You may have read about “Cross Channel” or “Cross Device” Communications. Many Telecoms and IT companies are making some noise about this. But what is it? How will you benefit? Will it make your life easier, or is it just more jargon floating around trying to get your attention?
Well, you’ll be pleased to know that, as with most technologies, it has the potential to improve your life. You may need to adjust a little, but it should prove well worth it.
With VoIP telecoms, it is possible to deliver your communications over a range of devices. You can use a range of devices to suit your individual requirements.
For instance, many in a work environment like to have a traditional-style phone on their desk. VoIP can work with this. Within our own customer base at SureVoIP we have many companies using VoIP to service a ‘traditional’ style set up. (You can see some examples of VoIP deskphones here – https://www.surevoip.co.uk/store/voip-desk-ip-phones).
Simple isn’t a problem – your system with us can be as complicated or as simple as you like. If you just want one incoming phone number to ring through to phones on desks we can do this. Alternatively, if you want a more advanced set up, with a menu for callers to select options from, and an order of preference regarding who answers calls, then we can do this too. Advanced isn’t a problem either.
The purpose of this article is to introduce the idea of using different devices withinyour telecoms set up. The set up of a mobile separate to your desk phone, and work phones sitting in your office, isn’t compulsory any more. You have many more options when using VoIP.
Softphone Apps mean you can effectively carry your business phone with you, wherever you go. Simply by downloading an app you can use your mobile as part of an existing phone system. You can make and receive calls using your company number, transfer calls to colleagues, play pre-recorded messages, and more. Your smartphone becomes an extension of your office phone set up – you are effectively carrying a whole phone system (or access to it at least) in your pocket.
So, we have now touched on deskphones and smartphones, and found they can be brought together in the context of your business telecoms.
We can also add a Desktop PC into this mix. Most people have to use a computer when at work. Let’s face it, they are essential for even simple tasks. Emailing, invoicing, creating documents and spreadsheets. These are all essential tasks, and all require a computer. You are sitting in front of one right now! (Unless you are reading this on your smartphone or tablet). Now we have reconciled ourselves to having them sitting on our desks, we can explore how to use them most effectively. An app running on a desktop PC gives the same functionality as the smartphone app discussed previously.
Many people who make and receive a lot of calls as part of their role find a Desktop PC app handy. It cuts down on the hardware on their desk, and means calling someone is no more than a few mouse clicks away.
So we now have more integration between your office deskphone, your own smartphone and your work PC. Of course, you don’t have to integrate all devices if you don’t want to. We are not trying to force your work life into your personal life. But, if you want to integrate the two, the options are there. Many small business owners and Sole Traders are using a more integrated framework, and through this add value to their business via maximising their telecoms. Missed calls are minimised. Answered calls are treated to business-grade phone services, with Music on Hold and call routing mirroring a larger scale set up*.
So, to summarise. The equipment, knowledge and support are all in place to allow a business-grade telecoms experience across your devices. How far you want to integrate your comms is entirely up to you. In the case of smaller companies in particular, it can prove extremely beneficial.
Get in touch to find out how we can help
See here for softphone apps
* Features of SureVoIP’s Hosted services