508-909-5961 [email protected]

How to choose the best VoIP system for your businessMany industries now utilize Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) for better communication quality and lower communication costs. Because there are many options, choosing the right solution for your business could be overwhelming. This guide will help you decide which VoIP system suits you best. What are proprietary systems? When most companies release VoIP software, such […]

The post How to choose the best VoIP system for your business appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

10 Jul, 2020 / by Complete Technology Resources / in 2020july10voip_b, cost reductions, internet telephony, microsoft, open source, proprietary, teams, VoIP, zoom category
How to choose the best VoIP system for your business

Many industries now utilize Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) for better communication quality and lower communication costs. Because there are many options, choosing the right solution for your business could be overwhelming. This guide will help you decide which VoIP system suits you best.

What are proprietary systems?

When most companies release VoIP software, such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom, they make it almost impossible for users to view or alter the programming code. This is to retain control over which hardware and software systems it is compatible with, and prevent hackers from exploiting vulnerabilities.

Pros and cons
One of the biggest benefits of proprietary VoIP systems is a consistent user experience across supported hardware and software. Brand-name handsets and third-party software must be programmed by the VoIP platform’s developer for compatibility, so you know everything will be optimized for a reliable user experience.

In many cases, however, the added security and polished integrations of these systems cost more than open-source alternatives.

What are open-source systems?

The programming code making open-source VoIP protocols such as Session Initiation Protocol work is free and accessible to anyone. Open-source systems are made to be more of a starting point than a finished solution, meaning they’re usually pretty rough around the edges until they are customized.

Pros and cons
The biggest benefits of an open-source system are the cost and flexibility. The core system will be free, but tailoring it to your desktops, handsets, and servers will require a significant amount of time and technical expertise. This usually requires a larger upfront investment when compared to proprietary systems, but will pay off with lower operational costs over time.

The tradeoffs between open-source and proprietary systems are even. The former is often better for business owners who prioritize cost savings, while the latter is ideal for those who prefer refined solutions. Choosing between the two comes down to your customer service model, IT resources, and business priorities.

Small businesses like yours can enjoy personalized, high-end IT solutions, but you need expert support. With years of experience in VoIP, we’re the answer to all your problems. To learn about what we think is best for your business, call today!

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

The post How to choose the best VoIP system for your business appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

Read More

Advantages of call recordingCustomer service representatives are prone to errors; after all, they're only human. However, if your business is using a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system, human errors can be minimized by using call recording. Discover how this VoIP feature can enhance your employees' productivity. #1. Improve customer service One of the most important reasons why […]

The post Advantages of call recording appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

22 Jun, 2020 / by Complete Technology Resources / in 2020june22voip_b, business reputation, businesses, call recording, customer satisfaction, customer service, employee performance, office tool, VoIP category
Advantages of call recording

Customer service representatives are prone to errors; after all, they're only human. However, if your business is using a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system, human errors can be minimized by using call recording. Discover how this VoIP feature can enhance your employees' productivity.

#1. Improve customer service

One of the most important reasons why businesses should always record their calls, no matter its significance, is to ensure high-quality customer service. By reviewing calls, managers can understand how their agents have been dealing with customers, find out whether or not they’ve followed company protocol, and pinpoint any aspects that can be improved on.

Without call recording, managers would have to listen to each call in real time, which is a time-consuming process. By recording each call, not only will your managers save time, but your employees will also be motivated to perform at their best every time they’re on the phone because they know their calls can always be reviewed.

#2. Upgrade employee performance

According to Edgar Dale’s Cone of Learning, people only remember 10% of what they’ve read, 50% of what they’ve seen and heard, and 90% of what they’ve done. By providing your agents with actual recordings of good and bad calling examples during training sessions, and have them simulate calls afterwards, they’ll be able to learn better and provide high-quality customer service faster.

#3. Retrieve missed details and prevent litigation

With hundreds of phone calls daily, it’s understandable if your employees don’t catch every single detail. And for companies that require their agents to manually input information during calls, there’s always a possibility that they’ll forget or miss certain information. Needless to say, this could lead to disgruntled customers. If not properly handled, this can harm your reputation, reduce work opportunities, and if things escalate, proceed to litigation.

VoIP’s call recording feature lets you replay saved audio files to make sure you haven’t missed any details, ensuring that all customer demands are met. And if you ever get into a dispute with your clients regarding who said what, you can always retrieve the exact audio file and have both sides listen to it, saving you thousands of dollars in legal fees.

