Editorial

Vodia’s enterprise VoIP solution provides a versatile and scalable communications platform tailored to businesses of all sizes. The Vodia PBX enables high-quality VoIP calls, with features like scalability, robust security and a range of rich functionalities. Its adaptability across devices and cloud environments makes it highly flexible for diverse IT infrastructures. For hybrid workplaces, Vodia’s system supports multiple network interfaces, eliminating the need for VPNs by enabling seamless communication for remote and on-site staff. Integrating easily with major SIP-based devices and third-party tools Vodia helps enterprises streamline their workflows with unified communications across voice and messaging.

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The Vodia On-Premise PBX (Private Branch Exchange) is a versatile communication solution that enables businesses to manage calls efficiently within their own network. It supports various operating systems and minimizes resource use while offering features like conferencing, instant messaging, and integration with mobile and VoIP devices. This system emphasizes data privacy, allowing companies to maintain control over their information, and provides customizable options for enhanced productivity. With its robust architecture, the Vodia PBX ensures reliability and easy backups, making it an excellent choice for businesses aiming to modernize their communication infrastructure while reducing long-term costs.

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Vodia’s cloud PBX system enhances the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) function for hotels, allowing guests to manage their privacy through buttons in the room or on the phone. The system syncs with PMS for seamless functionality, enabling hotel operators to manually override DND when guests struggle to disable it. For critical situations, like room service follow-ups, the system allows specific extensions to bypass DND, ensuring guests are reachable when needed. VIP guest management features, guest-to-guest call restrictions and automatic resets upon checkout ensure privacy, security, and convenience, improving the guest experience while maintaining operational efficiency.

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Amazon's recent decision to enforce a full-time return-to-office (RTO) policy contrasts with the growing trend of remote and hybrid work. While larger companies like Amazon can afford this shift, smaller businesses benefit from flexible WFH models. Vodia PBX enables companies to thrive remotely, offering a feature-rich, cloud-based phone system that connects teams from anywhere. With seamless CRM integration and powerful communication tools, Vodia supports organizations in their digital transformation. Learn why more than half a million users worldwide trust Vodia for their business communication needs.

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Managed Service Providers (MSPs) are essential partners for Vodia, as we collaborate closely to deliver the most innovative B2B phone systems in the industry. We continuously enhance our cloud PBX platform to maintain our leadership in cloud communications, making us the ideal choice for MSPs. We focus on both our exceptional software and building strong relationships with our partners, always seeking growth opportunities for them. As customer expectations and competition increase, we suggest MSPs leverage technologies like AI, automation and enhanced security to drive growth.

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When transitioning to a new business communication system, it is essential to consider several key factors to ensure a successful shift. Start by determining your technology needs, focusing on scalability and flexibility to accommodate future growth. Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of potential systems, including installation, maintenance and overall ROI. Assess the features and integration capabilities with existing tools, as well as the user experience and training offered by vendors. Ensure the system's security and compliance with industry standards and consider the vendor's reputation and support quality.

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On-premise solutions continue to be vital for many enterprises due to their superior data security and control, essential for industries like finance and healthcare. They offer deep customization, fitting specific needs and legacy systems, and provide reliable performance, especially for latency-sensitive applications. Additionally, while cloud solutions have a pay-as-you-go model, on-premise can be more cost-effective in the long run for predictable workloads. This balance of security, customization, and cost-efficiency ensures on-premise remains a strong option amidst the growing shift to cloud services.

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Effective communication is pivotal in enhancing learning experiences. Collaboration between educators and parents fosters a positive environment for students. Amidst the digitalization of education, prioritizing #SmartCommunication is essential for seamless integration of technology into teaching and learning. As learning methods evolve, educators are transforming into facilitators, guiding learners towards acquiring, applying and sharing knowledge. The role of assessment is also evolving, emphasizing the application and utilization of knowledge. While technology shapes the future of education, personal interaction remains vital.

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Real Telecom, is a Canadian company specializing in Business Voice Communication (BVC) services. Partnering with Vodia, Real Telecom delivers cloud phone systems that enhance communication productivity for businesses across various sectors. Real Telecom's expertise spans, among others, to healthcare, manufacturing and management. In the supply chain sector, Real Telecom uses Vodia's platform to manage communication between customers and staff across different channels, resulting in both cost reduction and improved communication quality. The company emphasizes customer service and takes pride in offering BVC solutions tailored to each client's specific needs.

