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Switching to VoIP? Here are things to keep in mindVoice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services are revolutionizing the way businesses communicate by providing organizations with effective and consistent in-office communication for their value. But before you switch to VoIP, there are a few things you need to keep in mind: What are your network needs? When contemplating whether or not to get VoIP, it's […]

The post Switching to VoIP? Here are things to keep in mind appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

Switching to VoIP? Here are things to keep in mind

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services are revolutionizing the way businesses communicate by providing organizations with effective and consistent in-office communication for their value. But before you switch to VoIP, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:

What are your network needs?

When contemplating whether or not to get VoIP, it's vital to determine how much control you need over your network. Depending on the answer to that question, you will choose between two primary approaches:

Managed VoIP

  • Your company manages and maintains an on-site VoIP system.
  • Initial costs can be higher due to hardware and maintenance expenses.
  • Offers greater versatility and control over your network.
  • Hosted VoIP

  • An outsourced third party handles the costs for new hardware and telecom network maintenance.
  • Your company is relieved of the burden of monitoring and updating telecom technologies.
  • This setup is often favored by small businesses because they pay only for the services used, with lower upfront fees.
  • If you are comfortable sharing control of your VoIP infrastructure for convenience, then you should consider the hosted approach. If you are uncomfortable with such an arrangement and want full control, then the managed approach might suit you better.

    What will be your technical involvement?

    The choice between managed and hosted VoIP depends on your comfort level with managing and maintaining your VoIP setup. If you have limited IT knowledge, opt for hosted VoIP. An onsite managed VoIP is more suited to companies with more resources and a need for more customized telecom networks.

    Should you choose to go mobile?

    With VoIP, telephony is no longer confined to a specific phone network. The cloud makes it possible for modern employees to have access to various communication tools securely, anytime, anywhere. You may need or prefer VoIP systems with mobile integration so your team can answer calls and join video conferences from their mobile devices while working from home.

    How quickly is your business growing?

    When selecting the right VoIP system, make sure that your service provider aligns with your company's growth plans. Your VoIP solution should easily scale up and add or remove lines as needed without you having to invest in new hardware or infrastructure. Your VoIP system should withstand demanding call volumes, especially during peak season or sudden increases of your customer base.

    What is the quality of your internet connection?

    Regardless of your VoIP provider choice, a robust and stable internet connection is essential to support and make the most out of your communications network. Check if your company has dedicated broadband or leased lines. The former offers higher internet speeds which allows you to handle greater quantities of data quickly. While the latter provides better voice quality, which translates into better and clearer voice communication within the office and outside it.

    What is your budget?

    Your budget drastically narrows down your VoIP provider choices. Calculate hardware and installation costs, alongside ongoing management expenses. Examine the provider's fees for managing, updating, and maintaining your telecom system. Additionally, always read the fine print of your contract to ensure that you're only paying for the services that you need.

    Choosing and integrating a VoIP system can be overwhelming. But, by considering these factors and asking yourself the right questions, you can make an informed choice. If you need more help with VoIP, our experts are here to assist you every step of the way.

    Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

    The post Switching to VoIP? Here are things to keep in mind appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

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    Is Microsoft Teams or Google Meet better for your business?Today, there’s no shortage of online communication tools for businesses to choose from, but Microsoft Teams and Google Meet are the clear winners in terms of functionality and ease of use. Choosing between the two platforms can be a challenge, as both offer a robust set of features that make business communications more efficient and […]

    The post Is Microsoft Teams or Google Meet better for your business? appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

    Is Microsoft Teams or Google Meet better for your business?

    Today, there’s no shortage of online communication tools for businesses to choose from, but Microsoft Teams and Google Meet are the clear winners in terms of functionality and ease of use. Choosing between the two platforms can be a challenge, as both offer a robust set of features that make business communications more efficient and convenient. Let’s take a look at their features to help you decide.

    Calling features

    Both Microsoft Teams and Google Meet offer enterprise-grade security, HD-quality video, and screen sharing capabilities, but there are some slight differences.

    In the free version of Teams, there is no limit to the number of people who can use the chat and document collaboration functions. However, for audio and video calls, the limit is 100 users. Group meetings are also limited to 60 minutes per session.

    The paid version of Teams, on the other hand, supports up to 300 participants per meeting, and offers meeting and group call recording capabilities. It even has captions and transcription features, as well as an inline message translation feature that automatically translates messages into the language specified in a user’s settings.

    Google Meet’s free version also supports up to 100 participants in a video call. Additionally, it has intelligent built-in features like muting, live closed captions, screen sharing, and auto screen focus, which automatically switches the screen to the person who is currently talking.

    Users of the paid version can join meetings even without an internet connection through unique dial-in phone numbers. Other features available in the paid version include breakout rooms, polls, Q&A, and meeting recording.

    Integrations and add-ons

    Microsoft Teams is, first and foremost, a unified tool that allows users to communicate and collaborate on a single platform. It enables content collaboration on Microsoft 365 apps (e.g., Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and easily integrates with hundreds of other productivity and collaboration platforms.

    On the other hand, for as low as $6 per user per month, your organization can get access to Meet along with all the other powerful Google business apps and tools.

    Pricing

    Both Microsoft Teams and Google Meet have free versions, albeit with limited features.

    Microsoft Teams’ most affordable subscription is $4 per user per month, and an additional $4 per user is needed for the call-in capabilities. Adding webinar features will also cost users extra.

    Meanwhile, users with personal Gmail accounts can use Google Meet for free, but with limited capabilities. A subscription that starts at $6 per month per user, however, allows users to get Meet along with all the other powerful Google business apps and tools.

    Which one is best for you?

