The office landscape has changed dramatically over the past decade, a process that’s been accelerated due to the effects of Covid-19 lockdowns on the workplace.
Traditionally, Private Branch Exchange (PBX) Systems (company-run in-house phone systems operated on your own hardware) could be quite limited in their scope when it came to versatility of devices, communication channels and staff’s ability to stay in contact outside of the office space. This was due to issues such as each system having its own proprietary phones as well as vendor lock-in, thereby reducing your options.
But technology being what it is – ever-evolving – and in keeping with current internal comm needs, this former rigidity of PBX systems is making way for a more user-friendly approach, offering greater stability and reduced costs, making the traditional office switchboard a distant memory (“Sorry, they are not here right now, they’ll call you back as soon as they are able; good-bye”, click!).
Hybrid is the new norm
Any managed IT services set-up worth its salt knows the future of work is hybrid – and that it’s set to be the ‘new normal’ in the post-Covid-19 workplace. Experience has shown too that flexibility is key for a telecom system to be a sustainable option. This is why it’s important that your PBX should not actually be situated at the office; it may in fact serve you better if it’s hosted remotely.
Why is this? The short answer is that it’ll enable your team to make calls at any time, anywhere, and on any device (whether on the road or working from home), allowing for greater flexibility throughout the working day and beyond.
This is all well and good, but of course, one of the requirements that’s top of the list for many businesses (especially in the post-Covid-19 era), is saving money. Voice-over Internet Protocol (VoIP) – hardware and software that enables users to make calls over the internet (using voice data packets) – was, until recently, not the most viable solution. But fibre has changed all that. It enables you to carry VoIP calls, and thereby curbs costs incurred by traditional, clunky comm systems. A win-win all round.
To enable a smooth transition to hosted PBX, it’s advisable to use a reputable managed IT services company like Castlerock to set up your PBX system and then enable the integrations. This’ll help to ensure there are minimal ‘bumps in the road’ and time wastage in adopting and using this system in your team’s day-to-day operations, and in integrating it into your existing telecoms structure.
Bells and whistles
Not only can Castlerock and our partners offer your business hosted phone calls; you can enhance your user experience by selecting add-ons with their own in-built suite of applications and collaboration options, such as Microsoft Teams or Zoho CRM, which are mutually compatible. This facilitates fully integrated calling (including pop-ups, click-to-call options) no matter the device.
Covering all your bases
By partnering with the experts in the field of VoIP, such as IP Telecom, Castlerock will ensure that all your business comm needs are met, while delivering:
- Better sound quality (HD)
- Greater flexibility and efficiency (mobilise your team)
- Greater accessibility to your team for your customers
- Reduction in operating costs (cloud-based calling means no on-site infrastructure, reduced line rentals, more phones and less lines)
- Anywhere, anytime access and communication (good for productivity)
- Call recording that’s downloadable (peace of mind for regulatory and legal purposes)
- Additional external channels
- Transfer calls and voicemail.
All of the above can be achieved while retaining your existing business contact numbers and allowing for more numbers to be added when, or if, necessary. And knowing that you may save up to 70% in the process (free internet and local landline calls, not to mention avoiding expensive upgrades and maintenance) is the icing on the cake for any SME or corporate needing to streamline on expenses.
In short, adopting a suitable hosted VoIP will mean your customers and your team will hear you ‘loud and clear’ wherever you are and whenever they need you. Sound good? We think so. Contact us and transcend to the new norm, ahead of your competitors.