<p>Both unified communications and bring-your-own-device (BYOD) are slowly becoming accepted practices in corporations as companies see the potential of shifting communications and technical support to external providers. The switch is bringing cost savings to businesses and holds promise for higher-education institutions, as well.</p><p>Unified communications is the real-time routing of voice or text communications to the device closest to an individual at any given time, such as redirecting calls from a landline to a cell phone. BYOD, as a related concept, is the ability to use one's personal mobile device to complete tasks at work or school.</p><p>For companies, the savings can be enormous: According to a global report from service provider Dimension Data, companies who invested in unified communications projects saw a 61 percent cost savings and an increase in employee productivity over the two-year period from 2011 to 2013.</p><p>Aruba Networks, a company that specializes in helping organizations transition to unified communications and BYOD also cites increased productivity as one of the main reasons companies go this route, but Aruba adds that the switch isn't without challenges. Security is a primary concern, and Aruba notes that many businesses worry about having a single infrastructure that is able to service myriad devices.</p><p><a href="http://www.businessadministrationinformation.com/news/unified-communications-and-byod-initiatives-pose-rewards-and-risks-for-companies">Keep reading...</a></p>