Keeping pace with this ever-changing field can be challenging. This FAQ answers the business communications questions that matter to your workplace. Discover how communications systems can make your business a better place to work.

Q: What Are the Benefits of Telecommuting?

A: Research demonstrates the benefits of telecommuting include:

• Improved productivity
• Greater work-life balance
• Better employee retention
• Reduced operational and per-employee costs
• Increased flexibility
• Reduced pollution, gas costs from the commute

Q: What Are Some Remote Communication Solutions?

A: Remote communications solutions keep data secure even when people work from home. They also streamline the efficiency and productivity of remote work. The three most popular remote communication solutions are:

• Cloud-based systems
• Remote PBX solutions
• VoIP mobile applications

Cloud-Based Systems

Cloud-based systems are affordable and scalable. These systems utilize VoIP to make and receive calls. 

Cloud-based systems enable a unified communication system that costs less, and feature teleconferencing, forwarding, and automated voice-to-text transcription making cloud systems popular.

Most cloud-based options integrate with an array of business management and mobile applications.  

Remote Private Branch Exchange (PBX)

Cloud-hosted PBX gives you all the privacy and security of a private branch exchange line, remotely. This gives your business communications continuity and enhanced communication!

VoIP Mobile Application

VoIP mobile application lets a workforce stay connected via their own wireless devices. It enables access to all unified system features from any place, at any time.

Q: What is an Overhead Paging System?

A: An overhead paging system is a one-way communication broadcast tool. It lets you broadcast a message through speakers to:

• A specific department
• A specific building
• A campus area

People don’t need to answer the phone to get the message. Specialists in onsite paging systems can design and zone recipients. This lets you broadcast messages to the right people without interrupting others. 

Q: What is the Cost of Phone System Installation?

A: According to the ICTBD, a VoIP system costs anywhere from $99-$400 per extension. Service fees typically cost $20-$30 per extension, per month. 

Q: What Are Some Types of VoIP Phone Systems?

A: VoIP systems vary in terms of the location of the server. Locally hosted, onsite VoIP systems can be costly, but they’re often the most secure.

That said, modern cloud-hosted VoIP systems have better security features every day. Specialists can also design hybrid systems that fit the needs of a specific workplace. 

Key Takeaways:

• The benefits of telecommuting include improved productivity, better employee retention, and better flexibility.
• Cloud-based systems integrate with an array of business management and mobile applications.

Business Communication Systems That Work for You

If you want to start improving communications technology at your company, contact Voicecom Plus today! Our experts can assess your business needs and provide a timely quote.

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Your business communication systems are one of the most notable areas in which you need to be vigilant. Let’s explore how this segment of your company might be costing you more money than you realize.

Communication System Hardware

Communication system hardware includes extra wires, phones, and a private branch exchange box which can get expensive when you add it all up, especially if you’re not being mindful of them. As you begin to scale your business, these costs will only increase.

Depending on your VoIP system’s budget, this could prove to be a significant financial strain for your company.

Additional Features

Business communication systems include features such as; voicemail, auto-attendant, call forwarding, and more! While some of these features might be necessary for your company, others might be superfluous. You should take the time to evaluate which features you actually need and which ones you can do without. Otherwise, you could be wasting a lot of money on features that you’ll never use.

Maintenance and Support

Most business communication systems will come with some sort of maintenance and support package. This is designed to help you keep your system up and running in case of any technical difficulties. However, these services can be quite costly, sometimes totaling hundreds of dollars per month.

Downtime

One of the biggest problems with many business communication systems is that they are often prone to downtime. This can be incredibly frustrating for you and your employees, as it can drastically cut into your revenue and sales numbers. In some cases, this downtime can even lead to lost customers. Thus, you must choose a business telephone system provider that you can rely on.

What Should I Look For in Affordable Business Communication Systems?

First and foremost, you want to find a reliable system provider like Voicecom Plus! They won’t cause you any headaches in terms of downtime and will be understanding of your budget. Finally, you want to find a system that comes with all of the features and functionality that specifically fit your business needs.