#4. Understand customer preferences

Have you ever received an inquiry about a product or service that’s not included in your offerings? While your agents usually jot these requests down and pass them on to the relevant personnel, they may end up forgetting some if numerous calls are being made that day. Tiny issues like this can lead to potentially huge losses.

With call recording, you can review all your calls at the end of the day. You’ll have a better picture of what certain customers are looking for so you can address them better.

VoIP allows businesses to make on-demand calls affordably, and its call recording feature helps companies improve their customer service and prevent litigation. If you think business VoIP is right for you, or if you have any questions, give us a call today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

The post Advantages of call recording appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

Read More

What’s the difference between VoIP and VoLTE?Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has been around for quite some time. Businesses today prefer VoIP telephony systems over old landline phone system because the former has more features that are useful for day-to-day operations. But slowly gaining buzz is Voice over Long-Term Evolution (VoLTE). What is this new technology, and why is it gaining […]

The post What’s the difference between VoIP and VoLTE? appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

01 Jun, 2020 / by Complete Technology Resources / in 2020june1voip_b, communication tools, one-stop solution, voice calls, voice data, voice over internet protocols, voice over long term evolution, voice over lte, VoIP, volte category
What’s the difference between VoIP and VoLTE?

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has been around for quite some time. Businesses today prefer VoIP telephony systems over old landline phone system because the former has more features that are useful for day-to-day operations. But slowly gaining buzz is Voice over Long-Term Evolution (VoLTE). What is this new technology, and why is it gaining popularity?

To know the difference between VoIP and VoLTE, let’s first examine the older of the two technologies.

What is VoIP?

Unlike analog telephones that use phone cables, VoIP uses the internet to transmit voice calls. VoIP calls can be made using laptops, desktop computers, smartphones, tablets, and even old handsets fitted with appropriate converters.

VoIP also supports a range of call features such as voice messaging, call forwarding, SMS text messaging, fax transmission, voicemail, and a host of other services. For businesses, VoIP is a convenient one-stop solution for all their communication needs that will not cost them an arm and a leg.

However, VoIP was introduced at a time when the world was still using 2G and 3G networks for mobile devices. The years since then saw major improvements in network connectivity. The arrival of 4G or Long-Term Evolution (LTE) meant faster and better connectivity.

What is VoLTE?

Unlike VoIP, VoLTE uses 4G LTE network to transmit voice calls. And there’s a difference to how VoLTE transmits voice calls. To illustrate, here’s a very simplified analogy:

VoIP is a steam train data carrier chugging along on a steel-and-wood railway that’s your 2G/3G internet connection. The train is loaded with various data: voice, email and text, photo, video, music, and many more.

VoLTE is a Japanese Maglev bullet train data carrier that uses magnetic forces to levitate (thus “maglev”) the train a few inches off the electromagnetic track that’s your 4G internet connection. With zero friction, the train moves at astonishing speeds. What’s more, VoLTE does not pack all data into one train. Instead, each kind of data has a dedicated train all to itself — voice calls on one train, email on another, video packets on another, and so forth. This means faster transmission and better quality voice calls and video chats.

However, don’t think that VoLTE is merely a pumped-up version of VoIP. Instead, think of VoLTE as building on the gains of VoIP technology.

What is the difference between VoIP and VoLTE?

VoLTE is a recent standard for wireless, high-speed communication; in fact, as of this writing, VoLTE is available for mobile devices only. The following enumerates how VoLTE is different from VoIP, and why it’s an improvement over the latter.

#1 VoLTE uses a different network than VoIP

VoIP uses a web-based network such as 3G or Wi-Fi to transmit voice data. On the other hand, VoLTE uses 4G LTE network to transmit voice data. 4G LTE has a broader bandwidth and faster speeds, which means...

#2 VoLTE offers better quality of voice calls

VoLTE first gained prominence because of its superior voice calls. Its high-definition (HD) audio quality is excellent, with lags, drops, jitters and disturbances mostly eliminated. However, there is a catch: caller and receiver must both be using VoLTE phones and transmitting in an area with 4G LTE to experience HD calls.

#3 VoLTE allows simultaneous voice calls and data usage

In the case of some smartphones, it’s not possible to make a call while browsing the web. You need to drop one in order to perform the other. With VoLTE, you can talk and run data apps concurrently.

