It seems more and more businesses are using mobile solutions to communicate with their employees. There are many mobility solutions out there, but not all of them offer the ability to connect your employees to the same system. This is why it is important to use integrated mobility.

What is integrated mobility? Your employees can use any device they want to connect to the same phone system. The actual device and location does not make a difference. It is easier to communicate with your employees when they are all in the same system.

Using a separate mobile system is the traditional method for businesses. The lines are not a part of the office system, creating a mobile line and an office line. This means spending more money on this service. You may have to limit the employees who can use the mobile service.

You do not have to make an additional purchase to use integrated mobility. All it takes is a simple download and you can add it to the phone system of your business. Every employee who uses this account can access these features, such as caller ID and call forwarding. Your employees can access the business phone system from any location, as long as they are on the account.

So why is it important to use integrated mobility? The first reason would be the reduced installation costs. You are not installing several separate systems with integrated mobility. You are actually installing one connection on your VoIP system. That connection is then spread across several different lines. It ties those lines together to your office system.

The second reason is that connection across those lines. Your employees’ mobile phones are basically becoming an extension of the business phone system. This allows you to stay connected with your employees, whether they are at the office, at home or on the go.

The additional features would be the third reason to use integrated mobility. One feature is the caller ID. When your employee receives a call on the mobile application, it is recognized as on the caller ID as the business. Your employee will not have to play guessing games, and will know the business is contacting them. Another feature is the call forwarding. If your employee receives a phone call on the business extension, they can have that call forwarded to their mobile phone. The call can also be forwarded to another extension in the employee account. This means any business, big or small, will have the communication solutions they need.

You should always be able to contact your employees, regardless of where they may be or what type of mobile device they are using. You can save money and make the communication process easier for everyone by opting for integrated mobility.

Small to mid sized businesses that are busy and growing fast cannot afford to have their phone systems fail them every time a major winter storm rolls into the area. The logistics involved in losing whole work days to the weather are cost-prohibitive. The loss of potential and existing clients, the dissatisfaction of clients who are forced to wait many hours for service, and the inability to communicate with staff and business partners all add up to a major drain on your company’s resources.

The best way to circumvent the weather and keep your business phone lines continuously operational is to install or upgrade to a business VoIP phone system. Theses systems use the latest digital technology to allow you to process your calls through the Internet rather than a switchboard.

Some of the most important benefits of a VoIP system include:

• Affordability: These systems can save you as much as 40% on local calls and up to 90% on international calls.
• Conferencing: You can not only do conference calls, but the number of lines that can be involved is substantially higher due to VoIP’s use of compressed data transfers.
• Special Features: VoIP brings an abundance of special features, including caller ID with last names, speed dialing, call blocking, enhanced voice mail, contact lists, call waiting and forwarding, and last number re-dial.

Besides all this, however, VoIP can also minimize, nearly eliminate really, the possibility of missing calls due to extreme winter weather. Some of the ways that this is accomplished include:

1. Built-in “Redundancy:” This means that, should the primary data-route be temporarily down, calls will be automatically re-routed to a back-up path.
2. Load-Balancing: This refers to the ability of many VoIP systems to handle heavy data usage during a holiday, an emergency, a sale, or for any other reason. “Excess” load is simply automatically re-routed to alleviate high traffic.
3. Total Mobility: Instead of shutting down when a blizzard is forecast or when one unexpectedly appears, you can simply have employees take their VoIP phones home and continue to work there. As long as there is Internet access, the phones will function, and as long as background noise is controlled, the user on the other end will never know the phone’s location.
4. Cloud-Based: Since data is stored in an online cloud, it is always accessible from any location. This enables anywhere-to-anywhere calling, but it also keeps data safely unaffected by local weather patterns. Special functions like transferring calls to employees, dial by four-digit extension, and long-distance video-conferencing will also continue to work during a storm.

If your business is located in Connecticut or New England, one of the best service providers to install a VoIP phone system at your business is TRICOM Systems. TRICOM has been in the business for 40 years. They use only industry-leading hardware from Nortel and Avaya, and they know how to customize phone systems to fit each business’s needs. TRICOM can make your business communications more effective, more affordable, and immune to local weather patterns.

It seems more and more businesses are using mobile solutions to communicate with their employees. There are many mobility solutions out there, but not all of them offer the ability to connect your employees to the same system. This is why it is important to use integrated mobility.

What is integrated mobility? Your employees can use any device they want to connect to the same phone system. The actual device and location does not make a difference. It is easier to communicate with your employees when they are all in the same system.

Using a separate mobile system is the traditional method for businesses. The lines are not a part of the office system, creating a mobile line and an office line. This means spending more money on this service. You may have to limit the employees who can use the mobile service.