Key Takeaways:

• Communication system hardware includes extra wires, phones, and a private branch exchange box which can get expensive when you add it all up.
• Downtime can drastically cut into your revenue and sales numbers. 
• Finding a reliable system provider like Voicecom Plus can help you save time and money.

Contact Voicecom Plus Today!

With so many different business communication systems on the market, it can be tough to know where to start. The good news is that the above guide will help ensure that you integrate the best business mitigation systems for your business, so you don’t end up paying more for what you need. Want to learn more about what Voicecom Plus has to offer? Feel free to get in touch with us today and see how we can help!

The post Your Business Communication Systems Might Be Costing You More Than You Know appeared first on Voicecom Plus.

NEC Phone System Benefits

IT-friendly Features

With built-in functionality, you can empower your IT department and help them solve any issues from the get-go. This allows you to reduce the setup time, letting you make use of the other benefits even faster.

Notifications When You Need Them

With an NEC phone system, your different methods of communications are linked. Be stress-free knowing you will never miss an important call again. When a caller is unable to get through to you, they can leave a message that will be forwarded to several different locations. Additionally, mobile alerts, email, and other methods of receiving notifications are all available with the NEC phone system.

Unified Communications

The unified communication platform on a NEC phone system allows users to engage with group chats via instant messaging software, use voice recognition software to convert messages into text, switch between working on a mobile device or desktop, and more! This helps workers stay in contact in a fast and easy manner at all times.

VoIP and Landline Combined

NEC phone systems work both with VoIP configurations as well as landlines. This allows them flexibility and customization, as well as a large amount of future-proofing. Your organization can also plan how the phone system will work on a person-by-person basis.

Key Takeaways:

• The use of VoIP and NEC phone systems is increasing all the time, and anyone not using them is soon to be left behind.
• NEC phone systems offer benefits such as unified communications, IT-friendly features, and more!

Ready to Take Your Business to The Next Level?

At Voicecom Plus, we are more than happy to help you choose the best phone system for your company. Our experts are available to guide you through that process and help you move forward. Ready to take your business to the next level? Give us a call about NEC phone systems today!

The post Take Your Business to the Next Level with a NEC Phone System appeared first on Voicecom Plus.

4 Legacy Phone System Disadvantages

1. Lack of Flexibility

Legacy phone systems are often difficult to modify or expand, which can leave your office’s telecommunications at a disadvantage. Additionally, these systems are often expensive, difficult to maintain, and do not offer the latest technology features, which can add unnecessary strain to your office’s budget.

2. Less Security

Legacy phone systems are often less secure than their VoIP counterparts, making them more vulnerable to attacks. In extreme scenarios, crucial information could get leaked to the general public or a competitor. 

3. Not as Scalable

As your business grows, so will its needs. Thus when you decide to scale your business, every system you have in place must scale with it. Unfortunately, legacy phone systems are notorious for being difficult to expand. This means you run the risk of falling short of your communications goals once your company begins to increase in size. 

4. Higher Ongoing Costs

Keeping legacy phone systems in your place of business is an expensive endeavor. Since these systems are so outdated, they are likely to encounter issues as time goes on.

For example, you might not be able to reach the level of functionality that you need. Or, your system could malfunction. Eliminating this issue will help you establish a more accurate budget for your company.

What’s The Alternative?

A VoIP system is superior in virtually every way. They’re flexible, secure, easy to maintain, and offer the latest features. You also won’t have any trouble scaling it alongside your business. Ready to learn all the benefits a VoIP system has to offer? Reach out to us at Voicecom Plus!

Key Takeaways:

• Legacy phone systems offer many disadvantages that could set your business back such as; being less secure, having higher ongoing costs, and a lack of flexibility. 
• VoIP systems are a great alternative to legacy phone systems.

Upgrade Your Phone System Today

Do you have a legacy phone system, and want to make the switch to VoIP? You’re in luck! Upgrading your company’s phone systems is easy with the help of the professionals at Voicecom Plus. We will help ensure that you implement the best phone system for your business. Contact us today to get started!

The post Why a Legacy Phone System is a Disadvantage to Your Office’s Telecommunications Space appeared first on Voicecom Plus.

This article will help you understand why a new system will help you, and why your current, older phone system might need upgrading. 

