Two of the major contenders in the unified communications market are Avaya and RingCentral. Both offer robust solutions tailored to businesses of all sizes, but they come with their own set of features, benefits, and pricing structures. This analysis provides a comprehensive comparison of Avaya vs RingCentral to help businesses make an informed choice between Avaya and RingCentral.
Avaya vs RingCentral
| Category | Avaya | RingCentral |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment Options | On-premise, cloud, and hybrid options | Fully cloud-based |
| Target Audience | Large enterprises, businesses with complex needs | Small to medium-sized businesses, start-ups |
| Call Management Features | Advanced call routing, call recording, auto-attendants, conference calling | Comprehensive, user-friendly call management with call forwarding, call screening, and voicemail |
| Collaboration Tools | Messaging, video conferencing, team collaboration spaces | Unified messaging, video conferencing, and file sharing within a single interface |
| Mobile & Remote Accessibility | Available but less intuitive; integrates with on-premise systems | Highly rated mobile app and browser-based platform for remote working |
| Integrations | Strong integrations with CRM and customer support tools | Extensive integrations with Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, Slack, Salesforce, etc. |
| Contact Centre Solutions | Advanced AI-powered contact centre features with workforce optimisation | Basic contact centre features; upgrade to dedicated contact centre service available |
| AI Features | AI-powered virtual agents and intelligent call routing | Some AI capabilities, mainly focused on call routing and analytics |
| Scalability | Highly scalable for large enterprises with complex communication systems | Scalable for small to large businesses, from a few users to thousands |
| Customisation | Highly customisable for tailored communication setups | Easy to configure, suitable for businesses needing simple setups |
| Customer Support | Offers 24/7 support, but level of support can vary depending on deployment | 24/7 customer support available with all plans |
| Setup Time | Longer setup time for on-premise or hybrid systems | Quick setup, typically within a few hours for cloud solutions |
| Training & Onboarding | Requires more extensive training for large or hybrid systems | Easy onboarding, with intuitive user interface and online resources |
| Pricing (UK) | Cloud Office: £15 – £35 per user per month; on-premise solutions vary depending on customisation | £8 – £29.99 per user per month, depending on the plan chosen |
| Standard Plan Cost | Around £15 per user per month for basic cloud services | Around £18 per user per month, includes unlimited UK calls |
| Premium Plan Cost | Around £35 per user per month for advanced features | Around £22 per user per month for advanced features like automatic call recording and CRM integration |
| Video Conferencing Limit | Varies by plan and deployment option | Up to 100 participants with the Standard plan; 200+ with higher tiers |
| Hardware Requirements | Requires additional hardware for on-premise solutions | No hardware required, purely cloud-based with optional IP phones |
| International Calling | Available, varies based on plan and location | Included in most plans, with cost-effective international call rates |
| Security | Strong enterprise-level security, including encryption and compliance with regulatory standards | Strong security with encryption and regular updates; complies with GDPR and other international standards |
| Free Trial | Available for Avaya Cloud Office | Free trial available for all plans |
Overview of Avaya
Avaya is a well-established player in the telecommunications space, known for its traditional on-premise phone systems and, more recently, its cloud-based offerings. Avaya’s solutions are particularly suited for businesses with complex communication needs, offering both on-premise and cloud-based hybrid solutions. It has a strong reputation for reliability and is often used by enterprises with existing Avaya infrastructure.
Key features of Avaya
- On-premise, cloud, and hybrid deployment – Avaya provides flexibility with deployment options. Businesses can choose to use Avaya Cloud Office (powered by RingCentral) for a full cloud solution or a hybrid setup that integrates with existing hardware.
- Customisability – Avaya allows for extensive customisation, which makes it ideal for large organisations with specific, complex communication requirements.
- Advanced call management features – Avaya offers comprehensive call management features, including call recording, call routing, auto-attendants, and conference calling.
- Collaboration tools – Avaya offers a suite of collaboration tools such as messaging, video conferencing, and team spaces to enhance communication between employees, especially for remote teams.
- Contact centre solutions – Avaya is well-regarded for its contact centre solutions, offering advanced analytics, workforce optimisation tools, and CRM integrations for businesses focused on customer service.
- AI-powered features – With AI-powered virtual agents and intelligent routing, Avaya enhances customer experiences by reducing wait times and improving service delivery.
Pricing structure of Avaya
Avaya’s pricing is highly dependent on the deployment model and the scale of the solution. Avaya Cloud Office offers tiered pricing similar to other cloud-based solutions, with plans typically ranging from £15 to £35 per user per month. On-premise solutions can have significantly higher upfront costs for hardware and installation, but they may be more cost-effective in the long term for larger organisations.
Overview of RingCentral
RingCentral is a leading cloud-based communications provider with a strong emphasis on ease of use and scalability. It is widely known for its comprehensive unified communications as a service (UCaaS) platform that includes voice, messaging, video conferencing, and more. RingCentral’s cloud-based architecture makes it highly attractive for businesses looking for an easy-to-deploy and scalable solution.
