Continue reading »]]> The traditional phone systems appear to be amongst the staples in any business organization. Despite the fact that this phone is obsolete for home usage, this phone offers exclusive benefits when placed in a corporate setting where it is easy to reach out to the desk within a certain range. This phone is stable for long hours of communication and this is what still holds it in the world of digital communication. With smartphones entering the era of communication and easy integration of all modes of communication into a single channel that can be accessed over the web, it seemed like sunset on the part of traditional telephony.

The traditional phones have though evolved to match the standards required for Hosted PBX VOIP calls, yet they have been unable to reach the level of flexibility and advancement that this business phone deserves. The present day average usage statistics of Hosted PBX feature SMB usage depict the following pattern:

The features that appear in this chart can be better managed with the help of a PBX VOIP phone system rather than a traditional phone. A corporate firm seeking to shift its longstanding communications infrastructure to VoIP will discover convenience in selecting a service that is currently united with a VoIP hardware producer. The reason is not monetary. The benefit is that this hardware will automatically hold the configuration that is necessary to work with the hosted service provider. This way, you will just need to plug in the LAN wire to this phone system and you can start calling.

As a technological enhancement, VoIP is still in the ripening stage and hackers are incessantly discovering ways to finding the middle ground for VoIP systems, snipping usernames and passwords and creating 1000s of bucks of bills to be paid on your part. To strip off these threats, software requires updating and strengthening. Hosted VOIP providers implement complete data security through intrusion detection systems and network protocols, firewalls and antivirus software.

Large business organizations with massive server rooms and dedicated staff to monitor its functionality may not find it feasible to seek Hosted PBX services from some remote providers. However, business organizations with limited resources can benefit a lot from these phones since the installation of VOIP phones is likely to bring in huge profits. The traditional phone era has long gone since those phones are not so compatible with the latest technological improvements.

Continue reading »]]> Instant messaging services through a variety of platforms have had an upper end over the others due to the freedom to know who is available at any instant. When considering calls, this information can be attained only when the user makes a call and it gets received at the other end. VOIP has brought about a lot of surprises to the world of communication and the new surprise is to gain “presence” information even when calling. This new Hosted PBX VOIP feature is called the “Busy Lamp Field” or BLF.

This is a relatively new advancement and tends to make the call list easy. Just as in case of chat, this feature displays whether the person to be called is available, idle, offline or busy. This feature not only simplifies the process of finding out whether it is the right time to call a person but also gives users enough time to listen what your representatives have to say in case of an outbound call. The traditional copper wired lines are now out of vogue and the new VOIP era is intermingling with the previously existing communication methodologies at a rapid pace.

Hardware integration is probably the next question that appears in your mind. As any new technology swings by, there is almost always introduction of new hardware. Soon, the new VOIP phones will be available with display lights to help you select whether the person you chose to call is online or not. This system is however independent of platform and it is not mandatory to use a VOIP phone for making the calls. Smartphones, laptops and tablets can make the job even easier. Apart from the ease of mobility, users can have access to the call presence information of the people to be called.

This feature of Hosted PBX systems is not just an enhancement in technology but it is also an initiative to save the time and cost. Earlier, your staff would sit with a long list of numbers to be called. Suppose 20 out of 100 calls go unattended and the ring duration is 1 minute, they would eventually lose 20 minutes. Moreover, if the call goes unattended and is directed to voicemail, sometimes the clients don’t even care to listen to the messages seriously. This feature is thus a step towards maximum utilization of resources in terms of time and cost savings. The productivity of staff also increases as there is a managed pathway of communication.

Continue reading »]]> Sitting back at home and trying to cull out a number of combinations for your business phone number from the vast pool of possible numbers is not the exact way it works. Finding a vanity toll free number is a time-consuming task but it also requires effort to be directed in the right direction. Try following these steps for finding out the perfect vanity 800 number for your business:

# Step1: Get in touch with various 800 service providers

There would be some quite common numbers on your list that you are looking for. As you go from top to bottom, you probably have to cancel out each of your preferences as it has been taken by some other competitor of yours. Don’t freak out! Get in touch with some Hosted PBX providers who offer 8xx number connections and ask them for their options. Go through their list to check whether there is anything that makes sense for your business.

# Step 2: Make this an incentive based task

Employees would always work some reward or honor that an owner announces for a certain task. Moreover, this is the time for them to display their talent and show their superiority over the others. Strike the iron when it is hot. When appraisal or some important business event is near, announce the task of finding out the perfect toll free number phrase for your business and carefully go through the handful of suggestions that you would get.

