CPaaS is a type of PaaS or platform as a service. Communication Platform as a Service (CPaaS) is an acronym for CPaaS that is a cloud-based delivery model with a collection of tools that serves as an easy way for developers to integrate and improve direct real-time communication features between users and existing applications without the need of any separate app. 

The real-time communication capabilities such as voice, video, chat, and SMS are deployed using application programming interfaces (APIs) on to existing business applications. 

A very common example of CPaaS would be a chat box popping up on a website to help us with the basic information required as we navigate through the website. 

If you’re aware of Unified communication as a Service (UCaaS), then CPaaS is just like UCaaS which focuses on improving communication channels. But wait, do we need another similar cloud-based platform in unified communications when we already have one? Well- the answer is yes and no. 

Both CPaaS and UCaaS share the same cloud foundation while being delivered over both public and private IP networks. But CPaaS primarily focuses on enriching customer experience by combining reliability and back-end of proven communication services with your custom applications using APIs. 

For instance, you could use chat app API to integrate messaging platforms with your customer using applications like WhatsApp, Facebook, messenger, etc. Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) act as software intermediaries between two different apps to embed communication features into existing apps. Thus, the service is then available for use without ever compromising on the app’s primary purpose. 

How does CPaaS work? 

The magic behind CPaaS is only possible with APIs. 

The purpose of CPaaS is for developers where every high-end communication capability – starting from SMS to video conferencing and beyond comes eventually from platform API offerings. 

Rather than companies using applications created specifically for communication purposes such as WhatsApp, Skype, Viber- CPaaS allows businesses to integrate features such as (voice, video, SMS, chat capabilities) into their existing business applications with other primary functions. 

Third-Party CPaaS service providers like Vox valley allow in-house developers to incorporate these features by providing tools such as APIs, sample code, pre-built applications, and software development kits along with libraries. CPaaS being a cloud computing service allows these communication capabilities to be added to applications without having companies to invest in building their own back-end infrastructures. 

How CPaaS is billed? 

• CPaaS is typically billed on monthly basis at a fixed rate of blocks of messages or minutes. 
• You can even opt for a pay-per-call, pay-per-video, or pay-per-message billing model 

Instead of investing more in building applications, companies can now deploy CPaaS services faster and at a lower-cost alternative to enable real-time communications in applications. 

What are the benefits of CPaaS? 

The implementation of CPaaS has various benefits: 

• One needs to replace their existing business applications 

• In-house developers can customize specific application communication features according to their digital transformation strategy. 
• Customers won’t need to pay for the services they don’t use 
• As CPaaS is a cloud-hosted platform, it allows scalability 
• Cost savings on infrastructure, maintenance, and overhead costs. 
• It works with an Omni-channel communication approach and fastens time to market for applications. 

How to choose a CPaaS service for your business? 

Any enterprise despite the industry, while selecting a CPaaS vendor has to make certain considerations: 

• API quality and Selection: Look for vendors with APIs that are well tested, stable, and reliable. Furthermore, APIs should allow you to support programming languages. 

• Developer Learning manuals: Some CPaaS vendors will offer modules that can be embedded into applications that cater to developers with limited coding skills. 
• Data Security: The vendor you choose must be able to ensure the security of your valuable data. Rigorous monitoring of platforms and applications must be considered. 
• Consistent Service: Look for vendors who can provide consistent and reliable service. 

CPaaS is a useful technology for businesses of all sizes. If you have a customer base that is consistently looking after great communications, then CPaaS is worth exploring. 

Contact the Voxvalley team today to know how cloud-based communications can benefit your company.