Key features of RingCentral
- Fully cloud-based – RingCentral is a purely cloud-based solution, meaning there’s no need for expensive on-premise hardware, making it a more agile solution for many businesses.
- Unified communications platform – RingCentral offers a comprehensive platform that includes phone, messaging, video meetings, and fax capabilities, all accessible from a single interface.
- Mobile and remote-friendly – RingCentral’s mobile apps and browser-based platform make it highly accessible for remote workers and employees on the go.
- Integrations with popular software – RingCentral integrates seamlessly with major business software such as Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, Salesforce, and Slack, making it an excellent choice for businesses with a diverse tech stack.
- 24/7 customer support – RingCentral provides round-the-clock customer support for all of its plans, which is a key differentiator for businesses that operate internationally or have extended hours of operation.
- Scalability – Whether you are a start-up or a large enterprise, RingCentral’s platform is designed to scale with your business needs, offering flexible plans that can grow as your business expands.
Pricing structure of RingCentral
RingCentral offers tiered pricing that is generally straightforward and easy to understand. In the UK, RingCentral’s pricing plans typically range between £8 and £29.99 per user per month, depending on the features you require. The Standard plan, which includes unlimited UK calls, is priced around £18 per user per month, while the Premium plan, offering additional features like automatic call recording and CRM integration, is priced around £22 per user per month.
Avaya vs RingCentral cost comparison
When it comes to pricing, the choice between Avaya and RingCentral depends largely on the size and needs of your business.
- Avaya Cloud Office pricing starts at around £15 per user per month for small businesses, but this can increase depending on the customisation and deployment model. For businesses with on-premise systems, there are additional costs related to hardware and installation. Large enterprises may find Avaya more cost-effective in the long run due to its scalability and hybrid options.
- RingCentral pricing is more predictable and starts at £8 per user per month for its entry-level plan, making it a great option for small and medium-sized businesses looking for an affordable, cloud-based solution. The Standard plan, at £18 per user per month, provides a solid balance between features and affordability for most UK businesses.
Which is best for your business?
The choice between Avaya vs RingCentral comes down to your business’s specific needs.
- For large enterprises with complex communication requirements, existing on-premise infrastructure, or advanced contact centre needs, Avaya is likely the better choice due to its customisation options, scalability, and flexibility in deployment.
- For small to medium-sized businesses seeking a cost-effective, easy-to-deploy, and scalable cloud-based solution, RingCentral stands out. Its user-friendly interface, excellent mobile capabilities, and strong integration options make it ideal for businesses looking to modernise their communications quickly and efficiently.
Conclusion – Avaya vs RingCentral
Both Avaya and RingCentral offer powerful communication solutions tailored to different business needs. Avaya shines in providing flexibility and customisation for large enterprises, while RingCentral’s cloud-based platform offers ease of use and affordability for smaller businesses.
Whether you prioritise advanced call management, remote working capabilities, or integration with your current tools, both Avaya and RingCentral provide robust options to keep your team connected and productive.
FAQ
RingCentral is generally better for small businesses due to its cloud-based architecture, ease of setup, and affordability. Avaya is more suited for larger organisations with complex communication needs and existing on-premise infrastructure.
Yes, both Avaya and RingCentral offer cloud-based solutions. Avaya Cloud Office, powered by RingCentral, provides a cloud option, while RingCentral is purely cloud-based, making it more agile and easier to deploy.
RingCentral has broader integration options with popular business tools like Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, Salesforce, and Slack. Avaya also offers integrations but is more focused on CRM and customer support tools, making it more suitable for enterprise environments.
RingCentral tends to be more affordable for small businesses, with entry-level pricing starting at around £8 per user per month. Avaya’s costs can be higher, especially for on-premise or hybrid setups, but Avaya Cloud Office is more competitively priced.
RingCentral is easier to set up due to its fully cloud-based system, often taking only a few hours. Avaya, especially its on-premise or hybrid systems, can require more time for setup and installation, particularly for larger enterprises.
Yes, both Avaya and RingCentral support remote working. RingCentral’s mobile apps and browser-based platform make it more mobile-friendly, while Avaya also offers remote working capabilities, although its mobile experience is less intuitive.
Avaya offers more advanced call management features tailored for larger organisations with complex needs. RingCentral provides robust call management as well but with an easier-to-use interface that is suited for smaller teams or less complex environments.
Avaya is better for large enterprises due to its extensive customisation, advanced contact centre solutions, and hybrid deployment options. RingCentral, while scalable, is often more favoured by small to medium-sized businesses due to its cloud-native simplicity.
Yes, both Avaya and RingCentral offer 24/7 customer support. However, RingCentral provides 24/7 support across all plans, while Avaya’s support level may vary depending on the specific plan or deployment model chosen.
Both Avaya and RingCentral offer strong scalability. Avaya is highly scalable for enterprises with complex setups and hybrid needs, while RingCentral scales easily for businesses of all sizes, particularly those seeking cloud-only solutions.