than ever.
