Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) is a transformative technology investment for any organization. Making the switch to cloud communication tools offers a host of business benefits, including richer features, superior collaboration, and better productivity.
A quick search reveals several options for UCaaS service in the greater DC metro area. Potential providers range from large, nationally-known companies to locally-based firms. Pricing and services also vary significantly, which can add complexity to evaluating your options.
So where do you start? In this article, we’ll share six of the best UCaas providers in Washington D.C. and Virginia, as well as things to consider before signing any contracts.
The 5 Best UCaaS Providers in Washington D.C. and Virginia
1. Allied Telecom
Headquartered in Arlington, VA, Allied Telecom is a single-source provider of internet, voice, and data services for businesses in the greater DC Metro area. The organization's UCaaS focus is on the deployment of custom cloud communication solutions for businesses, including cloud communications, PRI, or SIP. Allied is one of the few local telecommunications company whose UCaaS services are not reliant on public Internet providers. Data is transmitted over Allied’s highly secure and redundant private network.
2. Nortec
Nortec is a Mid-Atlantic provider of Unified Communications Services for businesses in DC, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. Nortec is unique because they offer a Customer Immersion Experience. Expert instructors host hands-on labs to teach new clients cloud technologies and how to use them to your advantage. According to their website, they rely on different technologies including "Shoretel, Lifesize, Polycom and Microsoft’s Skype for Business" to create custom UCaaS solutions for their clients. Other services include hybrid cloud and enterprise security consulting.
3. RingCentral
Headquartered in Belmont, California, RingCentral is a publicly-traded, international provider of cloud communications tools. Since their founding in 1999, RingCentral has expanded their business offerings to include UCaaS features such as meetings, webinars, rooms, workstream collaboration, and eFax. While they provide UCaaS services to businesses in the DC Metro area, the closest of RingCentral's 10 global office locations are in North Carolina and Florida.
According to their website, RingCentral's UCaaS offerings include "enterprise VoIP capabilities...unified messaging, presence, audio, video and web conferencing, contact center, and fax." The platform also offers some built-in integrations. While RingCentral has been named a leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for UCaaS, their presence in the DC Metro area offers limited options for on-site work and training. They also do not offer data connectivity to customers over their own network.
4. ACC Telecom
ACC Telecom was founded in 1979 in Columbia Maryland. With a regional presence, their services include interoffice phone services, Carrier Services, IP Camera Services, and Unified Communications. ACC offers expert technicians for on-site installation, and Unified Communications via the Cisco platform. While ACC doesn't offer their own fiber-optic internet connectivity, their carrier and infrastructure services do include internet connectivity.
5. Atlantech Online
Based in Silver Spring Maryland, Atlantech Online is a nationwide provider of fiber, voice, and data center services with over 22 years' experience providing solutions to businesses in Virginia and the greater DC metro area. We're biased, of course, but we're known for leading post-sales support including 24/7/365 live expert support.
Through a partnership with BroadSoft, Atlantech delivers truly unified business cloud communications on its own managed, high-speed, high bandwidth fiber-optic network. Businesses in the Washington, D.C., area rely on Atlantech for both UCaaS and a la carte business cloud communications tools such as Internet connectivity, data center, and VoIP (voice-over-internet-protocol) phone service.
Our pricing for UCaaS is generally lower than most carriers in Virginia and DC because we don’t have national marketing campaigns, are a facilities-based provider, and have developed operational efficiency with automation. Our small size, experience and commitment to quality is advantageous to satisfied DC area customers such as Montgomery College.
Choosing the Best UCaaS Provider in Virginia or Washington DC: 3 Considerations
First and foremost, it is important to know what makes a quality provider stand above the rest. You want the best service possible for your budget. But, every provider claims to be the best. Sometimes it is difficult to differentiate between information vital to your communication needs, and what is just marketing speak.
Consider asking yourself these quick questions before you decide on a provider:
1. Are they a facility-based vendor or a reseller?
A lot of smaller, and even some larger providers lease and resell a network.
While this works in theory, if something goes wrong you could be rerouted to a third-party company for troubleshooting. Not only is it frustrating, but the company you've built a relationship with may not be able to resolve all issues you experience. Facility-based providers are much more reliable because they own and operate their own data centers, allowing you direct access to troubleshooting when needed.
2. Can you verify their reliability and success track record?
Be sure to thoroughly vet all potential providers. Ask them how long they have been operating and to provide you with references from some of their current and past customers with similar Washington DC businesses to yours. Finally, ensure they have experienced customer success representatives. Hiring a seasoned, experienced provider can help ensure your experience exceeds expectations, from day one.
3. Do they truly provide excellent customer service?
This may be the most important of all.
A company that honestly cares for their customers and their respective business will go above and beyond to provides you with the best service it possibly can. Be sure that the provider you choose offers in-house expert and 24/7/365 live customer assistance.
For more insights, check out 5 Crucial Things to Consider Before Choosing a Unified Communications Provider to make a more informed decision!
Who is the best UCaaS Provider in the Washington D.C. and Virginia Area?
If you were hoping for a straightforward answer, you may be disappointed. Ultimately, the best provider for your needs depends on your budget, preference for a local provider, and technology needs. Finding your perfect fit will require research, weighing the ups and the downs, and ensuring your personal goals and expectations can be met with the company you will be going with. We recommend that you:
- Choose a facility based vendor
- Verify client references and experience
- Prioritize customer service
Learn More About Selecting the Best UCaaS Vendor For Your DC Metro Area Business
As a leading local UCaaS provider, Atlantech Online offers over two decades of telecommunication service experience and DC and Virginia-based expert technicians can get you well on your way to faster, smarter unified communications. To learn more, contact us today. For a complete guide to selecting the best UCaaS provider for your needs, check out the free eBook: 10 questions You Should Ask Before You Buy Unified Communications as a Service for Your Business.
