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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 […]

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11 Sep, 2023 / by Complete Technology Resources / in 2023september11voip_b, voice over internet protocols, VoIP category
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.

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    A short guide to Microsoft 365’s Bookings featureMicrosoft Bookings is not just any scheduling app; it's a powerful tool that lets you create an effortless booking experience for your customers. What sets it apart is its seamless integration with Outlook, ensuring that you have a real-time overview of your availability and simplifying the appointment booking process. In this article, we discuss some […]

    The post A short guide to Microsoft 365’s Bookings feature appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

    08 Sep, 2023 / by Complete Technology Resources / in 2023september8office_b, microsoft 365, microsoft bookings, microsoft features, Office, Office 365, outlook category
    A short guide to Microsoft 365’s Bookings feature

    Microsoft Bookings is not just any scheduling app; it's a powerful tool that lets you create an effortless booking experience for your customers. What sets it apart is its seamless integration with Outlook, ensuring that you have a real-time overview of your availability and simplifying the appointment booking process. In this article, we discuss some of the most useful benefits of Bookings.

    Enhanced visibility

    With Bookings, you gain access to an innovative scheduling application compatible with desktop computers. It allows your customers to choose their preferred times and dates, all in alignment with real-time availability. They just need to input the necessary contact details, and the system takes care of the rest.

    No more hassles caused by cancellations

    Cancellations and no-shows can leave valuable time slots empty, resulting in lost income, unless you have a system to fill those gaps. Bookings helps prevent revenue loss by allowing you to set specific cancellation notice requirements.

    Moreover, Bookings automatically sends a confirmation email to customers upon booking, followed by a timely reminder just before their appointment. If customers need to reschedule or cancel, they can do so easily. They can simply click on a link in the confirmation email and select a more convenient time for them.

    Seamless synchronization

    Once a booking is confirmed, it seamlessly syncs to a centralized calendar, which you and your staff can all view. This allows you the flexibility to reschedule, cancel, or reassign appointments to different staff members as needed.

    When it comes to reassignment, Bookings offers a handy feature called "split view." This intuitive tool displays the schedules of all staff members side by side, making it easy to see who is booked at specific times.

    Furthermore, this adaptable system accommodates various calendar services, including Office 365, Outlook, and even Google Calendar. This ensures that clients and staff can use their preferred calendaring service, offering convenience for both parties.

    More than just appointments

    While appointment scheduling is the primary function of Bookings, it goes the extra mile by helping you expand your company's customer database. When customers input their information into the system during the booking process, it automatically generates contact entries for them. These contact cards include essential personal details such as names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses, all conveniently stored for future reference.

    Scalability and cost-effectiveness

    As your company grows, Bookings accommodates your expansion plans effortlessly. You can easily onboard more staff members and create additional booking pages at no extra cost. What's even better is that staff members don't need Office 365 subscriptions to utilize this service, making it accessible and cost-effective for your growing team.

    One way to differentiate yourself from competitors is to use a comprehensive appointment management solution like Bookings. If you have any questions about this feature or need more tech tips, don't hesitate to reach out to us.

    Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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    The cost-saving benefits of SaaSRunning a small- or medium-sized business (SMB) comes with its share of challenges, and managing tight budgets is often at the top of the list. Fortunately, there's a tech solution that's helping SMBs save significant amounts of money while enhancing their operations: Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). What is SaaS? In the past, users got software by buying […]

    The post The cost-saving benefits of SaaS appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

    06 Sep, 2023 / by Complete Technology Resources / in 2023september6web and cloud_b, on-premises software, saas, software, software as a service, software license, Web & Cloud category
    The cost-saving benefits of SaaS

    Running a small- or medium-sized business (SMB) comes with its share of challenges, and managing tight budgets is often at the top of the list. Fortunately, there's a tech solution that's helping SMBs save significant amounts of money while enhancing their operations: Software-as-a-Service (SaaS).

    What is SaaS?

    In the past, users got software by buying a physical CD or downloading it from the internet. They had to install the software on their devices, which needed to have sufficient storage space and processing power to run the software. Moreover, software licenses were often limited to one device, so users had to purchase additional licenses if they wanted to install the software on other devices.

    In business environments, software distribution was made more efficient by using on-premises (on-prem) servers. These servers hosted software programs, which users could access via the company's intranet. Users' devices were primarily used for input and display, while the on-prem servers handled most of the processing. With this setup, many users could simultaneously use a single software license, thanks to affordable licensing packages.