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How are Vodia's service provider partners gaining an edge in the competitive telecommunications market? By leveraging the innovative capabilities of Vodia, they're able to expand their market share, offer a diverse range of services and streamline their operations. As the telecommunications landscape evolves, service providers must adapt to meet the changing needs of their customers. With Vodia's robust architecture and minimal hardware requirements, service providers can ensure reliability, scalability, security and cost-effectiveness.

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In late September 2023, IDC reported significant growth in the global Unified Communications & Collaboration (UC&C) and Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) markets. UC&C encompasses solutions like Audio Conferencing, Desktop Sharing, Instant Messaging, IP Telephony, Video Conferencing, Voice, and Web Conferencing. Vodia's communication system seamlessly integrates many UC&C functionalities, enhancing collaboration, flexibility, and productivity for businesses. As a CPaaS provider, Vodia offers developers a cloud platform to add real-time communications features to their applications effortlessly.

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The real estate industry is evolving rapidly, propelled by innovative communication services that are revolutionizing property management, tenancy expansion and asset valuation. Vodia's smart communication solutions are at the forefront of this transformation, connecting real estate stakeholders with cutting-edge technology. Our comprehensive suite of connectivity and communication services is tailored to meet the diverse needs of the real estate value chain, empowering stakeholders with efficient and effective tools for seamless integration and enhanced operational efficiency.

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Effective communication is essential for building trust in healthcare, and Vodia plays a crucial role in ensuring successful digitalization efforts. At the DMEA trade fair, several pivotal themes emerge that hold significant importance for advancing digitalization in healthcare. From AI integration to cloud-based solutions, Vodia's platform empowers healthcare providers to streamline processes and enhance patient care. Discover Vodia's offerings and learn how we can support your digital healthcare initiatives.

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Why is voice communication still a cornerstone in the digital age, amidst the myriad of communication channels available? Voice communication not only fosters stronger social bonds but also builds trust and connection with brands. It remains one of the critical channels of choice for consumers, ranking second only to email. Voice is immediate and provides a human touch, making it indispensable in customer service. In professional settings, especially with dispersed workforces, voice and video calls play a vital role in facilitating collaboration and maintaining connection. Whether entirely on-site, hybrid or fully remote, telephony serves as the cornerstone of communication systems.

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Vodia software transforms various devices into communication endpoints, seamlessly integrating text messaging capabilities for SMBs and enterprises. Partnering with industry leaders like QuestBlue and peoplefone, Vodia now provides turnkey solutions for MSPs, streamlining voice and SMS communication. Text messaging proves indispensable, offering instant connectivity, enhanced customer engagement, and cost-effective communication. With benefits ranging from appointment reminders to mobile marketing opportunities, businesses can leverage text messaging to stay relevant and connected in today's digital landscape.

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With cybersecurity threats on the rise, companies are increasingly turning to passwordless technologies for enhanced protection. At Vodia, we're at the forefront of this revolution, offering innovative passkey solutions that not only boost security but also streamline user experiences. Our passkeys eliminate the need for users to create and remember passwords, significantly reducing the risk of breaches. With passkeys, accessing your business communications is simpler and safer than ever before. Say goodbye to the hassle of password management and hello to a more secure future with Vodia.

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In today's rapidly changing business landscape, Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) face unique challenges magnified by the COVID-19 pandemic. The importance of technology in helping SMBs navigate these challenges and drive growth cannot be emphasized enough. Explore the essential components of an effective technology roadmap tailored to SMBs' needs, from leveraging cloud-based solutions to integrating innovative communication systems. This enables SMBs to streamline operations, enhance productivity, and achieve their business objectives in the face of evolving challenges.

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Set sail for unparalleled cruise experiences with the Vodia Maritime Communication Servers (VMCS). As cruise lines navigate the vast oceans, efficient and uninterrupted onboard communication is paramount. Our VMCS guarantees seamless connectivity at sea, offering advanced features like satellite internet access and robust data security. From personalized passenger communication to enhanced entertainment options, VMCS ensures that cruise lines can meet the demands of modern travelers while prioritizing safety and cybersecurity. Elevate your cruise experience with VMCS and embark on unforgettable journeys across the seas.

