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Open source with open access vs. open source:
Make sure you know which one suits you and your customer. 

Open source telecommunications systems are not all created equal. All are open source in the sense that they are built using publicly and freely available code like Asterisk. However, not all of them allow access to the root programming level, which allows you to modify or customize aspects of the code to suit specific requirements or preferences. If a system restricts root-level access, certain features may be customizable, but don’t count on having much leeway. Be sure you know which one best suits your customer.

Topics: Customer Service, IP PBX, Business Telephone System, VoIP, SIP, Total Voice Solution

 

These features absolutely must be in your IP PBX suite offering

When proposing IP voice solutions to small businesses, certain applications and features are so essential that the customer won’t even consider purchasing a system without them. According to a study of more than 200 small businesses conducted by SoftwareAdvice, the phone system applications most often cited as “required” are:

Topics: Customer Service, IP PBX, Business Telephone System, VoIP, SIP, Total Voice Solution, Software Integration, Trends, Mobility (including remote work)

Two solid strategies for distinguishing yourself in the marketplace and protecting your margins

 

“Cheap is the last refuge for the marketer who can't figure out how to be better.”  - Seth Godin

 

Topics: Customer Service, Total Voice Solution

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A simple yet powerful feature of SIP (session initiation protocol) enterprise phones are soft keys. Soft keys allow users to customize their own phones by assigning their desired functionality to the buttons on the device. Used properly, they can supercharge the efficiency and productivity of a busy workstation.

Assisting users in programming their soft keys is an often underestimated service that nevertheless can boost customer satisfaction and optimize the productivity of the installed system. With most SIP phone systems, soft keys can easily be programmed for each endpoint centrally via the WebGui or management interface. They can also be programmed directly into the endpoints themselves. They are a detail worth paying attention to when installing an IP phone system.

Topics: Customer Service, SIP Phones, Business Telephone System, VoIP, SIP

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Since SIP phone systems are software-based platforms that send voice over a data network, they are interoperable with other business software, which translates into a huge productivity boost for the user. Did you know that the vast majority of these system integrations are performed by channel partners, vendors and consultants? According to the 2015 Unified Communications Integration Report published by Software Advice*, in only 14% of the case studies analyzed did end users do the work of integrating their systems themselves. This represents a considerable upselling opportunity for telephone systems dealers.

Topics: Customer Service, IP PBX, Business Telephone System, VoIP, SIP, Total Voice Solution, Software Integration, Trends

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Part 1 of 2: Room Systems

If it’s been a while since you’ve looked into videoconferencing equipment, now might be a good time to take a fresh look. Over the past five years, the pricing has come down to an easily accessible level, and the systems are now more interoperable with other hardware and apps than ever before.

Topics: Customer Service, VoIP, SIP, Total Voice Solution, Grandstream, Yealink, Peripherals, Videoconferencing

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How to set up a financing plan for your customer's business telephone equipment

Installing a new telephone system can require a significant capital outlay, which could lead some companies to sacrifice desired functionality to save money. Or, they may choose a hosted VOIP service provider for financial reasons, even in cases where an on-premise solution would better meet their requirements. This is where leasing comes in.

A leasing program can help your customers procure a voice solution that best suits their needs without overstretching their budget, allowing them to pay for their new phone system in manageable monthly installments rather than up front. In addition, leasing can make it easier to stay attuned to your customers’ sales cycles.

Topics: Customer Service, Business Telephone System, Total Voice Solution, Leasing

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OK, so maybe provisioning SIP phones was never a barrel of laughs. But it can at least be quick, easy and painless. And that definitely leaves more time for fun.

Topics: Customer Service, Outsourcing, SIP Phones, Business Telephone System, VoIP, SIP

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Three things you can do today to make sure your clients’ phone systems
 will be ready for future technology

Topics: Customer Service, Business Telephone System, VoIP, SIP, Total Voice Solution, Peripherals, Firmware Upgrades

Whether your customer wants to expand or upgrade an existing legacy system, or whether they want to replace it with a new system using voice over IP or other current technologies, your ultimate goal is to build a total voice solution that meets their current needs, allows for future scalability, and justifies a financial transaction. Let’s take a look at four factors to consider when selecting an appropriate system.

Topics: Customer Service, Business Telephone System, VoIP, SIP, Total Voice Solution