Cloud-based VoIP phone systems are now the preferred way for businesses to handle their calls. By the end of 2021, it’s estimated that 90% of IT leaders will stop purchasing on-premises communication tools.
VoIP has become essential in a post-COVID business world because employees are no longer located in the same office a majority of the time. Many companies have adopted permanently to a remote and hybrid remote workforce.
Some of the advantages that a cloud-based business phone system offers include:
- Significant cost savings
- Anywhere access to enterprise-class phone features
- Ability to use VoIP on multiple devices
- Improves business continuity
- Integrates with other cloud applications
- Provides some features that can’t be found on landline phone systems (like voicemail to text transcription)
When it comes to your business IT solutions, you want to make sure you follow best practices to keep your business optimized.
Like any other technology transition you implement, there are things that you can do to enhance your introduction of VoIP and improve its efficiency.
Use QoS on Your Router
The more cloud-based systems you have, the more demand is put on your bandwidth use. You may have plenty of bandwidth for your needs overall, but if that traffic isn’t directed properly you can end up with dropped calls and lags due to short-term bandwidth shortages.
You can avoid something like a large backup from interfering with a reliable VoIP experience by using Quality of Service (QoS) rules on your router.
QoS guides your router for distributing bandwidth and tells it which applications get the first priority. You can use this to prioritize your VoIP application so you won’t suffer from any slowdown issues due to a less important function stealing bandwidth.
Train Employees on the New Features
Employee training is an important part of any new digital tool adoption. While VoIP is simple to use, that doesn’t mean you should just let your employees figure it out on their own.
If you want to get the most out of your business cloud phone system as soon as possible, make an appointment with your VoIP provider for a feature training session with your team. We can explain things like how to use extensions, how to make and transfer calls, the use of the company directory and auto attendant, and more.
This will allow your team to begin getting the most value from your system right away instead of having to learn things by themselves.
Secure a Backup Broadband Provider
A majority of businesses have nearly all their critical work processes in the cloud, so an interruption of internet service due to a provider outage can bring your company to a standstill.
You can reduce the chance that your business phone system or other vital cloud tools will be unreachable because of an ISP outage by putting a backup broadband connection in place.
This gives you the ability to quickly switch your router to the other connection should your main carrier have an outage for some reason.
Integrate VoIP With Your Other Cloud Tools
One of the benefits of using VoIP for your business phone lines is that you can now connect that call data to other cloud applications, such as your CRM.
This helps you keep all your communication trails in one place, improving the customer experience.
For example, when a customer ticket comes in, your support representative could look in the CRM and see that the customer also just called the office and had their issue handled.
Use a Local VoIP Provider So You Get Better Support
There are many different online options you can choose for a VoIP service, but if you go with a company in a different country or that you have no relationship with, you could be sorry when it comes to needing support.
If you work with a local provider like Pro Tech Guy for your VoIP phone service, you have someone you can contact anytime and that you know can come out for a service call or training if needed.
Our PTG Voice VoIP solution offers amazing features for a low price and comes with expert and responsive support.
Give Employees Options (Mobile, Headset, Desk Phone)
You may find that when you move to VoIP, some employees will miss the desk phone that they used for years. Others might prefer using the VoIP app on their mobile device and find it a big timesaver.
You can improve the transition for your employees by letting them know they have options.
Allow your employees to choose from (or use all) of the following options:
- Headset with VoIP being used from their PC
- VoIP app used on their mobile device
- VoIP enabled desk phone for a traditional experience
Learn More About PTG Voice VoIP Solution Today!
Looking for a great VoIP solution with outstanding support? Pro Tech Guy can help your Framingham or Natick business get set up with our PTG Voice system for a low cost.
Contact us today to learn more. Call 508-364-8189 or reach us online.