You do not have to make an additional purchase to use integrated mobility. All it takes is a simple download and you can add it to the phone system of your business. Every employee who uses this account can access these features, such as caller ID and call forwarding. Your employees can access the business phone system from any location, as long as they are on the account.

So why is it important to use integrated mobility? The first reason would be the reduced installation costs. You are not installing several separate systems with integrated mobility. You are actually installing one connection on your VoIP system. That connection is then spread across several different lines. It ties those lines together to your office system.

The second reason is that connection across those lines. Your employees’ mobile phones are basically becoming an extension of the business phone system. This allows you to stay connected with your employees, whether they are at the office, at home or on the go.

The additional features would be the third reason to use integrated mobility. One feature is the caller ID. When your employee receives a call on the mobile application, it is recognized as on the caller ID as the business. Your employee will not have to play guessing games, and will know the business is contacting them. Another feature is the call forwarding. If your employee receives a phone call on the business extension, they can have that call forwarded to their mobile phone. The call can also be forwarded to another extension in the employee account. This means any business, big or small, will have the communication solutions they need.

You should always be able to contact your employees, regardless of where they may be or what type of mobile device they are using. You can save money and make the communication process easier for everyone by opting for integrated mobility.

Many small business owners find that they are outgrowing their current landline phone systems and struggling to handle high call volumes. Limited phone features may also be making it difficult to manage received in an organized, effective manner. Despite these problems, however, and despite having heard of the benefits of a VoIP phone system, many continue to use their existing systems- why?

The reasons for delaying or avoiding entirely a switch-over to VoIP often include such arguments as the following:

• Switching will be complicated and a major hassle.
• It will take a long time to complete the switch.
• The cost savings and improved features won’t be worth it.
• I can continue getting by on my old phone system.
• Eventually, I can go 100% mobile.

While all of the above would be good reasons to avoid switching to VoIP, were they true, the simple fact is that they are false. These kinds of misconceptions arise quite naturally, however, since in many other areas of business, problems of a similar nature often do accompany a change. Yet, VoIP installation and usage is truly an exception. Some of the counter-arguments, then, would run as follows:

• An experienced VoIP provider can arrange everything after a quick call and an initial site inspection. These are professionals who do nothing but install VoIP systems day after day. They know how to assess your situation and identify all you will need to get started.
• The time needed to make the switch varies greatly, depending on how large your operations are, how many phone lines you will need, and the nature of your existing phone system. However, most companies will work with you to establish an acceptable timetable, and there should be little to no down-time during the transition process.
• Many businesses save 30% to 40% on local calls and up to 90% on international calls once they have switched to VoIP. Cloud-based calling cuts costs because all communication systems and all offices can be united under a single network. Additionally, once you get past the installation fee and the cost of new phones (if necessary), there is very little maintenance involved. That is because the heavy hardware is typically off-site, owned and managed by the hosting company.
• VoIP phones offer many advanced features not found on landlines. Audio and video conferencing, four-digit speed dial, name-inclusive caller ID, increased data-load ability, enhanced voice mail, much easier remote access, and quick, automatic switching to emergency lines all make these phones easily worth the switch.
• Older phone systems are quickly becoming outdated, and it will be ever more difficult to find affordable maintenance for them, and mobile phones work well for mobile employees but offer no oversight control when used in-office.

If you need to change out or upgrade your business phone system, consider using TRICOM Systems. TRICOM has been installing phone systems since 1975, and they are a name well-trusted throughout New England. They deal in cutting-edge phones from Avaya and Nortel and customize systems to each client’s needs.

Communication is very important for a business to run efficiently. This is why it is extremely important for your business phone system to be up to date and functioning properly. Experts have predicted that in the next 10 years, that landline phones will become extinct. Because of this, it is important to be able to recognize the signs that your phone system is not up to date, so that you can make the necessary changes. The more efficient your phone system is, the more efficiently you will be able to communicate.

Inability for Growth

If you are lucky, your business will grow more and more over time. As your business grows, you will need to hire more employees. More employees means the need of additional desks with phone extensions. If your system is unable to accommodate more extension, or the cost of adding extensions is too great, it is likely time to update your system.

Inability to Handle Your Call Volume

Incoming and outgoing calls are likely a huge part of your daily business routine. As your business expands, you will make and receive more calls. If your system is unable to handle the necessary call volume, it can seriously affect your productivity. It is a good idea to check if there is any chance of congestion in the system. If your system cannot keep up with your communication needs, it is time to update your phone system.

Unable to Support VoIP Technology

More and more companies are using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), which is the ability to make phone calls via the internet. VoIP makes it possible for businesses to save a great deal of money on long distance calls to out of area branches and to non-local clients. If your current system does not support VoIP, you should update your service immediately.

