http://www.slideshare.net/IPGEN/9-ways-unified-communications-slashes-costs http://www.phonesystemsbrisbane.net.au 1300 851 411 Brilliantly Simple Phone Systems

1. Discover 9 Ways That
Unified
Communications
Slashes Your Costs
“Be Smart About Customer Calls”
By Greg Eicke
© Greg Eicke 2011 | http://www.phonesystemsbrisbane.net.au | 1300 851 411 |
page 1 All Rights reserved

2. LEGAL NOTICE
The Publisher has strived to be as accurate and complete as possible in the creation of
this report, notwithstanding the fact that he does not warrant or represent at any time
that the contents within are accurate due to the rapidly changing nature of the Industry.
While all attempts have been made to verify information provided in this publication, the
Publisher assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or contrary interpretation of
the subject matter herein. Any perceived slights of specific persons, peoples, or
organisations are unintentional.
In practical advice books, like anything else in life, there are no guarantees of savings
made. Readers are cautioned to reply on their own judgment about their individual
circumstances to act accordingly.
This book is not intended for use as a source of legal, business, accounting or financial
advice. All readers are advised to seek services of competent professionals in legal,
business, accounting and finance fields.
© Greg Eicke 2011 | http://www.phonesystemsbrisbane.net.au | 1300 851 411 |
page 2 All Rights reserved

3. Introducing Greg Eicke
My name is Greg Eicke and I’ve been working at the leading edge of voice
communications for the past 27 years. In that time I’ve found that most companies are
interested in two things when it comes to their phone technology. Firstly, how to
increase their productivity with better voice and data communication and secondly, how
to reduce the phone bill. I bring great news for the business owner who is looking for
impressive productivity increases and equally enjoyable cost savings.
Another key frustration for businesses is the sheer complexity of many phone and data
solutions. The good news is that communications complexity ends with Greg Eicke! As
do all of its painful implications. Almost three decades in this industry has enabled me
to develop what I call ‘brilliantly simple’ phone solutions. These solutions will make
communications and collaboration second nature for your workforce. And of course
they save you big dollars in ongoing phone costs… another reason why they are
brilliant!
Now onto the ’Discover 9 Ways That Unified Communications Slashes Your Costs’.
Now you can dramatically improve productivity, revolutionise Business communications
and slash costs. I put this document together to help people become aware of how
Unified Communications can improve business operations and improve the bottom line.
I’ve been able to piece all of this together because for the better part of my career I’ve
installed, maintained and sold Telephone Systems. This has also allowed me to provide
sound advice from ‘Feet on the Street and Hands on Technical Experience’ so that my
clients get the best solution and value for money
© Greg Eicke 2011 | http://www.phonesystemsbrisbane.net.au | 1300 851 411 |
page 3 All Rights reserved

4. Unified Communications gives you an unfair advantage.
A central aspect of choosing the right phone system for your business is the “Total Cost
of ownership” (TCO). This is where many buyers have experienced hefty ongoing
maintenance and support costs, not considered in the initial sales process. What looks
like a great deal may have some hidden pitfalls later. Calculating the TCO of a Unified
Communications system can be complicated, but at least it’s possible. The advantages
offered by UC, allows business owners to expect savings and most importantly a return
on their investment. Many small Telephony benefits quickly add up to show an
investment return.
While the benefits of Unified Communication systems are unquestionable, they’re not
always easy to quantify. Some, such as the savings on equipment, IT Personnel and
Telecom costs, are straight forward calculations. Others, such as making customers
more comfortable in dealing with one’s company, are difficult if not impossible to
translate into dollars. Here’s where you’ll learn nine ways a Unified Communications
investment pays for itself, along with some hints about how to get at least a rough idea
of the value the investment will return.
1. Massive Telco savings.
Businesses spending $487 or more on usage per month can typically realise a 50 to
70% reduction in call costs. This potentially saves many businesses thousands every
year. You can either put this in your pocket or put it towards improving the
communications technology that your business depends on.
Multi-site organisations will see an immediate measurable benefit moving to a Unified
Communications platform. One of the biggest savings for multi-site companies is call
savings between branches. Placing calls on the corporate IP data network virtually
eliminates long distance call charges and further more companies need fewer Telco
lines to operate. Thousands of dollars per year can be saved interstate and global
companies with offices in different parts of the world.
© Greg Eicke 2011 | http://www.phonesystemsbrisbane.net.au | 1300 851 411 |
page 4 All Rights reserved