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Vodia redefines B2B platforms with its seamless integration solutions. Vodia's complementary services facilitate effortless connections to communication systems, amplifying efficiency and refining workflows. Whether it's interfacing with industry-leading software providers, bridging with Microsoft Teams, or integrating chatbots, Vodia ensures comprehensive compatibility. Communication becomes the catalyst for streamlined processes, catapulting businesses into a realm of heightened productivity. Embrace the future with Vodia, where innovation and integration converge to shape a transformative business landscape.

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Vodia's specialized phone system for healthcare optimizes communication, reducing wait times and simplifying staff tasks while ensuring data security under HIPAA and GDPR regulations. With features like appointment scheduling and Smart Fax, it enhances patient care and streamlines operations. Its flexible integration options make it a cost-effective solution for telemedicine, supported by a team of experts committed to delivering excellence in healthcare communication solutions.

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The transition to hybrid work models, alongside the ongoing work-from-home trend, is reshaping traditional office dynamics. CEOs are increasingly recognizing the importance of flexibility, with CFOs anticipating continued hybrid arrangements within their organizations. Remote work, accelerated by the pandemic, is expected to endure as a lasting legacy, reshaping the way we approach work indefinitely. Adaptable telephony solutions like the Vodia Cloud Phone System facilitate seamless communication in this evolving landscape.

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Vodia's voice communication servers are the backbone of digital transformation in public services and education. Ensuring immediate and secure connections during emergencies, Vodia's technology complies with legislative mandates like Alyssa's Law. Beyond schools, Vodia's impact extends to public safety, transportation, and energy sectors, providing robust and reliable communication solutions essential for mission-critical services.

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The Short Messaging Service (SMS) is under pressure from apps that can do far more than just send messages. Despite being essential for two-factor authentication and online banking TANs, its overall importance has declined. Messenger services like WhatsApp, with over 2 billion users globally, have become the preferred choice for communication, offering text, image, and video sharing, even for calls. Concerns arise over data privacy as these apps monetize user information, contrasting with regulated local telephone companies.

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As remote work evolves, consider upgrading your telephony to the cloud with Vodia for a cost-effective solution. Vodia's OS-agnostic cloud phone system, with a decade of industry leadership, provides stability, scalability, and a rich array of features. Trusted by over half a million users worldwide, Vodia stands out as the ideal choice for SMBs and enterprises. Elevate your communication effortlessly with Vodia, the cloud solution designed for efficiency and resilience.

Editorial

In 2024, the pandemic has solidified hybrid and remote work, with one-third of American remote-capable workers now operating from home full-time. A 41% adoption of hybrid schedules was observed last year, while only 38% of companies enforce full-time in-office work. Leverage the Vodia platform for a seamless transition to a cloud PBX system, ensuring robust, secure telephony for effective collaboration, regardless of your team's location.

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In the battle against spam calls, the Vodia Phone System emerges as your defender. With an average of 17 spam calls per day in the USA, the need for robust protection is more critical than ever. Our PBX, equipped with advanced defense mechanisms, meticulously identifies and combats suspicious calls, offering tailored solutions for different scenarios. Whether it's rejecting outright, diverting to a mailbox, or initiating call screening, Vodia empowers you to take control.

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With 2 billion users, WhatsApp is transforming global communication, challenging traditional SMS. The question arises: Is WhatsApp surpassing SMS on a global scale? As businesses adopt its features, telecom and VoIP industries are undergoing a paradigm shift. Managed Service Providers (MSPs) must evolve, integrating traditional telephony with modern messaging for seamless communication. In this dynamic landscape, adaptability, integration, and cybersecurity are imperative for business success.

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In the competitive hospitality industry, Vodia's Hotel Phone System offers innovative efficiency for modern hotel management. Beyond traditional telephony, our cost-effective solution streamlines operations, reducing manual efforts and upgrading outdated PBX systems. With user-friendly interfaces and on-site support, Vodia ensures efficient system management, allowing staff to focus on exceptional services.

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Brandywine Technical Partners, a technology solutions leader in the greater Boston area, has been at the forefront of innovation for over two decades. Collaborating closely with Vodia, they have embraced SIP-based integration, transforming traditional voice systems into versatile solutions. President Yori Kasprzak praises Vodia's flexibility and open standards, emphasizing their role in campus solutions beyond voice.

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In the era of digital globalization, Managed Service Providers (MSPs) are crucial in guiding businesses toward success. With the workforce adopting hybrid environments, MSPs need to provide a complete set of services, covering anti-spam protection, cloud phone systems, and managed security. Continuously adding new services enhances the overall customer experience. By expanding into new territories across diverse industries and undertaking empowering branding initiatives, MSPs secure customer ownership and boost profit margins.