# Step 3: Playing with combinations

This is no less than a crossword puzzle. There are seven word combinations that you and your team have to come up with. This can be in two ways: Either you come up with something like 1-800-FLOWERS or 1-800-CAR-LOAN. Decide the phrase that best suits your business and search for the numbers by contacting a couple of providers.

# Step 4: Try switching the prefix

It is no doctor’s note that you have to run after the 800 series. If you fail to seek a good match for your business in the 800 series, try going for 888, 877, 866 or 855. Of course 800 is a preference over the others since it gives the image of a professionally established business enterprise. If you fail to get one, try moving down the hierarchical chain. Wait for the release of 844 if you finally end up with nothing appropriate but keep holding a toll free number till then. If you wait without one, you are cutting down the estimated 30% growth in your business traffic.

# Step 5: Clustering your number for a memorable number

In case you fail to get the number that matches your needs and it appears almost impossible to get a vanity number that depicts your functional domain, it is better to opt for combinations that can be easily remembered. A number pattern like 1-888-234-2345 or 1-888-444-4444 will do well. The choice of vanity toll free number is mainly to make it easy to remember. A good combination can also do the same.

Continue reading »]]> The recent years of telephony have brought about major revolution in the communication world. It was not long back when loads of tangled connections used to run all through the enterprises and each employee would stick to his desk waiting to get a client call. VOIP has made even the smallest of businesses to hold a technologically upgraded communication channel. What brought about the change? The power of technology clubbed with the freedom of mobility at an easily affordable cost is what serves as the major attraction for SMBs.

Research states that most of the small scale industries have deployed Hosted PBX VOIP systems for communication. However, currently there is a new trend in the market. Enterprises that have grown slightly greater in size as compared to the small and medium business organizations are taking a newer road. SIP trunks along with cloud based telephony form the new hybrid communication model that is in the telecommunication vogue. Individually considering the growth statistics of both SIP and VOIP, a recent research yields the following results:

• Considering the usage of SIP trunks in 2012 over 2011, a growth of 83% has been noticed.
• Holding a manifolds wider base as compared to SIP, VOIP market has seen a growth of 9% in 2012.
• VOIP and UC as a cloud based Hosted PBX VOIP initiative have seen a rise of 17% over the usage statistics of the previous year.

As surveyed, the two major points that direct the users towards SIP lines or VOIP ventures are the cost-effectiveness of systems and the level of flexibility in operations that they provide. The era of Hosted PBX VOIP communications started about a decade ago and today, even the larger enterprises are looking for hosted solutions. VOIP in both the residential and business sectors is estimated to generate annual revenue of $63 billion. When combined with UC revenue, these services together generate over $82 billion revenue.

The statistics show that a major part of the communication world seems to be benefitting from the use of cloud and from SIP trunk lines. However, the trunk lines alone are considered less of a feasible option. The reason is that it would be more of an in-house solution of not clubbed with hosted communication services. VOIP and SIP integration is set to mark a great difference in the world of communication with the major players experiencing drastic growth over the previous years. This technology of seamless calling is forecasted to overcome the mobile wireless technology within a few years. Let’s wait and see what happens in this regard…

Continue reading »]]> Technology is growing past the meadows of imagination. In this era where the large business players are coming up with bunch of innovative ideas, it would not sound foolish to say that within a couple of years from now, the latest technology will reach to the remotest of areas and would be affordable by all. Wondering why I made such a comment? As of now, Google Glass is quite likely to contain almost all the functionality of a smartphone apart from calling. The glass is however in testing phase right now and is one of the most awaited releases of this year.

What the telecommunication world is curious to know is whether this development will reach past the level of Hosted PBX integration. What functionality does Google Glass possess as of the latest test module? Clicking pictures, sharing pictures, recording videos, finding out answers to questions and live sharing of events are some of the features that this technology possesses till now. This cutting-edge wearable technology is all set to break the notch of technological expansion thereby giving a tough competition to smartphones.

It seems evident that sooner or later, this glass will also include the business phone functionality. Hosted PBX VOIP integration with this technology is one of the most awaited questions to be answered then. The success and adoption of this wearable technology will determine the extent to which changes can be expected in the telephony market. The survivor in the smartphone and Google Glass battle is something that will determine the expected changes in the business telephony world. If the glass emerges out victorious, what changes can the integration of Hosted PBX with this glass bring to the world of telephony?

Thinking past the horizons, the unity of these two can be an unexpected and a hard to imagine venture. The businesses that are working through virtual offices with mobile task force will get greater relaxation on the part of their physical constraints. All they need to do is to wear a glass and get connected to their clients from anywhere in the world without having to carry a laptop or iPad. Integration of this technology with Hosted PBX systems can bring about a drastic change in the future business prospects. Though the glass is still under development, yet all eyes are set to experience the new view that this technology has to offer. I think this technology can bring about another revolution in the communication world. What do you say?

