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Hosted VoIP: Full Service vs. Self Service

Posted by Mark Greim on May 20, 2015 11:21:10 AM

One of the big debates between providers of Hosted VoIP services centers around whether to off source account servicing to the customer or deliver account maintenance activity as a part of the service.  In either case, it can be a point of differentiation.

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Tags: Changing Phone Service Providers, Phone System Administration

Business Choose Hosted VoIP and Get Out of the Phone Business

Posted by Mark Greim on Apr 15, 2011 9:00:00 AM

More businesses are making the move to a hosted digital phone service platform and freeing themselves from the costs associated with maintaining their phone system.  Cloud computing and other hosted applications are making their way into the norm as businesses look for ways to refine their cost structure and minimize investments with a high potential for technical obsolescence.  Phone systems fit into this decision trend in many ways.

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Tags: Technology in Business, Benefits of VoIP, Phone System Administration

Consider Hosted VoIP to Lessen Phone Administration

Posted by Mark Greim on Jan 25, 2011 5:12:00 PM

Many businesses are turning to a Hosted VoIP solution to free themselves from the costs of administering their phone service.  These costs come from a variety of sources, whether it is in-house technician time or vendor-based phone equipment services.  All can be virtually eliminated with the selection of the right hosted VoIP service provider for your business.

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Tags: Hosted VoIP, Phone System Administration

sipVine Blog | Why Pay for Phone System Administration?

Posted by Mark Greim on Jun 16, 2010 11:05:00 AM

Many small businesses pay for each time they make adjustments to their phone system.  At sipVine, normal volumes of moves, adds, and changes are included in the monthly phone service charge.

When companies have a need to move phones, add or change employees, or make changes in their call flow or configuration, they typically need to engage the services of their equipment vendor or a phone service vendor to make these changes.  Thus, they enter into service agreements, pay trip charges, or incur per hour charges to implement these basic and sometimes routine adjustments.

sipVine’s Hosted VoIP Service includes the central administration of our customers’ phone system, with up to ten moves, adds, and changes included in our monthly service rate. Rarely does a customer need more than ten changes to be made in a month and most, if not all, changes can be administered without an on-site service call.

One of the inherent benefits of a hosted VoIP platform is that the phone system is centralized in our secure data facility off site.  This allows us to remotely make any changes a customer may need.   Simple things, like moving a phone to another office or location (even an external location), only require the customer to plug the phone into their Ethernet connection or active internet connection and the phone automatically registers. 

More complicated changes, like changes in call flow or the activation of previously unused features, such as call park or paging, can also be administered remotely.  Thus, customers are free to adjust their communication processes to how it best serves their business without any concern over the cost of making such changes.

Finally, major changes, like moving the entire office to a new location, do not generate charges that typically are experienced with the moving of a phone system.  The new location needs to be built out for their LAN needs and the phones simply need to be moved to the new location and plugged in! We are happy to work with our customers to establish a move routine that does not generate any down time associated with their moves.

How refreshing and simple is that?  Call us to find out more!   

 

About the author:  Mark Greim is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at  sipVine a provider of a variety of  digital phone solutions  and services. Mark has extensive experience working for start-up or entrepreneurial organizations and a passion for affordable, reliable, and purposeful technology solutions in those environments. 
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Tags: Hosted VoIP, Phone System Administration

How can VoIP Phone Service Technology Manage your Call Flow?

Posted by Mark Greim on Jun 7, 2010 11:54:00 AM

The right VoIP phone service provider can configure your business phone traffic patterns for how you do business, thus improving your efficiency and customer communications. There are several options a business can deploy:

·    Incoming Line Options – The first variable in custom programming is determining how incoming calls to a company’s main line are handled.  If an automated attendant is not utilized, phone calls can be directed to a receptionist, ring a group of people simultaneously, enter a call queue, or be programmed to roll from selected individuals as desired.

·   Time of Day Call Schedules – Businesses can choose to program call routing schedules based upon the time of day.  The best example is before and after hours of operation.  Businesses can have their calls directed to alternative phone numbers (answering services, cell phones, etc.) or to an after-hours auto attendant. Businesses with branch locations in multiple time zones can direct incoming calls based upon staff availability for that time of day.

·   Hunt/Ring Groups and Call Queues – You can also designate groups of people to be eligible to take a specific type of call.  For example, you may have a customer service department with multiple representatives. Your receptionist or auto attendant can send new calls into this group list, which can be programmed for simultaneous ring, hunting for the next available attendant, or in an actual queue. These can be as numerous as your business has categories for customer contact and each can be uniquely programmed for the right ring pattern for the situation.

·    Automated Attendant – Customers can be routed directly to the right group of people to meet their needs through an automated attendant.  This eliminates the need for a reception or call screening resource. There are some good guidelines to follow for effectively utilizing an auto attendant, as if it is implemented correctly, it can enhance your customer satisfaction and drive efficiency.

These are just a few of the ways a VoIP phone service provider can streamline your communication patterns.  As you evaluate providers, ensure that as a part of their installation and service that you receive this type of programming customized to how you do business!

Make every interaction with customers count with the help of sipVine's complete business communication solution! sipVine provides Hosted VoIP services to businesses across the United States. A better phone system for your small business with advanced features to match your unique business needs! Make your company's business communications better by engaging better customer experiences at every touchpoint. Want to learn more? Our small business phone service representatives are here to answer any questions you have!

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Tags: Phone System Administration, VoIP business phone services

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