As modern society is all about information and communication, many systems exist that serve to provide this service. In order to gain the maximum service from any particular software, program, or system, however, communication protocols are often bundled together in one service. For example, Internet Service Providers often offer bundle packages that include Internet access, a landline telephone, and cable. A similar package for communication is also available in a service known as "unified communications". This article will define what unified communications are, explain how unified communications differ from unified messaging, and list several aspects of unified communications.

What Are Unified Communications
Unified communications refers to a set of programs and protocols that allow users to retrieve information from many different devices at any given time. Unified communications may use a combination of speech recognition, video conferencing, email, fax, SMS, instant messaging, telephone services, presence information, and call control services in order to maximize user response time and total knowledge of what is going on in a company, agency, or some other organization.

Unified Communications VS Unified Messaging
While people often confuse unified communications with unified messaging, they are two separate services. Unified communications uses both real-time and non-real-time processing systems in order to retrieve information and communicate with people, computer systems, and the world at large. Unified messaging, however, uses only non-real-time services such as fax, SMS, and email in order to provide communication between two or more parties within a reasonable amount of time. However, unified communications often includes unified messaging in its services.

Speech Access
Speech access is a system of services and procedures that allow users to speak their words rather than typing them out. Speech access can refer to a wide variety of services that may include speech recognition software, telephony, or other situations in which speech is used. For example, many call centers now require that their customers call in and work their way through several layers of voice-activated options before they are able to speak to a real person. This type of system could be considered a speech access service.

Personal Digital Assistant
Unified communications can be extended to PDAs, or Personal Digital Assistants. PDAs often include text messaging, instant messaging, phone services, email, information processing, Internet access and other features that allow users to stay connected with the rest of the world and know what is going on as events happen. As PDAs have evolved over the years, they now include touch screen technology and voice activated services that only serve to enhance unified communications.

Collaboration Tools
One of the main accessories that any unified communications service can implement is the use of collaboration tools. Collaboration tools are a set of programs that work together in order to achieve a common task. In the case of unified communications, collaboration tools compile information from multiple sources in order to provide the user with a more accurate solution. Collaboration tools may include messaging services, data management software, or knowledge management software. Likewise, social networking websites, news groups, and artificial intelligence programs can also fit into this category.

Advantages of Unified Communications
Unified communications have many different advantages and can be used in a wide variety of applications. For example, businesses are able to benefit greatly from unified communications as they are now able to keep track of their customers, inventory, and financial information all at once. They are also able to keep tabs on current and growing trends that may affect how they need to conduct their business. Nearly all companies use some sort of unified communications.