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We are nearing the end of our tenth anniversary year, and I must say it’s been quite a year. It’s been ten years of innovation in VoIP and cloud communications, and we remain at the vanguard of the industry. We founded Vodia a decade ago with a commitment to innovative software development, and this commitment has only strengthened over the past 10 years. It is the core of what we do.

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When it comes to the right telephone system, the exact ratio doesn’t even matter: the system needs to support all modes of communication. Most organizations are figuring out which mode works best for each employee, and it would be unwise to address this while installing a new system. There are users who don't like to use the app and prefer a desktop phone; other users prefer the app. And there are cases when users want both.

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PromptVoice’s Freemium model offers everything you’d expect from a classic Freemium proposition – the ability to give all customers access to basic functionality, free of charge, and then upgrade them through paid subscription packages that generate healthy incremental margin increases.

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“We were jumping on that train very early,” says Christian Stredicke, serving the MSPs, Vodia is marking a decade as a leader and pioneer in offering PBX software that effectively turns mobile phones, laptops, PCs and standard VoIP phones into clients everyone in an organization can use for communication.

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Our partner, Easy On Hold (EOH), based in Kalamazoo, MI, provides streaming music and messages on a custom marketing schedule for contact centers, enterprise-level corporations and small-medium size businesses via their phones and overhead environments. The company creates effective message on hold productions, auto attendant and IVR greetings, overhead announcements, and overhead music solutions. And they’ve got some great guidance for what to play and when for your callers during the holidays.

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Eric Altman, Sales Engineer, Vodia: I understand Vodia is reaching its 10-year anniversary. It’s a pretty significant thing. Can you go through the evolution of Vodia? Where we’ve been and, actually, where we’re going? Christian Stredicke, President and CEO, Vodia: It started much longer than ten years ago. It started in 2005 and under a different name, Pbxnsip. “PBX” for PBX, “n” for and “sip” for session initiation protocol. At that time you clearly saw the cloud already, and there was no product readily available that was ready for the cloud but was carrier-grade. There was BroadSoft and a company called Sylantro which was ultimately acquired by BroadSoft. But these were really big, big deployments. There was nothing for a small MSP so it would be able to run a small PBX in the cloud. That was the original goal, to write software that can be used by these people.

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At Vodia, we understand how important branding is to both enterprises and SMEs, and our phone system is perfect for any MSP, VAR, WISPs System Integrator and Interconnect looking to build and maintain its brand. We make it so our resellers can brand our apps, web interface and emails – it’s as easy as dropping in a logo or as in-depth as changing the web front end Email templates.

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Another factor driving hybrid and remote work is inflation, 9.1 percent in the USA as of July 2022, while many economists are pricing in a recession for the euro zone either later this year or in 2023, with inflation in the zone forecasted at 8.3 percent for this year. With the price of goods and services lofted skyward by inflation, and the average price of a gallon of gas across the USA above $4.00 per gallon, working from home gives Americans the chance to reduce the amount of money they spend on commuting and meals and other incidental costs related to working on-site every day.

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Even with so many ways to engage with a company or brand, including and particularly social media, today’s customers still prefer voice to connect with your business. So, the phone remains a core component of the customer experience, but many call centers are unaware 86 percent of their customers experience significant hold time when they do call. This is where high-value queues and on-hold content can vastly improve the customer experience.

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In tandem with our cloud PBX, the Vodia app, available for Android and iOS, neatly and simply separates private and professional conversations. The app connects to your office phone system via a QR code, which is scanned in the app – once the QR code is scanned, all of the staff member’s office settings in the PBX are now included in the smartphone OS, and anything you could have accomplished with a desk phone in the office or with the softphone on your desktop can now be done with your smartphone.

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Vodia is the platform of choice for MSP and ITSP partners. Despite its small form factor, this device runs the complete Vodia PBX software on a state-of-the-art embedded server – it’s prebuilt and ready to deploy with pre-loaded license. It’s never been this easy and inexpensive to have a professional phone system for your business. And not just any phone system, but the rock-solid, feature rich, world-class Vodia PBX. All you have to do is connect it to your router.

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The Vodia app also makes it so you can set business hours, for the entire company or for individual employees, all within the PBX. This means no one can call an employee late at night or on a weekend or holiday. This is a key requirement for many employees, who worry using their smartphones means receiving work calls at all hours.

