How cloud solutions transform communication in academic environments

21/02/25 Wavenet
How cloud solutions transform communication in academic environments placeholder thumbnail

Academic institutions are going through a large-scale change in the way they communicate. Yet, many institutions still rely on outdated systems that struggle to cope with these demands. The solution is a cloud-based communication system that works with institutions to improve processes.

The benefits of cloud platforms in education

Cloud platforms enable students, faculty and staff to access communication tools and educational resources from any location with internet connectivity. This flexibility supports remote learning and ensures continuity in various scenarios.

Key features of cloud communication include:

  • Real-time messaging facilitates instant communication among students and faculty.
  • Video virtual classrooms enhance remote learning experiences with interactive sessions.
  • Collaborative editing tools promotes a more connected and immersive learning experience.

Meeting seasonal demands in higher education

Managing communication in a higher education setting is far from simple. Rising student expectations, increasing administrative complexity, and seasonal spikes like UCAS Clearing put immense pressure on universities and colleges to maintain seamless, effective communication.

Cloud services offer scalable computing resources, allowing institutions to adjust capacity based on seasonal needs, such as during enrolment periods or exam seasons, ensuring smooth application performance.

Challenges of communication during peak periods

During peak periods, the need to support students, staff and stakeholders intensifies. Managing multiple channels while ensuring fast, accurate information delivery becomes increasingly challenging with:

  • High enquiry volumes as surges in calls, emails, and chats strain support teams.
  • Fragmented systems across disconnected platforms hinder response times and consistency.
  • Security risks where safeguarding sensitive student data across channels is critical.
  • Administrative burden is compounded by growing demands and complexity.

Without the right infrastructure, institutions risk missed opportunities, delayed responses, and dissatisfied students. Staff can spend valuable time switching between systems rather than focusing on student needs.

Cloud-based contact centres: a smarter communication solution

Modern contact centre solutions remove these pain points by providing a scalable, integrated and secure approach to communication.

A platform like 8x8 Contact Centre as a Service (CCaaS) provides numerous advantages:

  • Scales on demand.
  • Adapts instantly to seasonal peaks like Clearing without compromising performance.
  • Ensures institutions can handle fluctuations in call and message volumes efficiently.
  • Enables omnichannel communication.
  • Supports students across voice, chat, email and social platforms.
  • Assists in managing high enquiry volumes with AI-powered automation.
  • Integrates seamlessly.

Why choose Wavenet?

Institutions need a partner that understands their challenges. Wavenet, in partnership with 8x8, provides future-proofed solutions built for the education sector:

  • Trusted by more than 150 further and higher education providers.
  • Our expert education team digitises systems tailored to you, delivering results with expertise in handling Clearing and student support.
  • We hold positions across multiple technology and service frameworks, including RM6100, RM6068, RM6098, YPO 1126, RM3764 Cyber Security Services, and RM6116 Network Services 3, spanning a wide range of lots across cloud services, cybersecurity, telecommunications, and technology products.
  • 999% uptime SLA, ensuring uninterrupted communication.

The bigger picture: building a resilient institution

Effective communication is a long-term investment in student experience, operational efficiency and institutional growth. By adopting a cloud-based contact centre, universities and colleges lay the foundation for:

  • Improved student engagement through faster, more personalised responses.
  • Greater efficiency with automated workflows and integrated systems.
  • Future-ready infrastructure, capable of adapting to new innovations.

Taking the next step towards transformation

Forward-thinking institutions are already embracing cloud-based communication to stay ahead. Whether streamlining Clearing or improving day-to-day operations, Wavenet and 8x8 can help transform your institution’s communication strategy. 

 

If you would like to talk about how Wavenet can help address your challenges or achieve your wider education institutions' goals, visit here https://www.wavenet.co.uk/further-education and get in touch today - 0344 863 3000 or email us at enquiries@wavenet.co.uk 

Contact Centre, Education, 8x8, Frameworks

Latest blogs

See all posts
ransomware
Top ransomware protection tips for everyone

Secure your personal data We are all personally, ransomware targets, so we're taking the time to offer some top tips, that each and every one of us can follow to protect our personal data from a ransomware attack. Imagine turning on your computer to find a startling message: all your files - family photos, tax documents, everything - are locked. You cannot open a single one. To get them back, a stranger on the internet is demanding hundreds of pounds. This isn’t a scene from a movie; it’s a real and increasingly common threat called ransomware.

Read more
sd-wan
SD-WAN benefits for education: enhance school, college and university networks

Online learning platforms, cloud-based applications, virtual classrooms, and bandwidth-heavy multimedia resources have become essential to modern education. As these demands grow, many institutions are turning to SD‑WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Networking) to support their digital transformation.