9 Reasons Your Current Phone System is Putting Your Success on Hold

1. Cost Saving

In more traditional systems, you end up paying for the phones, calls, and video conferencing on an individual basis. With Voicecom Plus you pay one combined bill, meaning you do not get nickel and dimed through every interaction.

2. Happier Customers

As the first port of call for many customers, you will want to make sure that your phone system is the highest-quality point of interaction.

This is especially notable when knowing that such a thing can have a real, tangible effect. Nearly ninety percent of customers will change the business they work with after a bad customer service experience.

3. Reliability

You need a reliable phone system that will not cause dropouts from calls and chats. It also needs high-quality audio and video so that you have a professional level of quality for every part of your business.

4. Security and Adherence

You need to have a high level of security for your phone system. This is especially important when you allow your employees to have company mobile applications or mobile devices. A good cloud service provider can ensure it follows regulations, such as HIPAA.

5. Mobilization

If you are still using an old phone system, sending your employees out into the field, or allowing for remote work may be hard. However, by updating your phone systems, you can ensure that your employees can communicate no matter where they are.

6. Scalability

A modern phone system can scale from only a few phones to a sweeping communications system with ease. With one click, you should be able to upgrade or downgrade your coverage. An old, slow phone system cannot do that.

7. Agility

Need a phone system for a new office in a month, week, or day? A high-quality system can be set up very easily whereas an old phone system could take weeks to set up.

8. Up-to-Date

It is important to ensure that you are using the latest technology. You can do this by having communications as a service – UCaaS.

9. Streamlining

A simpler system means that your employees will have less trouble navigating a detailed comms network. A cloud platform lets people collaborate by allowing data and files to transfer throughout its systems, streamlining your workflow.

How to Upgrade Your Phone System

You should now have a much better idea about the problems you might face with an older phone system. If you want to learn more about how to upgrade your telephone system simply call us at Voicecom Plus! Our specialists are here to help you and get you the answers you need. Call us today!

The post 9 Reasons Your Aging Phone System is Putting Your Success on Hold appeared first on Voicecom Plus.

The Benefits of a VoIP Phone System

Effective Internal Communication

VoIP phone systems make internal communication easier and more efficient. When you use VoIP services, your calls stay within your organization rather than being routed externally to the phone company. This makes it easier to manage calls to and from employees, and you don’t have to worry about potential issues with the phone company.

Automation Made Easy

With a VoIP business phone system, you have automation at your fingertips. Once programmed, the phone serves as an automated secretary, allowing callers to simply put in an extension and reach whoever they were trying to call.

Call Routing When You Need It

With a VoIP phone system, you can have calls routed to a different location, such as a conference room. You can also set up routing so that if someone calls a worker who is not at their desk, it will go to someone else. This is particularly important if someone is trying to reach a sales or support team member and could get much-needed help right away from someone else.

Save Money

Thanks to VoIP technology, you are relying on your company’s internet rather than the phone company. This means that no traditional telephone bills are associated with your phone usage.

On top of that, these phone systems allow you to monitor which departments are getting the most calls. With this insight, you may be able to reallocate certain resources and certain personnel that helps your company save time and, therefore, save money.

Key Takeaways:

• A VoIP phone system can serve as the game-changer your company has been looking for!
• VoIP phone systems make automation easy, save you money, and have effective internal communication. 

Get Started Today

Here at Voicecom Plus, we specialize in business communication systems and technology. To discover how we can take your business to the next level, contact us today!

The post The Benefits of Using a VoIP Phone System appeared first on Voicecom Plus.

Reasons to Switch to Cloud Communications

If you are considering whether or not you should switch to cloud communications, here are four reasons that may help you make your decision:

