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Voice

3 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Cloud Communications Provider

June 20, 2016 – Smart businesses everywhere have embraced the cloud as a cost-effective alternative to capex spending with on-premises hardware and software. For SMBs in particular, the cloud enables enterprise-level functionality without the associated price tag. As with all technology, however, not all cloud offerings are the same. There are literally hundreds of cloud providers, all with varying levels of abilities. Choosing the right cloud services provider for your business can be an arduous, time-consuming task—if you don’t know how to simplify the search. Reliability, security and usability all are important considerations in determining which cloud provider to use. With that in mind, here are three key questions to ask when choosing a cloud communications provider:
  1. What features does your cloud communications service offer?

    At a minimum, a cloud communications service will include voice services—calling, voice mail and possibly auto attendant. But to get the most out of what the cloud has to offer, look for a communications system that offers additional robust functionality, such as voice mail to email capabilities, for example.
A feature-rich cloud communications system, such as ShoreTel Connect CLOUD, also includes features such as:
  • VoIP call control
  • Mobility apps
  • Instant messaging
  • Audio and web conferencing
  • Video calling
  • Online meeting collaboration with web share capabilities
  • A feature-rich client interface
Such additional functionality can help your employees achieve higher productivity while being able to work wherever they are, and help your company establish a deeper connection with its customers.
  1. What security controls does your cloud communications service have in place?

    Cloud communications, like any other cloud service, is only as secure as the security measures that surround it. At a minimum, a cloud communications service should have protection against malware, data breaches and service hijacking—all of which are very real threats.
ShoreTel Connect CLOUD combats cloud security issues in the following ways:
  • Session border controllers, which enforce security, quality of service and admission control mechanisms over the VoIP service and include firewall protection
  • End-to-end encryption protects IP voice against unauthorized recording, playback and other forms of electronic snooping.
  • Full API catalog, so users don’t have to rely on third-party APIs that might contain malicious code
  • Strong password policies to help prevent unauthorized access to the system
  • Fraud monitoring to detect and shut down potential fraud early
  • State-of-the-art data center to ensure the highest level of security
  1. What type of infrastructure is supporting the cloud communications service?

    Most cloud service providers have carrier-grade infrastructure that ensures minimal downtime even in the face of disaster. Be sure to ask the cloud service provider about its service level agreements and policies for ensuring uptime, as well as its backup services to protect against data loss.
Choosing the right cloud communications service for your company is easy when you know what to ask. Keep security, reliability and usability in mind when vetting cloud services providers and you’ll make short work of an otherwise arduous task.
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UCaaS
So you’re considering making the move, and you know that your competitors may already be ahead of you, but did you know 74% of companies are already evaluating Unified Communications (UC) in the cloud? Additionally 51% of companies plan to increase their cloud spending in 2016. It’s not just any cloud phone system that you need – you need a cloud system and provider that gives you the speed and agility to drive more business, gives you advanced capabilities, and isn’t complicated. Well, that solution is at the tip of your fingertips, and all you need to do is reach out and grab it. Staying competitive is inherent in what you do with your own solutions. Now it’s time to advance your competitive position through your phone system. You’ll increase employee productivity, have an OpEx model with predictably low monthly fees, agility, advanced capabilities, and enterprise mobility.
Here are 3 mission critical reasons that you should be doing something:

1.      Speed and agility matter.

Being a leader means many things, but especially agility and speed. Smart shoppers, who are ready to purchase, are contacting multiple providers, often making a purchase decision before you have a chance to respond. Don’t let an unanswered call, the fact that a sales rep is out of the office, or a whole slew of other reasons cause you a lost sale. Bottom line, speed and agility drive business.

2.      Your competitors are adopting change and growing.

From faster decision making to fewer blocked calls, the cloud gives you the power to succeed. What if you could determine who is immediately available, in the office, or on the road? Further, what if you could connect that person to the customer seamlessly? Insights into call hold times, and calls that couldn’t get through keep you informed and ahead. Think about it – how are you going to run a business if your customers can’t reach you because your phones are down?

3.      It’s really not complicated.

Do you remember moving to Office 365 or hosted email? Probably not, because it wasn’t difficult. Moving your phone system to the cloud is not like opening an online storefront, which even these days, isn’t that complex. Move now – you won’t look back or regret a minute of it. The solution that’s in the palm of your hands is ShoreTel Connect CLOUD, and here’s why:
Maintain your leadership position
ShoreTel’s end-to-end solution gives you easy provisioning, business continuity, security, bundled with premium customer service. ShoreTel’s streamlined, all-in-one, communications solution is a convenient, intuitive, low-maintenance solution that end users will quickly adopt.
Drive growth through advanced capabilities
Get a complete end-to-end solution, with phones, software, security, unified communications applications, contact center, and mobility. You also get a dedicated expert – someone with rock-solid IP phone experience. ShoreTel Connect CLOUD is an enterprise-class solution that is stable, and gives you visibility into any service interruptions, outages, and operational information.
You have superior security and control built in
With ShoreTel’s brilliantly simple service plan and a simple user interface, your cloud UC solution is more secure than any other option available today. By moving to ShoreTel’s Connect CLOUD you won’t be left behind – possibly losing deals, and your competitive advantage. Shouldn’t you explore through us, as a trusted partner, how ShoreTel Connect CLOUD can transform your business? Give us a call today, and learn why moving your phone system to the cloud is the right choice for your business. Call us at 630-577-2680.
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