Read more
it in education
Best IT support for schools: enhance education

The right IT support services help schools and colleges operate smoothly, prevent downtime, and enhance the overall learning experience. This guide breaks down the most effective IT solutions for educational institutions and explains how to choose the right IT partner. Why IT support is essential in modern education Schools and colleges depend on technologies such as cloud platforms, WiFi networks, learning management systems (LMS), and safeguarding tools. Without strong IT support, everyday learning can easily be disrupted. High‑quality IT support ensures: Consistent uptime for learning platforms Secure protection for student and staff data Smooth operation of classroom hardware Reliable connectivity across campus A strategic roadmap for future IT improvements Top IT support services for schools and colleges 1. Managed IT support Managed IT support gives schools access to a fully equipped technical team without needing an in‑house department. Typical features include: 24/7 help desk Device and server management Cyber security monitoring Backup and disaster recovery Software updates and patch management This approach reduces costs, increases system reliability, and frees educators to focus on learning—not technical issues. 2. Student technology support Students rely on devices and online platforms every day. Student tech support ensures they can access lessons without interruption. Common services include: Device troubleshooting (laptops, tablets, Chromebooks) Login and password resets Connectivity support Assistance with online learning platforms Safety filtering guidance This support is especially vital in hybrid or remote learning environments. 3. Classroom technology solutions Modern classrooms need fully supported and integrated digital tools. Classroom IT solutions typically include: Interactive whiteboards Projectors and AV systems Classroom management software WiFi optimisation Digital collaboration tools These technologies make lessons more engaging and interactive. 4. Microsoft education support Microsoft remains one of the most widely used platforms in schools. Supporting these tools effectively helps ensure seamless digital learning. Key areas include: Office 365 management Teams for Education Intune device management Azure cloud services Identity and access management 5. Microsoft education training Empower your teaching and facilitate innovative learning for your students with Microsoft education training. Key areas include: Microsoft 365 Education Tools Training Microsoft's Showcase School Programme How to choose the right IT support provider When evaluating IT support services, schools should consider: Budget and funding constraints Current IT infrastructure Scalability needs Security and compliance requirements Provider’s education-sector experience Availability of both remote and on‑site support Choosing a specialist with education experience ensures better safeguarding compliance, user-friendly solutions, and long‑term value. The benefits of outsourcing IT support Practical and operational benefits More schools now outsource IT due to benefits in security, performance, management and cost: Lower long‑term costs Access to specialist expertise Faster response and issue resolution Stronger cyber protection A strategic, future-proof technology plan Learning benefits Technology is enabling and facilitating better learning experiences and outcomes, empowering teachers, increasing pupil engagement and enriching the classroom experience: Personalised learning paths Instant access to learning resources Better collaboration among students Support for SEND and diverse learning needs Preparation for a digital workforce Schools that invest wisely in IT create stronger educational outcomes. The growing demand for IT skills in education As digital transformation accelerates, technology is playing a key role in enhancing learning and schools increasingly require IT professionals skilled in: Networking Cyber security Cloud infrastructure EdTech implementation Support and troubleshooting Online IT certification programmes are helping build the next generation of education‑sector IT specialists. Wavenet: A trusted IT partner for UK schools and the public sector For educational institutions seeking a reliable and experienced IT services provider, We are one of the UK’s leading education technology specialists. With over 30 years of experience delivering designed‑for‑schools solutions, we supports more than 4,000 education establishments nationwide across cloud platforms, cyber security, communications, safeguarding, and network services. We provide ICT services, broadband, WiFi, audio‑visual systems, remote support, and fully managed IT services - all delivered by DBS‑checked staff and supported with clear, transparent SLAs. By partnering with us, schools gain access to expert guidance, best‑practice ICT strategy, robust cybersecurity, and a long‑term technology roadmap - helping them create a connected, secure, and future‑ready educational environment.

Read more
managed security services provider
What is a Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP)?

Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) offer outsourced monitoring, management, and protection of an organisation’s security infrastructure. Their services typically include managed threat detection, continuous security monitoring, incident response, and vulnerability management. By partnering with an MSSP, businesses can leverage specialist expertise and advanced technologies to safeguard their digital assets more effectively.

Read more
UK digital infrastructure connectivity
Higher ROI for firms investing in infrastructure

Digital infrastructure is now a national and commercial priority For UK C-suite leaders, the growth conversation has fundamentally shifted. The latest UK infrastructure analysis1. shows that 2026 marks a major shift from policy vision to project delivery, unlocking billions in digital infrastructure, fibre connectivity, grid upgrades, and modernisation programmes. This shift positions digital infrastructure as a core driver of competitiveness, innovation, and long-term business ROI.

Read more