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With all this 21st century technology and the many “work from anywhere” requirements it satisfies, what about your phone system? For many of your clients and customers, your company’s phone number is the most direct and simplest way to engage with your organization. If your system is a traditional PBX, those old-fashioned wires make it so you’re anchored to your office if you want to make and receive calls, but there’s no need for this – you can move your entire phone system to the cloud!

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The Vodia cloud PBX gives end-users the ability to service more than one caller simultaneously – it’s a native feature with our phone system. Our PBX comes with agent groups which are equipped to handle higher call volumes and sequentially distribute calls. Callers can receive a call back when it’s their turn, instead of holding. Agents can log in and out of the queues, and managers can see service level measurements like speed of answer.

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Vodia’s all-in-one contact center solution improves agent productivity and customer experience by providing call centers with platform integration, reporting and unified tracking, all to streamline engagement for customers and processes for agents.

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You can now send faxes with Version 67.1 or later of Vodia’s best-in-class cloud PBX. We’ve had inbound fax for a while, but now we’ve added the outbound fax feature, which has been integrated into the front end and is available via the web front end app. It will also be included in the next Windows app release.

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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.

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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…

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In this March 24, 2022 podcast, Christian Stredicke, CEO of Vodia, discusses the company's use of WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communications) to enhance business communication systems. WebRTC enables voice and video directly through browsers, solving interoperability issues common in VoIP. Christian highlights the flexibility of Vodia’s cloud phone systems, allowing seamless communication between various devices, including browsers, desktop phones, and SIP trunks. WebRTC's secure, low-latency environment is essential for improving user experience, and Christian sees it as a game-changer for future communications.

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The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming how businesses operate, particularly those already using cloud-based VoIP systems. IoT connects physical objects—anything from industrial tools to home appliances—via the internet, allowing seamless data exchange. Integrated with VoIP, IoT brings automation, asset management, remote security control, and workflow improvements. For businesses, it enhances flexibility, enabling employees to access office systems from anywhere while optimizing security. This fusion helps organizations achieve greater efficiency, cost savings, and adaptability, contributing to digital transformation in industries like agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation.

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Remote and hybrid work have become a lasting feature of the post-pandemic workplace, with major companies like Citigroup and Google opting for flexible models rather than mandating full-time office returns. This shift presents challenges for cities like New York, where commuter activity once fueled the economy. Mayor Eric Adams has emphasized the importance of office workers in supporting local businesses. With many workers favoring remote options, businesses must adapt by using tools like the Vodia cloud phone system, which supports dispersed teams while reducing telephony costs by up to 80%. Find out how to get your phone registered.

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Based in Stoneham, MA, northwest of Boston, Microsoft Gold Partner and the U.S. home of anynode SBC, IT pioneer TE-SYSTEMS has been on a mission for three decades “to globally connect all devices while enabling unified ways of sharing data, information and making it accessible to everyone.”

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As of 2 August 2022, this summer, telecom services providers will forever retire POTS lines, per the FCC, and their customers will have to find another type of service. In August 2019, the FCC issued order 19-72A1, mandating the replacement of all U.S. POTS lines with an alternative service by August 2, 2022.

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SIP HARMONY is a business and residential VoIP provider. The company provides VoIP services to businesses, residences, schools, hotels and Airbnb’s, giving every one of its customers telephone systems that bring together standard SIP devices and services with proprietary clients for standard mobile and PC clients. And they do it all with TLC.

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Fallout from COVID-19? The landscape hasn’t just changed, it’s almost as if it’s been dynamited and reconstructed, and dispersed teams, necessitated by the virus, are becoming the norm. Like it or not we are now in the hybrid work era, and the term “everywhere enterprise” seems to apply to almost every business and organization. The digital transformation, accelerated by the pandemic, seems to continue apace with no signs of slowing down.

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A PBX (Private Branch Exchange) is essentially a company's private phone network system, allowing internal and external communication. Traditionally, businesses were connected to the public telephone company's central office for all call-related activities. Advancements, however, led to companies bringing this system in-house, creating the PBX. This setup allowed businesses to manage calls internally without needing separate external phone lines for every phone. Over time, these systems became automated, and now many PBX systems are hosted in the cloud, operating over the internet rather than traditional phone lines.

