Unified Communications (UC) is the incorporation of real-time communication services like chatting, telephony, video chatting, data sharing, call control and speech recognition with non-real-time communication services, e.g., unified messaging like email, texting, integrated voicemail, and fax. UC is not a simple, singular product; rather, it is the process by which a set of these products provide a consistent unified user interface and user experience across various device and media platforms. UC incorporates a multitude of types of communication exchanged on the TCP/IP network to encompass other types of communications like IPTV and Digital Signage Communications. These communications methods are incorporated into a larger network of communications deployment and can be sent to an individual or broadcast to many clients. UC allows a user, for example, to receive a standard voicemail message and access the message via email or text message. Unlike unified messaging, UC allows a user to access messaging in real-time or at a later time. Unified messaging only allows a user to check converted messages at a later time.

 
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