Seamless Remote Operations with Local VoIP Solutions
Bruce D Kuehn
When business owners venture into the realm of Voice over IP (VoIP), commonly known as VoIP, they often encounter a myriad of choices that can seem overwhelming. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, with many companies scrambling to enable remote work for their employees, VoIP emerged as a valuable tool. Those who had already transitioned found it easy to take their office phones home and maintain normal calling operations. They could utilize features such as extension status lights, call transfers, paging, conference calls, and caller ID presentation, just as they would in the office.
However, those who hadn’t made the switch were compelled to forward company calls to personal cell phones, leading to various issues. These included limitations on simultaneous call forwards imposed by phone carriers, potential privacy breaches from caller ID revealing personal numbers, callers encountering busy signals, or business calls redirecting to personal voicemail.
While large national providers like Comcast, Suddenlink/Altice, and AT&T, as well as others such as Ring Central, Vonage, and Ooma, offer their services, there’s merit in the “Buy Local” mantra promoted by Chambers of Commerce nationwide. Opting for a local provider presents several advantages.
Large national companies often face bureaucratic hurdles that hinder swift action, exacerbated by the current pandemic. In contrast, local companies can typically set up systems within days. National providers often rely on clients to install equipment themselves, offering remote technical support, while local providers usually send technicians for installation and personalized training. They are more flexible in troubleshooting, often conducting on-site visits for issue resolution.
A reputable local VoIP company should:
- Conduct a Network Quality Assessment (NQA) at your site before installation to ensure a smooth transition.
- Coordinate with your business’s IT personnel.
- Hold a meeting or conference call to discuss system requirements, including ringing assignments, button configurations, necessary features, and recommendations.
- Install and test equipment on-site.
- Provide training for staff or send a dedicated trainer.
- Offer on-site support during initial operation.
- Allow a grace period before charging for major system changes.
If you’re experiencing issues with a national VoIP provider, consider seeking assistance from a local provider. Many problems stem from network setup rather than the carrier itself. Local providers can often troubleshoot network issues and offer more affordable and flexible services.
The need for remote work solutions isn’t limited to pandemics; natural disasters or personal circumstances can also necessitate remote work arrangements. Considering the benefits of remote work technology, it’s worth engaging with a local provider. Just like locally sourced produce, the results will likely be satisfying.