Utilize the shared address book to search for not only other TrueConf Server users, but also for connected SIP/H.323 devices. Create groups of contacts by inviting all participants with just one click!
Promptly solve urgent work issues! Create personal and group chats that allow for exchanging messages not only during conferences but also outside of them.
Call and invite users of your PBX, external telephone subscribers or even VoIP devices registered on TrueConf Server to a group video conference.
Plan video meetings in advance! Set up the date, time and duration of conferences, as well as set a schedule of regular events.
Make free audio and video calls to colleagues from any compatible device, without having to worry about time constraints.
Add TrueConf video conferences to any events in Outlook and Thunderbird calendars! Use special plugins to easily schedule meetings with colleagues without distracting from the workflow.
Unified communications (UC) is a system that brings together messaging, voice calls, video meetings, email, and collaboration tools in one platform. It helps employees communicate faster, reduce missed messages, and keep workflows organized across devices and locations.
On-Premises unified communications
On‑premises UC runs entirely on servers owned and managed by the company, giving businesses full control over security, data, and system updates. The in‑house IT team handles all maintenance to ensure smooth and reliable operation.
Cloud-Based unified communications
Cloud-based UC is hosted by an external provider, eliminating the need for businesses to manage their own servers. It’s a cost-effective solution that scales easily as the company grows and enables employees to connect from anywhere.
Hybrid unified communications
Hybrid unified communications (hybrid UC) combines on-premises and cloud-based communication tools within a single environment. This approach helps businesses balance security and control with the flexibility and scalability of the cloud.
On-premises unified communications (UC) is a deployment model in which all communication tools, servers, and data are hosted and managed within a company’s own infrastructure. It gives businesses direct control over security, system configuration, compliance, and service availability.
Strong Security and Compliance
When communication data is stored on-site, businesses can establish their own security policies, manage access, and implement encryption without relying on third-party providers. This decreases cybersecurity risks and helps industries such as finance, healthcare, and government comply with rigorous regulatory standards.
Reliable Communication: No Internet Required
Since on‑premises UC operates within a company’s internal network, calls, video conferences, and messaging continue functioning even if the internet connection fails. For businesses that depend on uninterrupted, high-quality communication, this reliability is a critical advantage.
Adaptable to Business Needs
Unlike cloud-based systems with fixed functionalities, on-premises UC allows businesses to tailor their setup to specific requirements. They can integrate UC with existing software, support systems, and industry-specific applications to optimize workflow efficiency.
Long-Term Cost Efficiency
Although initial implementation of on-premises UC incurs higher costs, eliminating recurring cloud subscription fees leads to savings over time. Businesses with established IT infrastructure benefit from reduced operating expenses while retaining full control over their communication ecosystem.
Maintenance and Updates on Your Terms
Cloud-based platforms update according to the provider’s schedule, which may occasionally disrupt operations. With on-premises UC, organizations decide when to deploy updates, ensuring seamless transitions and compatibility with internal systems.
The main difference between cloud UC (UCaaS) and on-premises UC is where the system is hosted and who manages it. Cloud UC is delivered by a third-party provider over the internet, while on-premises UC is deployed and maintained within the company’s own infrastructure. As a result, they differ in setup, management, costs, scalability, security control, and remote accessibility. Below is a detailed comparison to guide your decision:
Feature | Cloud UC (UCaaS) | On-Premises UC |
|---|---|---|
Deployment | Hosted and managed by a third-party provider via the internet — no in-house hardware needed. | Installed and maintained on the organization’s own servers. |
Cost | Lower upfront costs, subscription-based model with no hardware or extensive IT maintenance costs. | High initial investment for hardware, software, and dedicated IT staff. |
Scalability | Easily scalable — add or remove users quickly without additional infrastructure. | Scaling requires extra hardware and IT resources, increasing time and cost. |
Accessibility | Accessible from any internet-connected device: office, remote, or mobile. | Limited to locations with access to the internal network. |
Maintenance & Updates | Automatic updates and maintenance handled by the provider. | Requires in-house IT staff for updates, maintenance, and troubleshooting. |
Security | Data stored off-site with encryption, though cloud security concerns may remain. | Full control over security with data stored on premises for direct oversight. |
Customization | Customization limited by the provider’s platform. | Greater customization tailored to specific business needs and integrations. |
Internet Dependence | Fully dependent on a stable internet connection for service access. | Operates independently of the internet — relying solely on the local network. |
Disaster Recovery | Built-in disaster recovery and backup capabilities provided by the provider. | Requires in-house infrastructure for backup and disaster recovery mechanisms. |
Industries use unified communications (UC) to connect employees, customers, and partners through messaging, voice, video, and collaboration tools in one system. This helps organizations improve internal coordination, support remote work, respond faster to customers, and keep daily operations running efficiently.