• Key-Systems Integration: One of the top reasons to switch to cloud systems is that it helps facilitate key-systems integration. When investing in cloud communications, you can rest assured that you can seamlessly integrate it with your most vital platforms. This includes software platforms such as Salesforce, Microsoft Office 365, as well as other CRM solutions. Therefore, there is no need to worry about the integration of your most essential platforms.
• Improve Customer Service: Cloud communications systems support hybrid work environments. This is a significant reason to switch to cloud communications as it allows you to improve customer service! Your employees can work remotely, so they can assist customers contacting you via voice and video, catering to your customer’s needs much easier and more efficiently. Thus, no matter where in the world your staff or your customers may be, you can rest assured that someone will be able to assist them immediately.
• Security: Investing in a cloud-based system can make your system much more secure. Cloud-based systems provide more ways to safeguard your client’s data. Your system will be protected by a state-of-the-art networking monitor that is designed to protect your clients and customers alike.
• Scalability: Lastly, switching to cloud communications makes it easier to scale your business. This is because cloud-based services allow companies to pay only for the services they need. Thus, no matter how high or low your demand may be, investing in a cloud-based system can be a quick and easy way to lower costs.

Key Takeaways:

• Making the switch to cloud communications can make a huge difference in your business’s communications system as a whole.
• Cloud-based systems support hybrid work environments, which can make it possible to improve customer service and boost security.
• Cloud-based systems can also allow businesses to scale more easily.

Ready to Make the Switch?

As you now know, switching to a cloud-based communications system can be highly beneficial. Not only can it be highly cost-effective and allow you to better protect your customers‘ data, but it can also help support key-systems integration. Contact us at Voicecom Plus today for a consultation, quote, and more information!

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In a recent survey, nearly 80% of employees said they didn’t want to return to their offices full time. A staggering 95% of respondents expressed their interest in hybrid work arrangements.

But what does it take to build a hybrid work model? And what’s the best way to stay in touch with your staff to make sure everything goes as planned? Let’s find out.

Implement a Hybrid Work Policy

Hybrid work models include a combination of onsite and remote work. Employers may offer flexible work schedules and telecommuting options, such as the possibility to work part-time at home and part-time in the office. Some also collaborate with freelancers, marketing agencies, and other third parties.

All in all, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to hybrid work. It’s up to you to establish the rules and draft a policy that aligns with your company’s mission and business goals.

A hybrid work policy should state who is responsible for what. It must also define the day-to-day duties of hybrid employees, in-office employees, and remote staff. Be clear about the standard working hours and other aspects, such as the number of days hybrid employees will be expected to work on-site.

Draft a Communication Plan

Effective communication is the key to a productive hybrid work environment. Nearly 70% of organizations have failed to clearly communicate their vision for post-pandemic work. This led to anxiety and diminished performance among employees.

Determine how you plan to do things after implementing a hybrid work model. Be prepared to integrate digital communications into your operations and then seek ways to make this transition easier. Consider using the tools you already have in place before switching to more advanced systems.

Look for communication apps and services that don’t require extensive training.

For example, Voicecom offers the NEC office phone system and other easy-to-implement solutions that facilitate hybrid communications. This enables organizations to seamlessly transition to a hybrid work model while keeping the costs low.

Explore New Communication Strategies

Hybrid work models are meant to offer more flexibility than a traditional work environment. As an employer, you can’t expect your staff to be available around the clock. Some people prefer to work late in the evening, while others are early risers.

Given these aspects, it makes sense to use a mix of synchronous and asynchronous communication.

Slack, phone calls, and instant messaging are all examples of synchronous communication channels. These tools enable real-time collaboration, making them ideal for brainstorming sessions, complex project planning, or emergencies.

Asynchronous communication, on the other hand, doesn’t take place in real-time. Think of email, team chat apps, fax, or shared files. This mode of communication is best suited for routine tasks. 

Create a Hybrid Work Model That Works for Your Team

As you can see, there’s more than one way to implement a hybrid work model. The importance of communication cannot be overstated. Think about your employees’ needs and wants, what tools they are familiar with, and what you expect of them.

So, are you ready to take this step? At Voicecom Plus, we offer work-from-home solutions for every industry. Contact our team to discuss your needs and see how we can help!

The post Building an Effective Hybrid Communications Method appeared first on Voicecom Plus.

Here, we’re going to talk about some of the differences between on-premises vs. cloud phone systems. Read on to learn why you should invest in the cloud.

On-Premises vs. Cloud Solutions: The Basics

On-premise phone systems are stored in the same physical location as you. 

Whereas, cloud-based systems reside in the cloud. You use your internet connection to access them, and they require no on-premise hardware or software besides the telephones that connect to the system.