No Multi-Office Support

As your business expands, you may want to start opening satellite offices. As you open multiple offices, you will need to have a phone system which will support multiple offices. If adding offices to your current phone system is difficult, expensive, or impossible, you should consider looking into updating it.

Inability to Support Mobile Communications

Business technology has changed a great deal over the past few decades. Years ago, when a salesperson or field worker was away from the office and needed to make a call, they had to use a pay phone. Today, they have the use of cell phones. In today’s fast paced business, it is important that the main office can reach any employees whenever necessary. If your phone system is not able to patch a client through the field worker’s cell phone, they cannot do their job efficiently. Therefore, a phone system upgrade is necessary.

Your business phone system is the main hub of the company’s communication. The best way to ensure that your communication needs are met, is to be able to recognize the signs that you need a phone system upgrade.

As your business grows so does the need for accurate, clear and concise communications. Nowhere is this more important than with the office and small business phone system. A poorly set-up or designed phone system may bring your enterprise to its knees. With that said, keep in mind there are a few choice myths surrounding business phone and communication systems to be aware of prior to shopping around for, or designing your business’s phone system. Myth #1 The “it’s only a phone” Mentality will kill your business communications before it even starts. Yes, in words it is just “a phone” but the system itself needs to be so much more. There needs to be an accurate way of monitoring the phone calls; a method of controlling expenses for the system; recording banks for voice mail; and the implementation of a system manager. These all combine to quickly dispel the notion this is a mere phone. Myth #2 Our existing phone system is just fine, so we really don’t need to mess with it. This is akin to “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, and this is a huge hole many fall into. By shrugging it off and saying the current system has been working fine, you set yourself up for failure by means of not keeping current with the latest tech and trends. This makes a difference as when a client deals with the poor communications, you rarely get a chance at a second impression. Stay current and up to date. Myth #3 Cost. When cost is examined the common thought is a phone system is too expensive. When you add up the associated costs of not upgrading or not having a new system put in, you find yourself adding up huge numbers for upkeep, maintenance and service. A new service is streamlined and ready to go. Also, try finding a repair person for older and antiquated systems. Like makes of buggy whips, they are not easy to find. Myth #4 We want to go wireless only. This is a common trap in today’s world, what with the presence and use of smartphones seemingly everywhere. While the smartphones are incredibly useful for mobile employees, they are not practical for interoffice use as there is no oversight for control. Having a hardwire system keeps you above the field by simple lieu of the added base of operations. Keep the mobile use for the mobile employees. Myth #5 Small businesses don’t need fancy systems. This seems like it makes sense, yet it does not hold up. Even small businesses benefit greatly from the addition of a hard phone system.

Businesses are increasingly switching over to VoIP for a variety of reasons. Business phone systems are starting to rely more on Internet Protocol networks to support their phone, video conference, data, and and wireless needs. The networks are cheaper, more efficient, and allow for much easier access remotely, allowing for more flexible system.

Flexibility is key in the business world. Compared to a regular system of landlines, VoIP allows for all communication systems to be easily combined in the cloud. Those who rely on different devices can sync them into the network and work remotely from any location. For those traveling on business, or needing to work after hours, employees can connect to the business phone network and receive correspondence as if they were in the physical location. The flexibility of the VoIP allows for small business owners to constantly be tuned into their business phone network regardless of physical location.

Another benefit comes in the form of savings. Regardless of business size, setting up a VoIP has been shown to save large amounts of money as compared to traditional landlines. Having all communication systems in a singular data cloud greatly cuts operational costs. For smaller business owners, the savings can be great because of the ease of upgrading to VoIP, and the relative lack of internal resources needed to maintain the network. Business owners with more than one office will especially benefit, as every office can be unified under one hosted network.

Disasters can happen in business, but VoIPs allow for potential problems to be easier dealt with. Whereas a landline can be knocked out completely, if a VoIP is knocked offline, it is easy to switch to an emergency line, allowing the network to get back up quickly. In addition, much of the data can be backed up on the cloud, meaning that if need be, any old information can be pulled back up, thus reducing risk.

VoIPs come equipped with many features allowing for customization and flexibility when setting up the network. The ease of utilizing the network allows for small business owners to maximize productivity by customizing the network to their business needs, allowing for use anywhere. In addition, the business owner can watch the network closely and tweak it to the business’ needs.

There are a couple of criteria that business owners should be aware of when searching for a VoIP provider. First and foremost, you need to make sure that the network can handle the amount of telephone systems that you currently have and whether it is flexible enough to handle increases to the system if your business needs change. For smaller business owners hoping to expand in the future, it is important to have a VoIP system in place that can handle potential increases.

Choosing what type of VoIP can be difficult, but the type of business should be a determinant. Employees constantly on the move should opt for a remote access network whereas location independence offers more options to customers and employees.

