Do VoIP-Enabled Offices Even Need Handsets? – TSI Article

“Follow-me” features from VoIP vendors have revolutionized modern business telecommunications. Internet-based phone solutions allow office workers to answer one phone number from multiple devices. This allows companies to reduce costs and increase efficiency. But for all its certainties, VoIP may have you questioning one thing. Do you even need office phones any more?

Question #1: How often would employees answer work numbers from their mobile devices if you purchased desktop phones?

We’ve all been there, you see a great new feature and jump to the conclusion that you don’t need legacy technology. Just because call-forwarding and follow-me features are convenient, doesn’t mean you should use them exclusively. If employees would use desktop phones for more than half of their calls, you don’t want to skimp on handsets.

Question #2: Do your employees ever take calls from their personal numbers?

If employees are already handing out personal numbers to customers and clients, the transition to taking work calls on their mobile device is far more likely to go smoothly. If not, you need to clarify what’s expected of employees during off hours before making the decision to go 100% mobile.

Question #3: How much texting, emailing, and messaging do employees do from their personal mobile devices?

How much business is already taking place on mobile devices will play a big factor in transitioning to a mobile. If your team is taking calls at their desk, but sending the majority of their text-based correspondence from mobile devices, getting rid of desktop phones may actually be a more streamlined approach.

Question #4: Do you want employees to focus on desktop integrations during calls?

Don’t forget the profitable ways you can integrate a desktop phone with customer relationship management software, productivity tools, and call tracking. Most of these won’t be as effective when 100% of calls are taken from a mobile device.

Question #5: Does your company have a mobile device management system in place?

Unless your organization already has a full-fledged BYOD plan, it’s not prepared for the  security risks associated with connecting your business data to your employees’ personal devices. In an all-mobile environment, every single employee device would need to be set up with a personal profile and work profile. This is set to keep the two data streams separate and secure.

Question #6: What are employee experiences with call quality on mobile devices?

Preconceived notions from employees about VoIP call quality can play a tremendous part in a mobile device transition. If devices are older, there may be problems with getting the most out of your VoIP solution. Even if your organization is providing the mobile devices, employees may still be looking to complain to colleagues, and customers. Examples include complaints about the “reduction” in call quality — even if there’s none to speak of.

The sexiest answer isn’t always the right one when it comes to technology. Going all-in on a mobile call strategy may sound great as a headline, but it’s not a project to be taken lightly. If it still sounds worth it you, we’re the team to make it happen. Contact us at 336-776-0060 today to get started.