UCaaS vs CPaaS: What’s the Difference?

The evolution of communication software has brought us countless cloud-based business communication tools — such as UCaaS, CPaaS, CCaaS, and the list goes on. While they differ in purpose and deliverability, all these tools improve business communication and productivity.

Here, we explain the differences between UCaaS and CPaaS, two cloud-based communication solutions, so that you can make the right choice for your business.

Understanding UCaaS and CPaaS

Both UCaaS and CPaaS bring advanced communication functionality to your business. You can use these services to improve internal/external communication and team efficiency by adding automation and integrations to your phone system.

Let’s look at how UCaaS and CPaaS solutions work, along with their features and benefits. This will help you decide which route to go when building your communication stack.

Don’t want to read? Check out our video comparing UCaaS, CPaaS, and CCaaS.

Similarities Between UCaaS and CPaaS

Both UCaaS and CPaaS are cloud solutions intended to add functionality to your communication stack. So before we dive in, here are a few similarities between the two services:

• Cloud-based communication services
• Easy low-code/no-code setup
• No hardware required
• Low-cost phone system
• Access to advanced features
• Scalable solutions

What is UCaaS? Definition, Features, and Benefits

Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) combines relevant communication tools into one cloud-based solution. Think of UCaaS as a unified business phone system — without the cost of hardware and maintenance.

UCaaS Features

• Cloud calling
• Phone number management
• Video and audio conferencing
• Advanced call routing and forwarding
• Call detail records (CDRs) and reporting

UCaaS Benefits

So, what do you get with a UCaaS solution?

• One-stop platform with built-in communication functionalities
• UC capabilities with instant access to
  • voice and video calling
  • reporting and analytics
  • call management features, and more
• Highly scalable solutions to support your business’ growth
• No additional hardware or maintenance

In other words, UCaaS is a streamlined, single platform that is good to go right out of the box.

What is CPaaS? Definition, Features, and Benefits

Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) is an open cloud-based platform that lets you upgrade your phone system. Developers can use CPaaS tools and APIs to integrate real-time communications features directly into existing applications.

CPaaS Features

• Phone number management
• Call management
• Outbound voice calls
• Video, messaging, voice APIs
• Intelligent call routing
• On-demand SIP trunking
• Number masking

CPaaS Benefits

So, what do you get with CPaaS?

• Pick and choose different APIs to add to your existing system
• Create a customized communications model to meet your specific needs
• Quick and easy integration
• Upgrade a legacy phone system that is already in place
• No need to build backend voice infrastructure
• Affordable and scalable
• Apt for digital transformation

This is a good solution for companies looking to migrate their communications to the cloud — but don’t want to change too much.

UCaaS vs CPaaS: Choosing the Right Communication Model for Your Business

So, what model should you choose?

When choosing a model for your business, consider your communication needs and goals. Do you want a brand-new system or simply upgrade your existing one? Do you need a solution for internal collaboration, improving caller experience, or both?

With UCaaS, you get an all-in-one platform with multiple functionalities.

And with CPaaS, you can customize by picking desired features.

Here’s an overview of the differences between UCaaS and CPaaS and how they support business communication systems:

Choosing a solution for your business depends on your communication needs. Research different providers and cloud telephony solutions to determine what works best for your business.

To learn more, speak with telecom experts at Global Call Forwarding; call us at +1 (561) 908-6171 or chat with us online today!

Related: What’s the Difference Between CCaaS and CPaaS?