Continue reading »]]> In the early years of the introduction of toll free number, the sole purpose of introducing these numbers was that the clients could easily connect to the business organizations and get their issues resolved. The organizations using these numbers gradually started reaching the heights with customers thinking too high of them. This was when the idea of introduction of these numbers for marketing was conceived. This was a true evidence of the fact that every new idea is conceived out of some event that occurs unexpectedly, just as gravity was discovered. With the introduction of cloud and its amalgamation with telephony, the access to the remote functionality of the massive phone systems was made possible. This is how Hosted PBX systems came into the limelight.

The importance of toll free number is growing since that time. This is evident from the fact that FCC is now preparing to release the 844 series when 866 is about to go extinct. However, just getting an 8xx number in today’s cut-throat business competition won’t suffice. Connection of your number to your brand image is quite essential. How to eternally connect your brand with a toll free partner?

I am so unforgettable

This is the image that your toll free number demands. The power of an 8xx number is immense and thus, the use of this number should be prudent enough to generate a suitable response. Simplicity is the key to success and memorability. The easier your number is, the better the response it is likely to generate.

I got so many Likes

Hosted PBX systems clubbed with an 8xx business phone number and an attractive response from the back end team is likely to attract great crowds of customers. A large number of customers and continuous expansion of customer base means increased levels of profitability. When your brand starts becoming the talk of the business domain, this means that you are liked by your customers. It can then be linked back to the first call at your attractive toll free number.

Let’s be clear

This is perhaps the best part thing about your number. The implementation of your number with technically upgraded Hosted PBX systems makes a great first impression. This number makes the customers call in, discuss all their issues and be clear about all the queries in mind. Once clarity is established, the clients and the company can reach a level of mature relationship of trust and this is what depicts professionalism.

Continue reading »]]> Is it all rumor or there is some truth behind? The issue of security always turns on as internet is mentioned. Just because the name of government is attached with the PSTN systems and not with Hosted PBX VOIP, the security of this internet based application is always questioned. Think about the olden days when the public calls could easily be tapped just by following a certain procedure. Hacking VOIP could be an easy task a few years back when it first stepped into the business world but with the growing acquaintance with the threats and attacks, every effort is made to prevent security threats.

Tracing Hosted PBX calls is not so easy. In the case of traditional phone systems, the entire functionality is circuit switched and there are pre-defined routes for transferring the calls from exchange to exchange. So, tracing the route was quite easy. With internet based VOIP technology, there are no defined routes. There are multiple servers spread all across and the routing algorithms are implemented. It is not always the shortest route that is taken by the packet. Sometimes, the shortest route is suffering from congestion. In that case, the packets are routed through a route that is less congested and can promise better turnaround time.

There is always an ongoing struggle between the government regulations and the use of internet. Most of the Hosted PBX providers try to save themselves from the charges by claiming to provide a secure network. Now, to secure the data and voice call records also lies in the hands of the users using the service. Firewalls and LAN network along with VPN settings should be in place to avoid any mishaps with confidential data at the user end. It is a fact that a number of developers have been working hard on providing the government with access to these Small Business PBX calls.

Why? Since the profitability reign is slipping out of the hands of government, there needs to be an issue that could uplift their say in the matter. Ultimately, the business phone users are not going to switch to PSTN but the government is aiming to have a hand in VOIP. The issue of security is a weak nerve that can easily hand over the functioning into the secure hands of Government. However, there is still one question. Will VOIP still remain the same? There can be the pros and cons but which will weigh greater is something that matters most. To discover more in this regard, read…Should Hosted PBX VOIP system be managed by FCC?

Continue reading »]]> Entering into a business domain requires lesser effort than directing it to flow with the business profitability stream. If you are an entrepreneur, you are perhaps quite well aware of the management of expenses and determining the key areas of business profitability. The trend of the vanity phrase has now gained huge momentum since the traditional easy-to-remember numbers like 1800-222-3333 and 1800-333-4444 no longer exists. This is where the question comes- “What’s in the name?”

Business profitability has seen considerable hike in the results generated with vanity phrases as compared to the regular toll free numbers. What’s the difference that it makes? What is the power that vests within this small phrase?

It’s your product or service

When your vanity phrase goes like 1-800-FLOWERS or 1-800-CARLOAN, it is the name of your product or services that it depicts. So, it is the business domain that is related to your number. The phrases that match what users have in mind while searching for some products or services are the best for generating fast response. When they find something they were searching for, they are more likely to remember the number. So, in a way, it is your business contact number that they remember. If in the present or future, they try to contact you, they will just need to dial without having to search for the same.