Corporate Sector: Smoother Teamwork, Faster Decisions
In today’s fast‑paced business environment, teams must communicate clearly and act swiftly. UC tools consolidate messaging, video conferencing, and project collaboration into a single platform, ensuring employees can connect effortlessly — whether they’re in the office or working remotely.
Healthcare: Connecting Medical Professionals and Patients
Whether it’s a doctor consulting with a distant specialist, a nurse updating patient records, or a virtual physician‑patient appointment — UC ensures these interactions happen seamlessly. Telemedicine thrives on real‑time video and secure messaging, facilitating the safe and efficient sharing of critical healthcare information.
Education: Bridging Gaps in Learning
UC extends the classroom beyond its physical boundaries. Teachers deliver lessons through virtual classrooms, students collaborate in groups, and universities host webinars reaching learners globally. Whether in person or remotely, education remains uninterrupted and interactive.
Finance: Secure and Instant Communication
Speed and security are paramount in the financial sector. UC allows advisors, analysts, and clients to communicate instantly while adhering to stringent compliance standards. Secure video meetings, encrypted messaging, and document-sharing tools help keep sensitive financial data protected.
Manufacturing & Logistics: Streamlining Operations
Coordinating production lines, tracking shipments, and managing the supply chain require real-time communication. UC helps factories and warehouses remain synchronized by enabling instant updates, reducing downtime, and ensuring efficient operations.
Government & Public Sector: Strengthening Public Services
Government agencies use UC to enhance interdepartmental communication, simplifying coordination of initiatives, emergency response management, and digital public service delivery. Remote collaboration tools also ensure government employees remain connected, even when working from different locations.
Legal Services: Secure and Efficient Client Communication
Law firms employ UC for confidential virtual meetings, collaborative document handling, and private client communication. Secure messaging and encrypted video calls ensure sensitive legal matters remain protected while enabling attorneys to work effectively from any location.
TrueConf
TrueConf is a unified communications platform designed to improve collaboration and business communication within organizations. It combines video conferencing, voice calls, messaging, presence status, and secure file sharing in one system.
Core features: TrueConf supports high-definition video conferencing with resolutions up to 4K, VoIP calling, one-to-one and group messaging, presence indicators, and secure file sharing. The platform also includes AI-powered features such as real-time transcription, virtual backgrounds, noise suppression, and simultaneous interpretation.
APIs and SDKs: TrueConf provides APIs and SDKs that allow developers to create custom integrations, extend platform functionality, and automate communication workflows based on business needs.
Deployment models: TrueConf supports on-premises, cloud-based, and hybrid deployment. This gives organizations flexibility to choose the model that best fits their infrastructure, security policies, and compliance requirements.
Scalability: TrueConf is suitable for businesses of different sizes and supports meetings with up to 2,000 participants, helping organizations scale communication without sacrificing performance.
Compliance: TrueConf supports compliance with standards and regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO 27001, making it a suitable option for organizations that handle sensitive data.
Cross-Device Compatibility: TrueConf offers client applications for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and Android TV, allowing users to stay connected across desktop and mobile devices.