    Today, SaaS enables users to access software applications online, essentially "borrowing" computing power from a service provider. They can access the software wherever an internet connection is available, using any internet-connected device, such as a laptop or a smartphone. This means employees don’t have to be physically present in the office to access their work apps, enabling them to work from home or other remote locations.

    How can my company save money with SaaS?

    Traditional on-prem software requires businesses to purchase and maintain hardware, software licenses, and yearly support fees, which can be a significant expense. With SaaS, businesses can avoid these upfront costs and instead pay a monthly or annual subscription fee for all costs, including support. This can help businesses save money and simplify their IT operations.

    Can SaaS adapt to my business's unique requirements?

    SaaS providers are constantly adding new features based on user feedback. Moreover, businesses can integrate SaaS applications with other software to meet their specific needs. If a particular feature is missing, integration with another app can fill the gap.

    Is my company’s data secure with SaaS?

    Data security is a top concern for businesses considering SaaS. Will your data be secure, and who owns it? What if the SaaS vendor faces financial difficulties?

    Rest assured, SaaS vendors invest heavily in cybersecurity, backup technology, and maintenance. Their reputation and client trust depend on it. They undergo rigorous security audits, especially if they handle sensitive data subject to regulations, such as HIPAA.

    When you partner with a SaaS vendor, you enter into a service level agreement (SLA). An SLA outlines data ownership and the vendor's commitment to granting you access to your data, even in the event of financial difficulties or business failures.

    If you're considering SaaS for your business, reach out to us today. We can help you determine if SaaS and which particular SaaS app meets your company’s needs.

    Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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    Leveraging email automation to improve your productivityEmail automation is the process of using software to automatically send emails based on certain criteria. This can free up your time so you can focus on other tasks, and it can also help you improve the results of your email marketing campaigns. What is email automation? Email automation is a tool that allows businesses […]

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    04 Sep, 2023 / by Complete Technology Resources / in 2023september4business_c, business, customer retention, email automation, lead conversion, market segmentation, personalized content category
    Leveraging email automation to improve your productivity

    Email automation is the process of using software to automatically send emails based on certain criteria. This can free up your time so you can focus on other tasks, and it can also help you improve the results of your email marketing campaigns.

    What is email automation?

    Email automation is a tool that allows businesses to automatically send relevant and personalized emails to subscribers at predetermined instances based on specific triggers or criteria. Some common criteria are payment due date reminders, subscriber birthdays, promos, monthly feedback requests, order confirmations, and more.

    What are the advantages of using email automation?

    Here are the key benefits of email automation:

    1. It gives a personal, human touch
    Email automation tools let you automatically insert a customer’s name and other details into an email. By using the customer’s name rather than using a generic salutation like “Dear valued customer,” you are able to make the email more personal, potentially increasing the chances that your customer will be more receptive to your marketing messages. According to a study by Experian, personalized promotional emails have a 29% higher chance of being opened compared to non-personalized ones. In addition, consumers were also 25% more likely to engage with personalized triggered emails than with emails that are not.

    2. It helps you segment your customer
    Email automation allows you to divide your customers and leads into groups based on their purchase behavior, demographics, and interests. For example, if your company sells mobile devices, you can use email automation to create unique messages for customers who’ve shown interest in either Apple or Android products. Segmenting contacts ensures ‌recipients will only receive messages that align with their interests. This will help keep customers engaged and reduce the probability of them sending unwanted emails to the spam folder or unsubscribing from your mailing list.

    3. It boosts productivity
    With email automation, your marketing team doesn’t have to spend too much time compiling email lists and creating and scheduling email campaigns. Email automation systems can automatically send out emails based on triggers, such as a signup for a monthly newsletter, or scheduled events like birthdays and anniversaries. This will help free up your team to focus on more critical tasks instead of spending a huge chunk of time typing out personalized emails for clients and leads.

    4. It helps you attract and retain customers
    Selling to existing customers is easier and more cost-effective than converting a lead, so you need to keep your existing customers engaged. You can do this by sending them exclusive promos, feedback requests, and loyalty rewards via email. This will ensure that you reach more of your client base, especially those that don’t use social media.

    Email automation can be a powerful marketing tool when implemented correctly. It can free up your team to focus on other tasks and help you achieve better results. If you're interested in learning more about email automation, just reach out to us and we’ll be happy to provide more information.

    Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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