Over the past five years there has been a steady shift in businesses looking to adopt a “work from anywhere” strategy for their employees. And, while this has been happening for a while, the outbreak of COVID-19 has brought this to the fore, with offices and shared workspaces across the country being forced to close. In fact, it’s been found that 82% of businesses are likely to stick to current remote working arrangements (1 – Elite Business Magazine, 2020)
Despite all the uncertainty brought on by the pandemic, one thing was clear – businesses needed to adapt. It is no longer acceptable to just get by on systems that let employees and customers down. An unprepared business that is not willing to adapt and implement proper systems now, is likely to fail within three years.
Say hello to VoIP…
Let’s take a look at VoIP
VoIP is an acronym for Voice Over Internet Protocol, or in more common terms phone service over the Internet. If you have a good, solid internet connection, it might be possible to get your phone service delivered over the internet, rather than a local phone company. Generally speaking, there are four key benefits to VOIP services, like the ones offered by River Technologies.
Lower cost
One of the key things that keep the cost of VoIP down is the lack of maintenance required. Typically, a PBX would have a maintenance contract attached to ensure that the phone system is working effectively, this is no longer required with a VoIP solution, as everything can be done remotely.
A VoIP licence comes with everything included so the need to install or maintain lines, is now removed as is the rental fees. A customer can use their existing internet connection at site, or if needed a new internet line can be installed as part of the solution.
In some cases, with VOIP, you’ll even find that international calls are free. Microsoft Teams or Skype allow calls that run over the internet, and potential license aside, they’re usually more cost effective than calling an international number through a traditional phone network.
Increased functionality
VoIP benefits from offering increased functionality which would be difficult or impossible to achieve on traditional phone networks.
Incoming phone calls, for example, are routed directly to the VoIP phone wherever you plug it into the network. This means you can take your VoIP phone wherever you go, so long as there is a stable internet connection – a clear benefit to those who work on the move!
Other features, such as integration with other software (Microsoft Teams or Skype) and CRM systems, voicemail to e-mail, call recording and reporting, and more, mean that VoIP is a really well-rounded solution. What’s more, many of these features are included within the license fee, helping you keep cost to a minimum.
Scalability
VoIP can grow along with your business. Opening a new office in a different location? Or expanding the space in an existing office? Simply put in the required infrastructure, add your phone lines, and you’re ready to go. You can add lines as and when you require through an accessible portal, without concerns on potential cost and without the need for an engineer. It allows you as the business to focus on what you do best, rather than get bogged down with maintenance or support issues.
Business Continuity
In the event of a disaster such as a flood or fire, all calls can be immediately directed through to users who can work from home or another location as they would in an office. A good example would be the Covid19 pandemic where home working became the norm, and employees are set up as if they would be in the office, with no interruption or changes in the levels of service and overall customer experience.
It must be said that VoIP is just a part of the communications puzzle when it comes to enabling a true, remote workforce. It’s a product that can be complimented with further software and hardware to create an efficient workforce, including UC solutions, mobile and more. Its importance is also added to by the ISDN switch off in 2025, which will remove PSTN and analogue lines from the market.
But, like anything, change is not without its challenges! So, you need an experienced and knowledgeable partner who helps businesses just like you every day.
Check out our website to find out what makes us different, better still give us a call we would love to meet with you and discuss your challenges before implementing the best solution!