5. 2. Cut phone system costs.
Because Unified Communications systems typically run on licenced based hardware,
just like your desk top computer, they can be economical for even a one-office company
than a traditional phone system. When the deployment spreads to multiple sites, the
savings multiply. For one thing, it’s no longer necessary to have equipment in every
site. Since phone traffic can travel via the IP data network it also offers tangible
redundancy options for single or multi-site companies. Less hardware also cuts the
need for system administrators in each site along with fewer costly maintenance
contracts.
3. Soft phones and SIP phones can slash purchasing costs.
Usually the largest part of a Unified Communications investment is phone handsets. It
is possible to replace desk phones with “Softphones” where your desk top PC is
converted into a phone with the addition of a low cost headset.
“SIP phones are low cost in the sub-200- dollar range, which is much less than a digital
key telephone system handset. This sounds great but you’ll need to be aware of any
potential functionality loss by using generic handsets as many VoIP phone system
manufacturers do not support all functions on 3rd party handsets.
Buyers beware! Ask vendor for a comprehensive demonstration before making your
purchasing decision.
4. Trim network infrastructure installation and maintenance costs.
A Unified Communications system runs on the same infrastructure as your computer
network. This is where your telephone plugs into the same blue cable as your
computer.
Existing deployments don’t see much in the way of savings however when relocating or
retrofitting offices can save thousands of dollars because there is no need for additional
phone cabling. On average Unified Communications deployed on the same computer
network infrastructure saves approximately $210 per desk top. A small SME 50 user
site can see savings of more than $10, 000.00.
© Greg Eicke 2011 | http://www.phonesystemsbrisbane.net.au | 1300 851 411 |
page 5 All Rights reserved

6. 5. In house administration.
With traditional digital key telephone systems, every time it’s necessary to move, add or
change users, you’ll have pay the company that deployed the system. It requires
specialised knowledge and can cost over $200 each time. Unified Communication
systems allow users to log onto any phone and have all their parameters follow them,
denying the need for any changes, unless the user is moving to another branch office
permanently. Simple ads moves and changes can easily be completed by junior staff
members on most Unified Communications systems.
6. Reduce staff costs and extend opening hours.
Organisations with branch offices can use their corporate IP data network to put calls
through to an alternate receptionist; in fact with suitable bandwidth receptionist can
operate effectively from their home office. Interstate branch offices can extend their
opening hours by taking advantage of the different time zones. Daylight saving time
zones can be very confusing for business, this is where Unified Communication
systems can help your business benefit.
The IVR (interactive voice response) and ACD (automatic call distribution) features of
IP phone systems can often handle calls as well as a person can. They let callers
choose from options including dial by name, and make sure calls get to the right
employees. That means customers dial 9 for operator less often, and may even make it
possible to do without a receptionist altogether.
7. Send your staff home.
The ability to access the full features of a Unified Communications system from
anywhere there’s a broadband Internet connection. This means employees can easily
work from home. A perk for the employee and a cost saving for the company. Central
business district real estate and travel time are on the increase. Working from home 2
days per week can save the average Australian worker $3 000 per annum on fuel and
vehicle upkeep. Working from home is not for everybody and all industries, however for
those who can, it has significant benefits for employee’s and companies alike.
Smart phones allow users the ultimate in Mobility whereby they can experience the
same functionality seated at their corporate desk when they are actually working from
home or perhaps a customer’s office.
© Greg Eicke 2011 | http://www.phonesystemsbrisbane.net.au | 1300 851 411 |
page 6 All Rights reserved

7. 8. Be smart about customer calls.
It’s hard to measure the benefit that results when a customer call doesn’t go to voice
mail but is instead answered by a live person. Don’t underestimate the potential
damage of a poorly answered call. Put yourself in the shoes your customers make
those calls to your business during busy periods or after hours to appreciate the
experience.
Unified Communication systems allow individual users to easily control sophisticated
call routing options.
Calls can be distributed based on
 Callers phone number/s (Caller ID)
 Time of day, day of week
 Date
 Hour of day
 User presence status to name a few.
These are all easily set by each individual user so their time is used effectively. The
most likely outcome of this feature is customer satisfaction improvement over a cost
saving.
Staff can save time handling the issue in one call enhancing their productivity. With
flexible call routing callers get the very best opportunity to reach the right person in your
business the first time every time.
9. Save time click‐to‐search and click‐to‐call.
Clicking a button or name on the computer screen instead of pressing keys on the desk
phone may save only a few seconds per call. Multiplied by hundreds of calls, it could
save quite a bit of time. In fact, click-to-call and other personal productivity features can
save individual employees around 30 minutes per week.
Some less tangible advantages are more user friendly, more functionality and more
flexibility.
© Greg Eicke 2011 | http://www.phonesystemsbrisbane.net.au | 1300 851 411 |
page 7 All Rights reserved

8. Measu
uring Inta
angibles.
While mmany of the above be
e enefits of U
Unified Commmunicatio systems don’t pro
ons oduce
easily m
measured r returns on investmen that doesn’t mean there’s no way to kno their
nt, ow
value. I recomm
I’d mend review wing many case studies of deployments in similar industries
y n
or enterprises. It m be pos
may ssible to es
stimate the financial b
e benefits an a good v
nd vendor
should willingly prrovide such information.
h
… Greg wen on to ens
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were design to activ
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Gre also freely advised without fa
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solutions
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© Greg Eicke 2011 | http://www.phonesystem msbrisbane.n
net.au | 1300 851 411 |
0
page 8 All Rights r
reserved