#4 VoLTE prioritizes voice calls

Both VoIP and VoLTE send voice data packets over the internet along with other data usage transmissions. But while VoIP sends packets on a first come, first served basis, VoLTE prioritizes voice data.

#5 VoLTE eliminates per-minute billing of voice calls

Voice calls used to be charged per minute, but with VoLTE, voice calls are the same as any data transmission. Plus, because it’s difficult to figure out how much data you use for a voice call than it is to count the number of minutes in a call, then the days of voice-minutes billings are numbered.

#6 VoLTE allows for longer battery life, more efficient consumption

With VoLTE, phones need not switch between 2G, 3G, and 4G networks during calls. This extends the battery life, so users need not recharge often.

#7 VoLTE currently has limited support

For now, not all smartphone brands and models support VoLTE technology. And there are still places in the United States where LTE is unavailable. But experts believe that this will rapidly change soon.

Want to learn more about VoLTE and how it can boost your business’s productivity? Call our IT experts today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

The post What’s the difference between VoIP and VoLTE? appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

Read More

Top 5 benefits of using softphonesHaving a flexible communication system is more important than ever now that remote work has become crucial to a company’s survival. One option is to issue company phones to telecommuters so they can communicate with clients and colleagues. But the ideal solution for most businesses is to use phone apps or softphones, and here are […]

The post Top 5 benefits of using softphones appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

13 May, 2020 / by Complete Technology Resources / in 2020may13voip_b, application, cost savings, integration, internet, laptop, smartphone, softphone, user-friendly, video conferencing, VoIP category
Top 5 benefits of using softphones

Having a flexible communication system is more important than ever now that remote work has become crucial to a company’s survival. One option is to issue company phones to telecommuters so they can communicate with clients and colleagues. But the ideal solution for most businesses is to use phone apps or softphones, and here are several reasons why.

Anytime, anywhere business phone

Softphones are essentially a type of application that you can run on internet-enabled devices like a smartphone or laptop. This removes the need for a physical handset, allowing you to make and receive calls from any location with an internet connection. Even if your workers are homebound, softphones give them a lot of flexibility. They don’t have to waste time setting up lines for a traditional phone unit in their home office — they can simply turn their personal smartphone into a business-level communication tool. Employees also get to enjoy hands-free calls, provided their device has a decent headset or microphone.

Reduced costs

The best aspect of softphones is that they significantly cut costs. For one, instead of spending a lot of money installing and maintaining office phone equipment, you only have to pay a small subscription fee to get powerful softphone features on your mobile device and computer. All the expenses associated with server expenses and system maintenance are taken care of by the softphone provider. More importantly, softphones transmit communication data over the internet rather than traditional phone lines. This means you won’t have to deal with expensive local and long-distance rates. In fact, some softphone providers offer a reduced rate for international calls, while others allow you to make calls for free.

User-friendly interface

Softphones come with an interactive user interface that’s easy to learn. If you want to transfer a call to a colleague, you just have to drag and drop the call to their name — there’s no need to dial an extension on your phone. If you need to call someone, all you have to do is search for their profile via a search bar and just click on their name to initiate a call. Want to tell everyone that you’re too busy? Softphones let you enable do not disturb mode for specific time frames in which incoming calls are either sent straight to voicemail or forwarded to the next available person. What’s more, softphones provide incoming call notifications with caller ID and profile information so you know exactly who you’re talking to.

High-quality video conferencing

If you need something more engaging than a simple phone call, softphones allow you to host multiparty video conferences. These make it easy to conduct team and company-wide meetings even if people are miles apart from each other. Participants can also see important visual cues through body language, so conversations with clients and colleagues are clearer and more personal. The best softphone services even let you share your screen so you can better coordinate with your remote workers.

Tight integration with enterprise software

Another benefit of softphones is that they can complement your existing systems. When softphones are integrated with your customer relationship management (CRM) software, for instance, you’ll be able to compile previous call logs and relevant client information before making a call. This is particularly useful for customer service and sales staff who need contextual information to better serve their clients.

All in all, softphones are perfect for any business that wants to operate at peak performance. They’re intuitive, feature-rich, and cost-effective, so if your business doesn’t have this essential communication tool, get an upgrade today. Call us now to enhance your communication systems!

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

The post Top 5 benefits of using softphones appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

Read More