Eric Altman

Editorial

Choosing between a cloud-based or on-premises phone system depends on individual needs and preferences. Traditionally, PBX systems were on-premises, requiring physical connections. With VoIP, calls could still be on-premises but carried over the internet. The cloud offers freedom from server maintenance, disaster avoidance, and cost savings through a monthly subscription. However, on-premises systems offer ownership, security within a local network, and potential cost benefits over time.

Editorial

VoIP carries voice over the Internet, using SIP trunks or IP phones connected to an IP PBX. These solutions offer flexibility, cost savings, and improved call quality. SIP trunks provide quick setup and flexible pricing plans. The IP PBX is essential for leveraging 21st-century technology. Choosing the right vendors is crucial for time-saving, increased productivity, and improved business practices.

Editorial

In the world of telephone systems, deciding on extra features involves careful consideration. Many systems share similar features, with users often utilizing less than 50 percent. For example, call recording aids in monitoring and dispute resolution. ACD/Call Center functionality benefits businesses routing calls to groups. Some features cater to specific industries, like 'find me follow me' for diverse call routing. In telecom, it's not just about features winning deals but applications winning customers.

Editorial

Remote work, fueled by cloud computing, is changing how we connect beyond traditional offices. Telephones remain vital, demanding solutions beyond basic call forwarding. Emulating extensions, with call control functions, becomes essential for effective remote communication. Options like home IP phones and softphones blur the line between office and remote work. The emphasis is on replicating a seamless phone experience in the era of flexible work arrangements.

Editorial

While today’s PBX community agrees hosted is the way to go, rather than on-premises, the decision doesn’t end there. It used to be our customers were comparing our features and cost benefits with other on-premises systems to reach a final decision about which to purchase. Today, the same is true for the plethora of hosted systems out there.

Editorial

What next? Enter Hosted IP PBX. This is where all your calls are sent to the hosting server, which is now where all of the magic happens: four-digit dialing, music on hold, transfers, conferences…you no longer need any premise equipment, there’s no complicated setup or ongoing maintenance, no time-consuming and costly upgrades, it’s just simply services and features delivered via the Internet (SIP trunks) back to your office. Wait, this sounds kind of familiar…

Editorial

Before there were computers, email, document sharing, instant messaging and mobile devices, the telephone was critical to the workplace, and it still is. Business telephone systems have been around for a long time, and we’ve all gotten used to listening to auto attendants and making our choices on a touch-tone keypad. We know pressing 123 gets us to the person whose extension is 123; if they’re not in the office, voicemail kicks in, but we can’t rely on just voicemails when we’re working remotely. Some conversations need to take place right then and there – some issues can’t be left in the purgatory of voicemail tag.

Announcement

Boston, MA and London, UK — (July 16th, 2020) — UC-Reseller, Voice and Messaging Solutions Distributor and SIP Trunking Provider, and SIP Server Software Developer Vodia Networks today announced a strategic partnership that establishes UC-Reseller as an officially approved SIP Trunk Provider listed within the Vodia PBX. Resellers and MSPs in the UK can now utilize UC-Reseller’s certified SIP Trunking services for voice calls as an integrated and compliant solution.

Announcement

Boston, MA and London, UK – (August 5th, 2020) – UC – Reseller, Voice and Messaging Solutions Distributor and SIP Trunking Provider, and SIP Server Software Developer Vodia Networks today announced a strategic partnership that establishes UC-Reseller as Vodia’s Preferred Distributor within the UK markets. Resellers and MSPs in the UK can now directly connect with UC-Reseller for all their Vodia requirements. This brings a local UK presence for all things Vodia, including hardware, software, support, certified SIP Trunks and even certified Vodia system training. Vodia is proud to offer a customized webinar series to all UC-Reseller partners along with the benefits of the Vodia Partner Program membership.

Announcement

UC-247 will allow resellers to advertise their Vodia PBX offering on their website, and whilst the prospective client is in the purchasing mode, enable them to complete a few simple steps, all maintaining the Reseller brand, using the resellers set pricing, and their terms and conditions. Once completed the system will take initial payment by Debit/Credit Card and set up a recurring monthly Direct Debit (both using the reseller’s payment gateways). The platform immediately provisions the PBX, Domain, SSL Certificate, DNS, Extensions, SIP Trunks, Hunt Groups, Dial Plans, DIDs, Number Purchases, Number Porting, all without any work from the reseller.

Editorial

The Vodia PBX includes the most complete suite of robust business telephony features for on-premises and cloud-based telephony, including auto attendant, SMS, paging, separation of personal and work calls, conference calls, call recording, desktop, and mobile apps, CRM integration, and Microsoft Teams integration.

Editorial

If you’re an SME and you’re looking to enable your team to work from anywhere, there are a number of things you’ll need to get started, or to improve whatever systems you already have in place. The first place to start is VoIP telephony.

Announcement

67.0 is the evolution of version 66.0: with the increasing need to work from anywhere, we made a few tweaks here and there to make working from anywhere possible and more productive.