Utilizing Technology Services for Business and School District Communications Efforts

Although the nation’s economy is slowly improving, businesses and school districts across the U.S. are continuing to look for the best ways to reduce costs while increasing operational efficiencies. Companies and schools often look first for improvements to their information technology systems, and leverage technology to build a stronger bottom line.

Many businesses and school districts are saving money by moving to Hosted IP PBX phone systems, otherwise known as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems. As the name suggests, Hosted PBX (News - Alert) equipment is” hosted” by the service provider and all communication is routed through that provider to and from a company’s site. The IP phone registers across an Internet connection rather than traditional telephone lines. In addition, the VoIP system records the call information, assigns extension numbers, provides caller ID and much more.

Many local telephony service providers are certified E-Rate vendors and employ certified specialists that are trained to assist with E-Rate funding. E-Rate funds were established as part of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 with the express purpose of providing affordable access to telecommunications services for all eligible schools and libraries, particularly those in rural and economically disadvantaged areas.

For example, multiple Indiana school districts have now opted to make the switch to Hosted PBX phone systems, in part, because of the federal monies they could leverage. School corporations are challenged, specifically in rural districts, to establish easy and effective communication lines between schools and district administration buildings, all while operating within lean and disappearing budgets. Districts’ ability to use E-Rate funding to gain better phone services and systems from communications service providers creates a safer, more efficient environment for students and faculty.

Housed in a highly secure data center, Hosted PBX systems can be leased on a monthly basis, eliminating the need to buy expensive equipment and thereby preserving precious business capital. Not only are the services substantially less expensive for usage charges, equipment maintenance, internal power management and more, but they are scalable for company and employee growth. Unlike traditional PBX systems, additional extensions are unlimited, inexpensive, and immediately available without additional PBX hardware purchases or installations.

Hosted PBX phone systems are revolutionizing the communications landscape for businesses of all sizes. By implementing the technology, businesses can streamline interactions with customers and vendors, improve employee productivity, enhance call flows and increase operational efficiencies. Additionally, Hosted PBX systems offer an instant return on investment by eliminating the need for up-front capital, reducing the overhead of internal support and reducing or eliminating move, add or change orders. 

Each Hosted PBX comes with an easy-to-execute plan of action for events or emergencies that warrant the need for increased physical security. Once a business experiences the cost savings associated with a VoIP system (in addition to the ease of installation, implementation and training) they will recognize the Hosted PBX phone system provides more options for their business to be successful, and allows employees to be more productive.

While the benefits of a Hosted PBX platform are numerous, here are the top five to consider when evaluating your communication needs:

1.       Resiliency: Since the Hosted PBX software will reside in a secure data center, there is no need to worry about power outages and network failures as phone calls can be easily redirected to another office, branch or an employees’ mobile or home phone.

2.       Cost efficiency: Hosted PBX applications offer a feature-rich phone system without the need for a large capital investment in expensive PBX equipment. VoIP telephones are more easily rolled into the monthly payment structure and allow the customer a no-money down alternative. 

3.       Feature rich: Hosted PBX systems provide all standard PBX functions plus fully integrated enhanced features, such as unified messaging, conferencing, advanced call reporting and seamless mobile integration.

4.       Flexibility: With a Hosted PBX, customers can easily upgrade, add or remove extensions, administer voice mail, call flows and add additional features. A Hosted PBX also enables telecommuting employees to appear as though they are in the office. 

5.       Scalability: A Hosted PBX system offers virtually unlimited scalability. As customers grow, they can simply add additional users to the platform without the need to contract for additional cabling and phone jack moves, eliminating the need for assistance from outside technicians.

With its powerful capabilities, ease of use and low cost of entry, a Hosted PBX creates a strong value proposition for every organization and school district. Operating and strengthening a business and district in this economic environment is challenging enough.  That’s why companies and schools are off-loading communications needs and management, all while saving up to 40 percent in telephony monthly costs.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO West 2011, taking place Sept. 13-15, 2011, in Austin, Texas. ITEXPO (News - Alert) offers an educational program to help corporate decision makers select the right IP-based voice, video, fax and unified communications solutions to improve their operations. It's also where service providers learn how to profitably roll out the services their subscribers are clamoring for – and where resellers can learn about new growth opportunities. To register, click here.