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The Vodia phone system comprises the most complete suite of robust business telephony features for on-premise and cloud-based telephony. People working at home or working from anywhere particularly love the Vodia browser app because it makes it so easy to control availability. And everything can be managed with our Android, iOS and Windows apps from a smartphone or desktop.

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Our mission is to make #workfromanywhere possible, seamlessly connecting you and your team with a solution that was designed for the cloud from day one. It’s everything you need for work from anywhere and hybrid work environments. Our industry-leading cloud PBX is OS agnostic, so you can use any OS – including Android, iOS, Linux, MAC and Windows – as your underlying platform.

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As the industry’s leading cloud PBX, the deployment of our software around the world is music to our ears. We think of each of our outstanding partners as one of our greatest hits, a platinum album…indispensable. We of course feel this way about our Austin, TX partner, SIP HARMONY, a family-run cloud VoIP provider for small-to-medium businesses, hotels, schools and residences. The company is helping keep Austin weird – and connected.

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If you’re an MSP looking for the perfect cloud PBX provider, look no further. Many UCaaS providers offer their channel partners full compensation and specialized, subject-matter expert resources while closing deals of any size, one to infinity, plus hands-off upsell services, comprehensive training and certifications, channel manager support and a dedicated partner support line. The issue, however, is you are unable to sell your own brand, which means you become an agent and you don’t own your customers. This is purely a retirement decision, not the decision made by a thriving company looking to grow its business.

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2021 was dominated by #workfromanywhere, #workfromhome, #hybridwork and, of course, the ubiquity of Zoom, Google hangouts and Microsoft Teams. Over the summer, when a significant percentage of people were vaccinated, many companies, including Apple and Google, predicted their employees would soon be returning to the office, but it turned out most people desired either hybrid or completely remote work; few workers wanted to return to an office full-time. Then, at the beginning of December, we faced a global outbreak of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 and, once again, the conversation returned exclusively to remote work. We may be having this conversation for quite a while.

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With our laptops on our desks or kitchen or dining room tables and 5G Wi-Fi at home, many of us are checking emails or polishing off projects long after the workday would have ended at the office. We check our work emails after dinner, before we go to bed…maybe even before that first cup of coffee. And let’s not forget, even when you don’t have a computer in front of you, you’re probably checking emails and SMS messages on your smartphone.

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Since our company’s inception, we have empowered and supported numerous businesses worldwide, both small and large, by providing these organizations with our best-in-class cloud and on-premises IP PBX technology. The Vodia PBX comprises 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, CRM integration and Microsoft Teams integration.

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Hunt groups are used to distribute inbound calls to agents and are typically used for simple, low call volume groups. The PBX calls the agents in stages, making it possible to escalate calls to more and more extensions; if the call does not get picked up, it will ultimately be sent to a programmable destination – this can be an internal resource, like a mailbox, or another group, or an external number. Incoming calls are processed as they come into the system, which might cause call waiting on agent devices.

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Founded in 2014, Vodia partner Skyetel is “the telecom company that scares the big guys,” an independent telco with customers in all 50 states and all Canadian provinces. Skyetel maintains a robust network spanning North America that provides true multi-tenancy to resellers. The company’s platform was built for resellers to manage multiple customers from one convenient portal.

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A call detail record (CDR) is a record of the call data produced by a telephone call which documents the details of the call and of the other telecommunications transactions (e.g., SMS messages) which pass through a facility or device. The record will contain various data-points, including time, duration, completion status, source number and destination number. It’s similar to someone not only taking down a message but adding all of the actual call details.

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Microsoft Teams offers an unprecedented feature set for office communication – its integration with document processing, emails and a huge amount of Windows ecosystem software make Teams an outstanding productivity tool for just about every organization. In many business environments, however, both traditional and hybrid, connectivity to standard VoIP devices can be challenging.

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From mobile voice notes to IP-based voice calls, voice is once again dominating communications.

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“Gartner C-Suite: Redesigning Work for a Hybrid Future” delineates and dispels seven myths about hybrid work. According to the esteemed research group, “75 percent of hybrid or remote knowledge workers say their expectations for working flexibly have increased, and four out of 10 employees are at risk of leaving if you insist they return to an in-person office environment.”