    Now that you know the similarities and differences between the two platforms, it should be easy for you to decide which suits your business the best. Google Meet is designed for startups and small companies that need a low-cost communications solution, while Microsoft Teams, with its robust features, is suitable for small and large businesses alike.

    If you’re still unsure about either product, you can opt for a free trial to help you arrive at a decision. Or you can get in touch with our team of experts today. We’ll be more than happy to help you pick the right video conferencing or VoIP solution for your organization.

    Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

    The post Is Microsoft Teams or Google Meet better for your business? appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

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    4 Different VoIP services you can benefit fromA growing number of businesses are shifting from conventional landlines to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems. Doing so is allowing them to lower their communication costs, leverage advanced call features, and support remote work arrangements. If you are also looking to join the VoIP bandwagon, you might get confused by the several types of […]

    The post 4 Different VoIP services you can benefit from appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

    4 Different VoIP services you can benefit from

    A growing number of businesses are shifting from conventional landlines to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems. Doing so is allowing them to lower their communication costs, leverage advanced call features, and support remote work arrangements. If you are also looking to join the VoIP bandwagon, you might get confused by the several types of VoIP services available. This blog will discuss each one and help you pick the right type for your business.

    Device-based VoIP services

    With this service, you will need to purchase a VoIP device from a service provider and plug it into your existing landline phone to be able to make free calls within the United States. Examples of device-based VoIP services include MagicJack and Ooma.

    Software-based VoIP services

    This is the most common type of VoIP, and many of us already use it on a daily basis. You either access a web-based application or install software on your computer. You then use your computer’s audio and video input and output devices to communicate with others. Popular examples of software-based VoIP services are Skype and Zoom.

    Mobile VoIP services

    Like software-based VoIP services, mobile VoIP comes in the form of an app. However, the latter is installed on mobile phones instead of computers, enabling you to make and receive calls wherever you are. Three of the most popular mobile VoIP services are Skype, WhatsApp, and Google Meet.

    Business VoIP services

    Business VoIP services are more cost-effective than traditional landlines. They offer a variety of useful features, such as video and audio conferencing, screen sharing, interactive voice response, automated attendants, call queues, and call reports. You also get complete technical support when you sign up for a business VoIP service.

    VoIP for business can either be on-premises or cloud-based. For on-premises VoIP systems, businesses need to purchase all the equipment and house these in their office. This alone requires huge capital expenses. On top of that, businesses have to pay fees for system maintenance, repairs, and upgrades regularly. The upside is that you’ll have total control over your hardware.

    On the other hand, when you choose cloud-based VoIP systems, you outsource your phone system to a VoIP provider. This eliminates the need to purchase hardware or invest in maintaining the systems as your provider will handle everything for a fixed monthly fee. You can also scale services easily. The downside is that you’re not in total control of the hardware, and you need to rely on your provider’s expertise to ensure system reliability and security.

    Want to learn even more about VoIP? Talk to our professionals today. They have extensive knowledge about this efficient, low-cost communication technology and can explain everything to you in plain English!

    Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

    The post 4 Different VoIP services you can benefit from appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

    Read More

    4 Different VoIP services you can benefit fromA growing number of businesses are shifting from conventional landlines to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems. Doing so is allowing them to lower their communication costs, leverage advanced call features, and support remote work arrangements. If you are also looking to join the VoIP bandwagon, you might get confused by the several types of […]

    The post 4 Different VoIP services you can benefit from appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

    4 Different VoIP services you can benefit from

    A growing number of businesses are shifting from conventional landlines to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems. Doing so is allowing them to lower their communication costs, leverage advanced call features, and support remote work arrangements. If you are also looking to join the VoIP bandwagon, you might get confused by the several types of VoIP services available. This blog will discuss each one and help you pick the right type for your business.

    Device-based VoIP services

    With this service, you will need to purchase a VoIP device from a service provider and plug it into your existing landline phone to be able to make free calls within the United States. Examples of device-based VoIP services include MagicJack and Ooma.

    Software-based VoIP services

    This is the most common type of VoIP, and many of us already use it on a daily basis. You either access a web-based application or install software on your computer. You then use your computer’s audio and video input and output devices to communicate with others. Popular examples of software-based VoIP services are Skype and Zoom.

    Mobile VoIP services

    Like software-based VoIP services, mobile VoIP comes in the form of an app. However, the latter is installed on mobile phones instead of computers, enabling you to make and receive calls wherever you are. Three of the most popular mobile VoIP services are Skype, WhatsApp, and Google Meet.

    Business VoIP services

    Business VoIP services are more cost-effective than traditional landlines. They offer a variety of useful features, such as video and audio conferencing, screen sharing, interactive voice response, automated attendants, call queues, and call reports. You also get complete technical support when you sign up for a business VoIP service.

    VoIP for business can either be on-premises or cloud-based. For on-premises VoIP systems, businesses need to purchase all the equipment and house these in their office. This alone requires huge capital expenses. On top of that, businesses have to pay fees for system maintenance, repairs, and upgrades regularly. The upside is that you’ll have total control over your hardware.

    On the other hand, when you choose cloud-based VoIP systems, you outsource your phone system to a VoIP provider. This eliminates the need to purchase hardware or invest in maintaining the systems as your provider will handle everything for a fixed monthly fee. You can also scale services easily. The downside is that you’re not in total control of the hardware, and you need to rely on your provider’s expertise to ensure system reliability and security.

    Want to learn even more about VoIP? Talk to our professionals today. They have extensive knowledge about this efficient, low-cost communication technology and can explain everything to you in plain English!

    Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

    The post 4 Different VoIP services you can benefit from appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

    Read More