The word “telephone” has become outdated. Mobile, cell, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) —these are buzzwords in the communications industry today as consumers embrace the ability to be anywhere and everywhere while staying connected.
Today’s business class phone systems make this possible with options designed to ring you at home, the office or while away. And there’s also the evolution of the computer as a tool for not only administrative functions such as billing, but also expediting phone calls by way of cutting-edge click-to-dial applications, says Debra Wakeley, director of product management, Time Warner Cable Business Class.
“The lines between using a cell phone and landline are starting to blur,” says Wakeley. “We see increasing demand for wireless, and a demand for mobility and the ability to work wherever you are to answer the important call and close that deal.”
Mobility is just the beginning. Businesses today can function more efficiently and effectively with phone systems that provide more features and more control, and can be accessed from any computer.
Smart Business spoke with Wakeley about the evolution of phone service and the newest features that are available to help businesses take their communications to the next level.
What phone features are available to provide flexibility and mobility for businesses?
As the lines between mobile and landline phones blur, systems such as ‘remote office’ are in development to allow a person to tell the system where calls should be directed, to wherever they may be — be it a cell phone, home office, corporate office or vacation home. Not only are calls directed to the assigned phone, all outgoing calls appear as if they are being dialed out from the office line, regardless of the originating call location.
This feature is similar to another convenience, the find-me-follow-me feature, which is a call-forwarding function in which the phone system rings all of your lines in sequential order or at the same time.
This can be combined with a remote office service for optimum mobility.
What other phone system features are making life easier for business users?
The line between computer and phone service is blurring as the computer has evolved into a platform for phone systems. For example, an application called Voice Manager allows you to make changes to your phone service from any Internet-connected computer.
If you have auto attendant, you can modify how calls are answered and where they are directed through your computer. Essentially, the computer can be used to control phone features at your convenience. You can view your bill, your call history, etc. This is especially convenient for businesses that need 24/7 access to phone system information.
In the future, you’ll see greater availability of click-to-dial applications that allow you to generate and receive calls from your computer, tablet or smart phone.