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“You may have a fantastic product, but if your customer service isn’t helpful or reliable, or your customer service team is just plain hard to reach, folks are going to hear about it, and you will lose customers,” says Cobus Wiese, Executive Head of Service Delivery at ICTGlobe.com. “This is a big reason why investing in customer service is key to long-term business success, and it’s the driving force behind ICTGlobe.com’s HPT structure.”

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In a 2019 report, Pew Research estimated some 900,000 people born in South Africa were living abroad in 2017, and that these expatriates are mostly skilled professionals. Once the Covid-19 pandemic began, in March 2020, even more people left the country, with thousands of South Africans emigrating to distant shores. South Africa’s skills shortage is preventing the country from achieving five percent annual GDP growth – this growth is the country’s only real chance of recovering from the pandemic and making a real dent in poverty.

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IT service provider Gulf Network was founded in Kuwait by Mr. Shaik Inaithulla in 2019. Since then, the company has moved numerous Kuwaiti companies to the cloud, including companies in the banking, ecommerce, energy and utilities, environmental engineering, finance, healthcare, housing and urban development, oil, petrochemicals and public works sectors.

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There are many reasons to opt for cloud connectivity. Anecdotal evidence suggests about a third of South African businesses have moved their telecoms services to the cloud. PBX solutions hosted in the cloud make it so any enterprise or SME can benefit from corporate-quality unified communications platforms without the need for clunky physical equipment.

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The Vodia cloud PBX is the industry standard and a telephone system that works from anywhere – it’s the last tool companies need to work from home. It gives you real-time talk with an imperceptible delay. Our best-in-class PBX integrates with Microsoft Teams out of the box: it’s tailored for remote environments, so your team can use their mobile devices as their office extensions, making it possible for everyone to work from anywhere.

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The William Vale Hotel reached out to Vodia and requested we take a look at their system and help them move to the cloud. Our PBX met all the requirements the hotel needed for its telephone system. The William Vale had previously examined a hosted system, but it was too expensive and required too much support – with our ITSP, we were able to greatly reduce the “cost of ownership” for the hotel.

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The Vodia cloud PBX comprises the most complete suite of robust business telephony features for on-premise and cloud-based telephony, including auto attendant, SMS, paging, separation of personal and work calls, conference calls, call recording, CRM integration and Microsoft Teams integration. If you’re looking for the best, most feature-rich PBX for your call center, Vodia is far and away best-in-class.

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Many UCaaS providers offer their channel partners full compensation and specialized, subject-matter expert resources while closing deals of any size, one to infinity, plus hands-off upsell services, comprehensive training and certifications, channel manager support and a dedicated partner support line. The issue, however, is you are unable to sell your own brand.

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Normal end point protection is no longer an option, nor are normal firewalls. You might allow only port 443 for https traffic to your website, but are the “nice, new features” on your website a possible threat to your network? How can you be sure you’re secure? What if the email your receptionist received from a friend a worm, thanks to a hacked account? What if that funny video someone gets via WhatsApp or Messenger is actually a threat? How do you block these threats and stop them from slowing your operations or, even worse, bringing them to a grinding halt?

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The answer, according to independent telco ICTGlobe, is maintaining a single-minded focus on generating new business while keeping down costs. “Small resellers of voice and data ICT services need to be cautious of taking on overheads that interfere with their ability to nimbly secure new business,” says Lucien Brink, Executive Head of Products and Services at ICTGlobe.

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Mr. Brink believes cloud-based ICT products and services could offer a solution within the overall current climate of uncertainty. “No-one is suggesting things are as dire as they seemed 20-plus years ago, but if businesses are unsure exactly how things will pan out over the next couple of months, our advice is to invest in the cloud, not in physical equipment,” he says.

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“The South African tech industry is booming, in Cape Town and everywhere else,” says Lucien Brink, Executive Head, Products & Solutions at ICTGlobe, “and we are deploying high-value integrated business solutions to SMMEs nationwide. We give our customers superior up-time, competitive voice rates and outstanding call quality, as we continue to grow our national footprint. Our partnerships have been designed to benefit the SMME market in forms of access portals and Innovative products that expand the growth potential of our channel.”

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The Vodia cloud PBX is the industry standard and a telephone system that works from anywhere – it’s the last tool companies need to work from home. It gives you real-time talk with an imperceptible delay. Our best-in-class PBX integrates with Microsoft Teams out of the box: it’s tailored for remote environments, so your team can use their mobile devices as their office extensions.

