Unveiling the Business Game-Changer: Communication Ecosystems What is a communication ecosystem, and why do more enterprises favor them to manage productive collaboration? Trends in communication ecosystems

Businesses invest millions to ensure they have a well-established team management plan. Behind each cutting-edge and successful communication software is a well-structured cooperation model between the team members. That is why we are now facing the daily birth of millions of communication software solutions.

Although having a wide variety of options on the market is amazing, it can also be overwhelming, mainly if you use multiple tools for each type of communication.

If your company culture includes multiple types of digital communication, finding all-in-one software is the key.

That is why communication platforms or ecosystems are the new normal.

Related: If Your Office Resembles 'The Office' Consider Better Communications Software

What is a communication platform or ecosystem?

The "communication ecosystem" is an umbrella term for all types of digital communication. Think of a communication ecosystem as a "digital house" for employees. Each "room" of this "digital house" is created for a single activity. For example, the first room of the house is for individual and team video conferences and discussions, and the second room is for chit-chatting. The third room is for sharing information via visuals, documents, files, etc., and the fourth room is for instant calls and so on. Communication ecosystems put digital cooperation between employees on another level. So, now teammates can "visit" separate rooms "within a single house" instead of "changing houses." This cuts off time and resources and raises work productivity.

Related: You Should Let Your Team Decide Their Approach to Hybrid Work. A Behavioral Economist Explains Why and How You Should Do It.

How do you choose the best communication ecosystem for your business?

In IT, yesterday's news can become today's past. As a result, accepting and believing in innovations is essential to remain competitive in your industry. Don't be hesitant to test out new ideas and put your "old but gold" suppliers to the test. Examine and compare various communication platforms and make your custom choice accordingly. Each tool or communication ecosystem defines its target audience and adjusts suggested functionalities based on the consumer base.

For example, companies in the IT industry prefer using Slack, Asana and Trello for project management with other similar communication stacks. Educational, financial and healthcare institutions, government agencies and enterprises use Zoom for online meetings, classes and conferences. Gem4me is used when companies need multiple communication platforms.

As a hybrid worker myself, I have been exploring communication tools for the past three years. My pain points are relatable to many.

• I do not want to visit multiple websites or install several communication software solutions.
• I want to have a "neat environment" for remote working.
• I want a fast and flexible remote working model.

Here are the most important aspects I consider when choosing a communication ecosystem to cover the issues mentioned above.

• Services and features: The communication tool should include all, or at least most, of the client's digital communication requirements. The more they correspond with the client's goals, the higher their chances of being a potential provider.
• Costs: As with any other solution, communication systems also follow three main cost strategies: offer completely free services, offer restricted free packages with limited functionalities and offer only paid packages. Proven investments and high KPIs are essentially every business owner's goal. Therefore it is advisable to do thorough research before choosing a communication platform. Nowadays, we have amazing communication ecosystems that offer completely free solutions. So, before choosing a paid platform, it is crucial to set some time aside for research on free alternatives. However, if the ideal communication solution for your business is a paid solution, make sure it offers at least a 7-day trial option. The users' right is to test the system they will be paying for. User-friendliness and scalable, bug-free functions are crucial for each customer. Free packages with restricted features or entirely free services are undoubtedly a wise strategic choice, particularly for newbies who do not require sophisticated solutions.
• Security: I often compare communication ecosystems with sponges. Communication software absorbs the most fragile information about a specific company, just like a sponge. Hence, choosing a communication platform with proven security is a must.
• Third-party integrations: Migrating data from one system into another is not easy. That's why it is crucial to choose a communication tool that allows integration with other business systems (CRM systems, help desk, etc.).
• Mobile app version: Some businesses neglect to develop mobile applications for their company offerings. I can see their point of view; in this instance, office workers who utilize PCs and laptops are the target users. But things are evolving quickly. Adaptability is essential. Mobile apps provide for passive usage, including tracking, controlling, responding to ASAP cases and acting in emergencies, if nothing more.
• Customer service: High-level customer service needs no further explanations. Fast and flexible customer service is crucial for any product or service provider.

Related: How to Improve Communication With Your Remote Team

Top Communication Software or Ecosystem Trends

• Media and entertainment solutions within communication ecosystems: Nowadays, communication software solutions offer channel catalogs for media and entertainment purposes. Some of the most common channels within communication software include news, science and education, music, books and literature, art and photos, sports, games, food, education, and more. The users can subscribe to their preferred channels and educate themselves without leaving the platform. The users can also become "bloggers" themselves, creating and managing their channels.
• Bots (ex., translation bots, help bots): AI-powered chatbots act as robot instant assistants. The language problem is a major drawback in communication. Translation bots make cross-cultural communication possible when there is a language barrier. Of course, machine translation is currently not at its highest level but is making daily progress. Sticker bots are created for entertainment purposes. Users can create stickers and interact with their custom visuals.
• Conversion of voice messages into text: Voice-to-text converters are huge time savers and make the list of the most valuable communication ecosystem features. Hence, it is logical that this feature is under "paid services" on some platforms. The communication ecosystems that offer this service free of charge are valuable and worth using.
• Online shop/market: Virtual shopping and communication into one system. What is better than that? Communication ecosystems allow users to communicate with their contacts and shop on the same platform.
• Integrated collaboration tools: Besides built-in features, complex communication software solutions integrate third-party apps such as file sharing, e-mail and message scheduling for extended functionalities.
• Social intranet: Communication ecosystems integrate social media-like functions and solutions into their system. You may often meet social network-like environments in communication ecosystems such as blog platforms and news feeds with social-media-like features: dashboards, hashtags, mentions, etc.
• Data and file storage: Sending and storing files and data is a "must-have feature" in communication platforms. Therefore, this function is not something special. However, sending and storing large files, images, or data without limitations is a function to be proud of. Communication ecosystems pay special attention to this key feature.
• Video conferencing solution: Advanced communication software provides online conferencing, brainstorming and meeting systems. The users may create and schedule online meetings and invite up to 1000 attendees.

In conclusion, in this evolving world of technology, institutions use the trends mentioned above in communication ecosystems and mobile apps to provide interactive and entertaining virtual communication solutions for their employees. AI and VR-powered communication ecosystems change how businesses operate. Following the software development trends in the communication, media and entertainment industries are critical to staying competitive.