8x8
8x8 offers an all-in-one unified communications solution designed to enhance collaboration across organizations:
Core Features: the 8x8 Work app integrates business phone services, video conferencing, and team messaging. It also includes AI-powered features like speech analytics and quality management to improve communication effectiveness. APIs are available for SMS, voice, video, and chat integration within existing workflows.
APIs and SDKs: developers can use 8x8’s APIs to embed communication tools such as SMS, voice, and video into custom applications.
Deployment models: 8x8 is a fully cloud-hosted solution that removes the need for on-premises hardware, offering scalability and flexibility.
User scalability: the platform accommodates needs from small teams to large enterprises, ensuring consistent performance at scale.
Regulatory compliance: 8x8 meets industry standards, including HIPAA, GDPR, and ISO/IEC 27001, making it suitable for regulated environments.
Cross-Device Compatibility: accessible via desktop, mobile, web, and browser platforms, providing versatile access without extra software.
Avaya
Avaya delivers a unified communications solution to enhance collaboration across organizations:
Core Features: Avaya integrates voice, video, messaging, and web collaboration. AI elements, including virtual assistants and predictive analytics, support customer engagement and operational efficiency.
APIs and SDKs: developers can use Avaya’s APIs and SDKs to build integrations with custom business applications.
Deployment models: available as on-premises (Avaya Aura), cloud-based (Avaya Cloud Office), and hybrid options, tailored to infrastructure and security needs.
User scalability: supports businesses of all sizes and scales to enterprise environments with up to 250,000 users.
Regulatory compliance: aligns with international standards, suitable for industries with strict compliance demands.
Cross-Device Compatibility: supports desktops, smartphones, and tablets, preserving user connectivity across devices.
Cisco
Cisco’s unified communications solution enhances collaboration and simplifies interaction:
Core Features: Includes voice, video, messaging, and mobility, anchored by Cisco Unified Communications Manager (UCM) for secure call management. Supports HD video, instant messaging, presence, and integration with collaboration tools, optimized for both on-site and remote users.
APIs and SDKs: offers comprehensive APIs and SDKs for building custom UC extensions tailored to business needs.
Deployment models: available on-premises (Cisco UCM), cloud-based (Cisco UCM Cloud), or hybrid, enabling flexible selection based on infrastructure strategy.
User scalability: scales from 50,000 devices in a standard cluster up to 100,000 in a mega cluster.
Regulatory compliance: meets industry-specific standards, and Cisco UCM Cloud for Government is FedRAMP compliant.
Cross-Device Compatibility: covers desktops, smartphones, tablets, and IP phones — ensuring seamless user connectivity.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a comprehensive UC platform combining communication and collaboration tools:
Core Features: offers chat, video meetings, and file sharing integrated with Microsoft 365. Includes AI-driven assistance via Microsoft 365 Copilot for meeting summaries, data insights, and task automation.
APIs and SDKs: provides developer APIs and SDKs to extend and customize Teams functionalities.
Deployment models: fully cloud-based, offering scalability and flexibility without on-premises hardware.
User scalability: designed for organizations of all sizes, maintaining performance as the user base grows.
Regulatory compliance: meets GDPR and HIPAA compliance for secure data handling.
Cross-Device Compatibility: Available on desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
Mitel
Mitel provides a unified communications solution for businesses of all sizes:
Core Features: MiVoice Business delivers voice, messaging, mobility, conferencing, voicemail transcription, call recording, and video collaboration. It integrates with major CRM systems for enhanced workflows.
APIs and SDKs: Developers can use Mitel APIs for custom integrations into business applications.
Deployment models: Supports on-premises, cloud-based, and hybrid deployments, including public and private cloud options.
User scalability: Scalable to support growing organizations without performance loss.
Regulatory compliance: Built to meet international standards for regulated industries.
Cross-Device Compatibility: Offers seamless connectivity across desktops, mobile phones, and tablets.
RingCentral
RingCentral delivers a unified communications platform designed for integrated business collaboration:
Core Features: RingCentral integrates calls, messaging, video meetings, and fax (RingEX™). Includes AI Assistant for call transcriptions, summaries, and action items, plus automated SMS replies and voicemail-to-email transcription.