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This presentation is narrated by Christian Stredicke. The office phone reinvented For more information about Vodia Networks visit us at https://vodia.com

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If you’re a small or medium-sized enterprise, you want to maximize ROI on all of your costs and expenses, and this includes your telephony; if you’re a reseller, you want to give your SMB customers the best VoIP solution at the best pricing. If you’re a reseller, Vodia is the best-in-class solution for many reasons.

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It’s not just the pandemic: Vodia been preaching #workfromanywhere it for a long time, since our cloud PBX makes it possible, but the pandemic has certainly accelerated it. We’ve seen a lot of companies where at least a few staff members choose to work from home, or need to, and for a long time IT departments were wary of undertaking the necessary migrations to make this possible, but with the pandemic and the shift of entire teams away from the office, it’s become a top priority to make it so an organization’s telephone system can accommodate working from anywhere.

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Learn how the Vodia Multi-Tenant PBX is the #1 one PBX for MSP and ITSP. Full feature PBX for the growing managed provider or a valuable add-on to any Telco solution.

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As part of our new video series, our CEO, Dr. Christian Stredicke, discusses #workfromhome​, #hybridwork​, and #workfromanywhere​, and how the Vodia #cloudPBX​ can bring your organization’s telephone system to the cloud and to your team members, wherever they are.

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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.

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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.

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Vodia's integration with Microsoft Teams allows seamless communication between Vodia and Teams extensions, enabling users to make and receive calls from both systems. Teams members can also participate in hunt and agent groups, ensuring smooth collaboration. Those not using Teams can still communicate via registered SIP phones, as Vodia’s integration allows direct routing from Teams extensions. Additionally, Vodia supports the use of any SIP Trunk provider, meaning you don't need to switch to Teams' SIP Trunks. This flexible integration simplifies PBX setup and management through an intuitive drop-down menu, making it easier to #WorkWithVodia.

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Telecommuting with Vodia offers both flexibility and productivity advantages for employees and employers alike. Workers can enjoy freedom in managing their schedules and locations, leading to increased job satisfaction and efficiency, as distractions typical in office environments are reduced. Employers benefit from this rise in productivity, while Vodia's cloud-based PBX software ensures seamless virtual communication. The Vodia softphone, which is compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, supports key UC features like call management, chat and presence tracking and chat. Vodia also integrates with major CRM platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoho, making it a comprehensive solution for remote work.

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The work from home trend has gained quite a bit of traction over the years. Considering how many companies are going global and employing talent in remote places, it was only a matter of time before this happened. With that said, this trend isn't only gaining traction because of necessity, it's also because of the benefits. 2020 is a tech savvy time to be alive, and provided that companies give their employees the proper tools to do it, working from home can prove to be a catalyst for surprisingly high productivity, compared to working in the office.

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Vodia Managed Voice is a flexible PBX designed for both multi-tenant and single-tenant environments; it's a great choice for managed service providers (MSPs) looking to enhance their voice services. This system allows companies to offer telephony services to their customers without the need for their own data centers, enabling them to focus on their core business while creating a new revenue stream. Vodia's solution is noted for its ease of use and reliability; it's trusted by numerous MSPs globally to deliver robust voice communication services.

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Automatic Call Distribution (ACD) is a system that efficiently routes incoming calls to a group of agents, placing callers in a queue with hold music or announcements to prevent lost calls. It's especially beneficial in call centers, where it allows multiple agents to assist customers without waiting for specific individuals. Key features include call logging, advanced routing, performance tracking and CRM integration, all designed to enhance customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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As spam and robocalls increasingly disrupt businesses, Vodia Networks offers advanced filtering in its PBX system, including anonymous call detection and, in partnership with TrueCNAM, a spam scoring feature. This integration assigns each incoming call a spam score, allowing companies to block or redirect high-risk calls. Configurable at the domain and user levels, this feature — available in Vodia PBX version 58.4 — provides flexibility for hosted PBX clients to customize call handling and protect productivity.

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In hosted PBX environments, Yealink's Zero Touch provisioning simplifies the phone setup process by automating configuration without user intervention. The phone contacts Yealink’s redirection service (with its MAC address), retrieves the provisioning server details and automatically fetches its configuration. This integration has been added to the Vodia PBX, similar to an earlier feature for snom phones. The process ensures secure provisioning by verifying client certificates, enhancing ease of setup. Users can access this feature by obtaining login credentials from Yealink, and the integration is available in Vodia's upcoming version 5.3.1.