Your telephone system is the link that ties your customers, vendors and employees together, so it’s understandable that choosing the right telephone system is a top priority for your business. A dysfunctional phone system can cause financial and logistical nightmares. So, how do you choose the right phone system? Here is a checklist that will guide you through the phone system selection process.

1. Determine your current business phone system needs

Each business has different needs and customer expectations. Will your employees spend a bulk of their phone time sitting at their desk, or do they complete their work in the field? Consider the size and budget of your business. For some businesses, cellphones and remote access are a must. Other businesses rely on traditional desk phones, or even PC communication.

If your business has multiple locations, this should be factored in to your decision making process. Today’s VolP (Voice over Internet Protocol) systems allow you to make calls over a broadband internet connection, making communicating easier than ever before. By utilizing this technology, multiple business sites can be connected and work as one. How this service is hosted will depend on how your business is set up.

2. Account for growth

As your business grows, will your phone system be prepared to handle your expanding needs? Will your system accommodate all of your staff? Do you plan to move, or add a new business location? Plan for the future by assessing your staffing plan and determining which team members will need a phone in the coming months and years. When you choose a phone system without considering your business’s future growth, you’ll likely soon find yourself dealing with a system that doesn’t meet your needs.

3. Consider your Preferences

Take the time to consider which features fall into your “needs” and “wants” categories. Some businesses prefer utilizing a receptionist, while others prefer an auto-attendant option. Think about features such as conference calling, call forwarding and voice mail and decide which options are must-haves for your business.

4. Compare your options

Phone system options are vast. Check out the equipment before purchasing a system to determine how difficult features are to program and what your maintenance requirements will be. Choose a system that is user-friendly and will be compatible with the needs of your employees.

Choosing the right phone system is an important business decision. With a little research, you can pick a phone system that meets all of your business needs.

Acquiring a phone system requires substantial financial investment hence adequate budgeting is required. The cost relates to upfront costs and other components like:

• Installation fee
• Cost of actual phone system and base system
• Maintenance charges
• Cost of supporting the system
• Services and Training
• Phone system Add-ons like CTI and auto- attendant
• Cost saving and  employee productivity

The choice of a phone system and the number of staffs determines the overall cost.

1. Choice of vendor

A safe and reliable provider is important when choosing where to buy your phone system. Identify many suppliers and choose the best one basing on:

• Whether they offer free installation and training
• Their support system services should be 24/7
• Ability to update their software and hardware regularly to maintain efficiency in your phone system.
• A vendor who can offer a demo before you buy the actual system
• One with previous customers particularly those with similar requirements as your needs.

Conduct extensive background research to make sure that the vendor is registered, legitimate and experienced. Customer reviews and feedback are also important.

2. Simplicity and mobility

Remember, not all your employees are knowledgeable about IT. Choose a system that is easy to use and manage to save money on employee training required with complex systems. Mobility can enable employees to work from any remote location. Features like voicemail to email, online fax and web conferencing are ideal in such situations

Business phone systems are increasingly becoming a part of a converged network which uses an Internet Protocol network to support voice, data, wireless, instant messaging, video conferencing and other critical communication applications. Compared to the effort and investment required to manage separate network, business phone system which allows remote access proves to be efficient and economical.

The business world appreciates flexibility in the working environment. A business phone system can use the power of cloud to unify all communication channels effortlessly. For business professionals who need to travel or do work from different locations, business phone systems powered by VoIP is of great help. With a model which facilitates remote access to your phone system, your employees can do work from home without any impact to critical business communication. When your employees are travelling, they can still connect to the company’s phone network and hence there won’t be a need to constantly check voice messages of your company’s telephone inbox.

With its wide range of features and capabilities, one can customize them as per their need and thereby make the best use of remote access business phone systems. By providing a seamless access to the company’s phone system, one can improve business productivity by allowing business as usual irrespective of the location. One doesn’t need to implement a business phone system for each business location, rather make use of a single hosted network and provide access to all the locations. Not only does it simplify communication with vendors and customers but also reduced operating costs and ensure big savings.

When you search for a provider, you need to focus on two aspects viz. whether the network can accommodate the number of telephone systems needed for your business requirements and whether it can be easily scaled up to allow more users based on your business need. A hosted business phone system helps in disaster creovery which is an important part of risk mitigation efforts of any business organization. In case of any disruption, you can quickly switch to an emergency telephone hardware and get the hosted network up thereby causing minimal impact to your business.

It’s easy to be overwhelmed with the technology currently available in market and the part is that one can choose according to their business requirements and budget. Location independence offers better flexibility and creates more business opportunities for everyone that includes customers, vendors and business organizations. A remote access system offers the best solution for employees who need to communicate while on the move. Different teams like the sales team, logistic support team and the project managers need constant access to the company network which is made possible with Business phone systems.