APIs and SDKs: Open platform APIs cover voice, SMS/MMS, messaging, video, fax, data, and configuration — enabling tailored integrations.
Deployment models: fully cloud-based — no on-premises hardware required, offering scalability and flexibility.
User scalability: Supports organizations of any size with seamless performance during growth.
Regulatory compliance: complies with HITRUST, GDPR, PCI, and HIPAA standards.
Cross-Device Compatibility: accessible on desktops, smartphones, and tablets with consistent UX.
Unify
Unify (a Mitel subsidiary since October 2023) is a global provider of enterprise communications, delivering solutions in over 100 countries:
Core Features: Includes OpenScape (voice, video, web collaboration, contact center), HiPath (secure and scalable converged communication), and Circuit (cloud-based team collaboration). SIP architecture ensures interoperability through presence, unified messaging, and mobility support.
APIs and SDKs: Offers APIs/SDKs for custom integrations tailored to operational needs.
Deployment models: Flexible deployment, including on-premises (OpenScape, HiPath), cloud (Circuit), or hybrid.
User scalability: Scales to support organizations from small businesses to large enterprises.
Regulatory compliance: Adheres to international standards, suitable for regulated industries.
Cross-Device Compatibility: Available on desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
Zoom
Zoom Communications provides a UCaaS platform to optimize business communication:
Core Features: Integrates video conferencing, VoIP services, team chat, and webinars in one app. Features AI Companion for real-time transcription, summaries, and action tracking; includes voicemail transcription, intelligent call routing, and integration with productivity tools.
APIs and SDKs: Robust APIs/SDKs allow embedding Zoom into custom applications.
Deployment models: Entirely cloud-based — scales quickly, no on-premises infrastructure needed.
User scalability: Scalable infrastructure serves small teams up to large enterprises with consistent performance.
Regulatory compliance: Designed to support compliance with international data protection standards.
Cross-Device Compatibility: Available on desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
Vendor | Price for 1 user | Notes |
|---|---|---|
8x8 | $15/month | Public starting price shown for 8x8 Express; 8x8’s main plans page for broader business communications is quote-based. |
Avaya | €17.99/user/month | Avaya Cloud Office Essentials, annual selection, on the Netherlands pricing page with 1 user selected. |
Microsoft Teams | €3.50/user/month | Teams Essentials, annual billing, price shown on Microsoft’s Netherlands business pricing page. |
Cisco | €11/license/month | Public starting price for Webex Starter on Cisco’s Netherlands pricing page; higher Webex tiers are also listed separately. |
RingCentral | $20/user/month | RingEX starts at this price when paid annually. |
Mitel | Quote only | Mitel directs buyers to sales for tailored pricing rather than publishing a fixed 1-user UC list price. |
Zoom | $14.16/user/month | Zoom Workplace Pro, billed annually. |
Unify | Quote only | Mitel’s Unify Phone page asks buyers to request a customized estimate. |
A business can implement unified communications with TrueConf Server by deploying a self-hosted platform for messaging, calls, video conferencing, and team collaboration, and then integrating it with its existing IT infrastructure and user directory. This approach allows the company to keep communication tools in one secure system while maintaining control over data, access, and administration.
1. Define business needs
Identify which communication tools the company needs, such as corporate messaging, video meetings, voice calls, remote collaboration, or external communications.
2. Prepare the infrastructure
Set up a dedicated server, configure network access, and make sure the environment is ready for secure internal or remote connectivity.
3. Install and configure TrueConf Server
Deploy the platform, open the admin panel, configure core settings, and prepare the system for daily use.
4. Connect users and business systems
Integrate TrueConf Server with Active Directory or LDAP, set up user accounts, and connect required services such as SIP telephony, calendars, or custom tools through APIs and SDKs.
5. Roll out client apps and launch gradually
Install client applications on employee devices, train teams, and start with a pilot group before expanding the system across the organization.