Costs

With the lack of hardware and software costs with cloud-based systems, you only pay for what you need and use. Whereas, on-premise solutions require cabling, hardware, electricity, and closet space. This makes them up to 40% more costly than cloud alternatives!

Cloud systems also include features and upgrades within their cost, and you can access them in multiple locations, as long as you’re in a place that connects to the cloud.

On-premise phone users would need to pay for all upgrades out of pocket, which greatly increases the cost over time. Additionally, with on-premise phones, you have to buy multiple phone systems to have them available for use in multiple locations.

Scalability

On-premise phones are difficult to scale. You would need to thoroughly plan the installation of phone lines with detailed and accurate forecasting, which could take weeks or even months in some cases.

Cloud-based systems, on the other hand, are designed to grow with you. This makes them extremely scalable giving you access to whatever you need when you need it. You can also add or delete phone lines immediately! 

Maintenance and Upgrading Features

Maintaining an on-premise system requires an IT specialist that would need to come on location to make updates. Cloud systems require no maintenance besides the physical phones themselves. They also have immediate upgrade implementation!

Mobility

91% of American employees hope to work remotely, which makes mobility increasingly important. Cloud phone system capabilities allow this in a way that on-premise alternatives don’t. To accommodate a mobile workforce, on-premise systems would need to undergo a complex and expensive process. 

Disaster Recovery

Disaster recovery is possible with on-premise systems, but it’s extremely costly and could negatively impact customer experiences. Cloud systems have a built-in failover if internet capabilities or power is lost. Calls are automatically rerouted to other data centers to prevent client inconvenience.

Key Takeaways:

• Cloud-based solutions let you take advantage of lower costs, faster setup, improved scalability, and no maintenance.
• On-premise phone systems are more expensive, require a lot of maintenance, and make working remotely difficult.

Get Started With a Cloud-Based Phone System Today

Voicecom Plus is committed to bringing you scalable and affordable cloud solutions. We’re excited to help your business grow! Contact us with any remaining questions that you have about switching your phone lines to the cloud.

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What is a Hybrid Worker?

A hybrid worker is someone whose work week schedule is partly at the office and part remote. However, the details tend to vary from company to company. The overall goal is to create a schedule that allows employees to remain safe and comfortable while also having the space and resources to complete their workload in a timely fashion.

Characteristics of a Hybrid Office Model

If you are setting up a new hybrid office system, you should ensure that it provides your employees with the following for the most beneficial experience:

• Simplicity: Although it might take some time to implement and adjust to this method, the process seems to go into autopilot once it is in place.
• Flexibility: Since you are allowing some or all of your employees to work from home, the schedule should be set in a convenient and flexible way for your employees. In other words, the system should allow your employees to choose at least some of the hours/days they will be working as well as where they work.
• Consistency: Lastly, your employees, vendors, etc., should still be able to contact you at the same email and phone number as they had before. They should also be able to visit and reach people during the same hours as before.

How Voicecom Helps Support Hybrid Workers

Given that Voicecom offers products and services such as the NEC office phone system, we often play a significant role in various companies’ abilities to support hybrid workers. No matter where your employees are working, with the help of an NEC office phone system, you can create an effective, collaborative community.

NEC Office Phone System Benefits:

• Increased Call Functionality: NEC phone systems make calls more productive. 
• Telecommunication: Another benefit of using an NEC office phone system is that it helps facilitate telecommunication. This can help both employees and companies make and save more money.
• Staying Connected: Lastly, the hybrid worker method allows your employees to stay connected. They are able to chat, mail, and use other tools that enable them to communicate instantly and stay connected throughout the workday.

Key Takeaways:

• The changing business climate has caused companies to use a hybrid method.
• Using an NEC phone system allows companies to stay connected, telecommunicate, and boost call functionality.
• Hybrid office models should be simple, consistent, and flexible.

If you are an employer looking to provide your employees with a hybrid work experience, we’re here to help. Voicecom allows everyone in the company to access the business telephone system from work or their personal desktop helping you facilitate business communications between in-office and remote workers. Contact us today for a quote and more information.

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