It’s your brand

When a vanity number is the name of a brand like 1-800-REALPBX, the customers are not only likely to remember the toll free number but also the business brand. However, this is not the right way to go if your business name is difficult to spell or similar to another company name or if you are not a well-established brand. So, this way you might direct some of your leads to some competitor who bears a similar number.

It’s your name

Today, there are many business owners and entrepreneurs who are using their names for their business like MICHAEL’S FIRM, JOHN RAY’S AGENCY, etc. These businesses generally hold toll free number like 1-800-MICHAEL or 1-800-JOHNRAY. This way, it is not only your name but also the name of your brand.

The introduction of Hosted PBX systems has brought about major changes in the business world with almost every feature bringing in great business profitability. These systems offer large business image to these organizations and a toll free number increases the awareness of brand. So, in all, it is brand popularity and better marketing that the “Name” in the vanity 800 number depicts.

Continue reading »]]> Everyone says that the use of a toll free number is beneficial for business enterprises and we accept it. Did you ever think about whether it is always effective or how to attain the maximum profitability out of your 800 number? This is not a question to the integrity of toll free numbers. Undoubtedly, toll free number is beneficial but there are very few business organizations that have been implementing it well and gaining tons of business with this small investment in their image. Actually, it is the integration of this number with Hosted PBX systems that generates higher response.

The face of your toll free number should be impressive like “1-800-RENTCAR”. This is what makes your impression in the first place. How do you manage the rest? The usage of some of the PBX features with 800 numbers is essential since

Caller ID: When you call out or some customer calls in, displaying your 8xx number as the caller ID can fuel the process of brand empowerment and customers will be able to recognize your number.

Call Forwarding: Give your toll free number a “Not busy” signal by engaging your staff members in managing the huge inflow of calls. Calls to your 8xx number can be forwarded to the cell phone extension of your employees so that potential leads are not missed out.

Call Allow List: Often, there are customer calls from various locations other than the target ones. If you wish to prevent the additional charges in calls from non-target destinations, you may set only the areas that you wish to attend calls from.

Live Call Transfer: Suppose your customer calls your toll free number and your extension number is misdialed from IVR options. In that case, you can transfer this live call from your extension to the concerned department.

Voicemail: If a call to your toll free number goes unattended, connect it to your voicemail inbox so that you prevent the chances of missing out on important business leads.

Call Queue and Music on Hold: When your business phone calls ring busy, the calls can be placed on a queue that forwards the requests to the concerned departments as soon as any extension associated with that department is free. Music on hold tends to hold callers for longer.

These features of Hosted PBX services are likely to generate better toll free number response. With this system, the clients are assured that yours is a large business organization with not just an impressive number but also with a massive communication channel at the back end.

Continue reading »]]> If we notice on a wider scale, the use of Hosted PBX VOIP is still in the budding phase as it has only been able to conquer a considerable part of the business communication world. Individuals are still considering the wireless mobile connections while home families prefer to have a PSTN based home phone number. How far is VOIP getting in the race? We cannot say that the progress is slow since it has been able to almost completely replace the analog line based business PSTN systems over a span of 10 years. Now, the fueling issue is whether FCC should play its role in the regulation and monitoring of VOIP based systems.

FCC (Federal Communication Council) is an authoritative body that is managed by the Government of America and manages the affairs of the PSTN phone lines. All the VOIP and toll free numbers that are used for any type of communication enterprise are delivered and managed by this regulatory body. The reason why VOIP is connected at the back end with this government enterprise is that it regulates the flowing traffic for the proper implementation of rules and regulations. The fueling issue is whether it is prudent to hand over all the management of VOIP to FCC.

If we consider the growth pattern, government projects are generally slow and thus, the involvement of FCC is likely to slow down the pace of VOIP business phone expansion and the development of new enhanced technologies. Moreover, the current growth of this internet telephony system has shown great progress as of now but how promising can the management by a completely government enterprise be? Internet also plays a tricky part here. With the involvement of internet technology, the use of PBX VOIP may seem objectionable by some of the users that trust the government in securing their communication.

On a personal level, I feel that the involvement of FCC is mandatory but only in monitoring the security of Hosted PBX VOIP affairs. It is obvious that the traditional phone systems are suffering since VOIP is exceeding in the affairs of communication. What requires security is the transmission channel i.e. internet. This way, the business phone users currently involved with the use of VOIP based technology will feel more secure and the development opportunities will keep hitting VOIP at the pace they are now. So, possession of the seamlessly working VOIP channel by a government venture doesn’t seem that prudent. What do you think?