How cloud solutions transform communication in academic environments

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 Yet, many institutions still rely on outdated systems that struggle to cope with these demands.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