8×8 hosted its third annual industry analyst summit from April 1-3, 2025, in Southampton, UK, at the Southampton Football Club, a noteworthy customer. The two-day event highlighted product updates, including future AI innovations aimed at enhancing customer experience. Customers from organizations like Southampton FC, LSH Auto, Prepay Power, and Certas Energy shared their insights about transitioning from on-premises systems to 8×8’s cloud solutions. They emphasized the importance of seamless integration with enterprise software and the potential of AI to streamline operations and personalize customer interactions. This summit reinforced the trend of adopting cloud communications as mid-sized companies look to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
8×8 Hosts Successful Analyst Summit in Southampton, UK
8×8, a leading provider of cloud communications, recently held its third annual industry analyst summit in Southampton, UK. The event took place from April 1 to April 3, 2025, at the renowned Southampton Football Club. This year, like last year, the venue was chosen to showcase an 8×8 customer, reflecting the company’s commitment to its clients.
The two-day summit featured significant product updates and insights into future developments, including a customer and channel partner panel. At the summit, 8×8 also hosted an EMEA customer advisory board meeting, fostering collaboration and informal discussions among participants. Many attendees shared their experiences transitioning from legacy, premises-based systems to 8×8’s cloud solutions. A common theme was the importance of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance customer experience (CX).
A Closer Look at Customer Insights
During the event, I had the opportunity to engage with several 8×8 customers, including Huw Fielding, IT Director at Southampton Football Club, Chris Gensmantel, CIO at LSH Auto, and Geoff Keenan of Prepay Power. Nathan Broad, IT Director at Certas Energy, also shared valuable insights in a one-on-one interview.
Most of these clients use both 8×8 Contact Center (CCaaS) and 8×8 Work (UCaaS), showcasing the flexibility and effectiveness of the platform. For instance, Prepay Power opted for 8×8’s solutions to overcome disjointed communication systems that hindered productivity. They shifted to a unified cloud solution aimed at improving operational efficiency and preparing for future AI integration.
Customer Experiences with AI and Cloud Technology
Each customer highlighted the significance of moving to cloud-based communications. According to Fielding, AI can not only streamline customer interactions but also provide insights that were previously unattainable. He believes that understanding customer preferences through AI could lead to personalized experiences, enhancing engagement.
Gensmantel from LSH Auto emphasized the necessity for speed in the automotive industry, stating that AI could eliminate manual processes to keep up with Market demands. Certas Energy described its implementation of AI through 8×8’s Intelligent Customer Assistance, which has improved the efficiency of customer calls significantly.
The Future of Enterprise Communications
The transformation from traditional premises-based systems to cloud communication continues to shape the enterprise communication landscape. Research indicates that millions of UCaaS licenses and over a million CCaaS seats will be sold across the US and Western Europe over the next few years. As businesses increasingly seek integrated solutions that incorporate AI, the advantages of cloud platforms become increasingly clear.
In conclusion, the 8×8 analyst summit showcased the evolving needs of mid-sized companies in the communications arena. Those companies are activating AI capabilities through strategic partnerships with 8×8, aligning technology with their business objectives. These discussions and experiences served as a reminder of the critical role that cloud communications and AI will play in the future of customer service and engagement.
Tags: 8×8, Cloud Communication, AI in Customer Experience, Southampton Football Club, Enterprise Communication, Business Technology.
Why Companies Choose Cloud Communications Platforms: FAQs
What is a cloud communications platform?
A cloud communications platform is a service that allows companies to handle their voice, video, messaging, and other communication needs online. This way, businesses can communicate through the internet instead of relying on traditional phone lines.
Why do companies like using cloud communications?
Companies prefer cloud communications because it is cost-effective. They can save money on hardware and maintenance by using services hosted in the cloud. Plus, it’s easy to scale up or down depending on their needs.
Is it easy to set up a cloud communications platform?
Yes, setting up a cloud communications platform is usually quick and easy. Most platforms require just an internet connection and can be set up through a simple online interface. This means businesses can get started without needing a lot of technical know-how.
How does cloud communications improve collaboration?
Cloud communications platforms often include features like video calls, instant messaging, and file sharing. These tools help team members communicate better, no matter where they are, making it easier to work together and stay connected.
Can cloud communications help with customer service?
Absolutely! Cloud communications platforms can improve customer service by providing tools for better interaction with customers. Features like chatbots, call routing, and CRM integration help businesses respond to customer inquiries more efficiently.