SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 16
Download to read offline
Nomis Connections Limited | Connections House, 11a Kings Road, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 3AA | 01252 411 111
www.nomisconnections.co.uk © Nomis Connections 2015. Company Registration No. 4759622. Place of registration: England & Wales
A guide to finding your
new phone system
A step-by-step approach to finding the
best solution for your business.
Nomis Connections Limited | Connections House, 11a Kings Road, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 3AA | 01252 411 111
www.nomisconnections.co.uk © Nomis Connections 2015. Company Registration No. 4759622. Place of registration: England & Wales
Forward
The telephone remains the most popular method of
everyday communication for almost all businesses.
Email, web chat and even social media have all taken
great strides in changing the way we speak to each other,
but there are still situations where picking up the phone
is much more effective at communicating the ideas,
thoughts or even concerns we have.
For this reason, choosing a new phone system for your
business is important.
It can also be a complicated, even daunting task for
many people. While some businesses have a member of
staff dedicated to managing their telecoms, many don’t -
meaning the project could be given to someone with little
knowledge of the systems, or the reasons for change.
To add to this, telecoms itself has become increasingly
technical over recent years, resulting in more ‘techy-speak’
as technologies like VoIP replace their more traditional
counterparts.
This is where our guide comes in. We’ve crafted it to help both technical and non-technical people
alike – guiding you through the necessary steps to find your new phone system in a simple, clear and
no-nonsense way.
Drawing from over 40 years’ industry knowledge, our guide is the only tool you need before taking the
next step in renewing your system.
Enjoy!
SImon
Simon Lincoln – Managing Director
Nomis Connections Limited | Connections House, 11a Kings Road, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 3AA | 01252 411 111
www.nomisconnections.co.uk © Nomis Connections 2015. Company Registration No. 4759622. Place of registration: England & Wales
Step 1: Determine
your needs
•	 We help confront your reasons for change - looking at what you’ve got, what
others have, and what you need - present and future.
•	 We look at how the size of your business, and what you’re hoping to achieve,
influence your decision.
•	 We discuss what’s best: To lease, or to buy?
Step 2: Choose your
infrastructure
•	 How should calls be carried in and out of your business? Over your internet
connection, or down traditional phone lines? We consider both options.
•	 We discover the world of VoIP, and the benefits it offers.
Step 3: Where to
host?
•	 Should your system be in your office, or in the cloud? We look at the features
and benefits of both in-house and hosted phone systems - and how these may
affect your business.
Step 4: Consider
features
•	 We look at the sorts of features and add-ons you can get for phone systems - and
how they could benefit you. Features we discuss include hot desking, call logging,
unified messaging and audio and video conferencing.
Step 5: Choose a
provider
•	 How do you go about choosing the device you need, with the provider you like?
We look at elements of a proposal that can help set the front-runners apart, and
give you some key metrics to ensure you’re getting the best solution for you -
physically, technically, and financially.
•	 We also address the importance of ongoing support and maintenance.
Step 6: Implement
•	 So, you’ve found the perfect system for you, recommended by a great provider.
Now it’s down to implementing: We look at how to go about getting your solution
up and running correctly first time, in the most efficent way possible.
6 easy steps to your new phone system...
Nomis Connections Limited | Connections House, 11a Kings Road, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 3AA | 01252 411 111
www.nomisconnections.co.uk © Nomis Connections 2015. Company Registration No. 4759622. Place of registration: England & Wales
STEP 1: Determine your basic
needs
Before you begin comparing prices and
researching features, you must first assess what
you need, and want, from a business phone
system. Putting time and thought into your
requirements will ensure you receive a system
that meets, or even exceeds, your expectations.
Take stock of what you’ve got
Give your current system an earnest and
thorough review, and consider why you want to
purchase a new phone system. Some of the most
common reasons are:
•	 Poor voice quality
•	 Outages or dropped calls
•	 The need for better call routing - ensuring
callers get through to the most appropriate
person first time, every time
•	 Reducing maintenance costs, particularly for
older systems
•	 Wanting additional features to improve
productivity, flexibility and mobility
Get feedback from the people interacting with
your phone system most frequently. Ask for
input from your staff - both technical and non-
technical - as well as light and heavy phone
users:
•	 Ask them what’s working on the current
system, and what isn’t
•	 What frustrates them? And what do they
struggle with?
•	 Do they find the phones comfortable and
easy to use?
Don’t forget who’s on the other side of the
phone either; ask your customers, partners and
suppliers about their experiences contacting
your business:
•	 Are they able to reach the people they need
easily?
•	 Are dropped calls an issue?
Keep an eye on the competition… It’s also good
to look at what your competitors are doing with
their communications. Assess what you believe
they do well, and what could be improved. This
allows you to benchmark your requirements, and
is a good example to give a communications
provider like Nomis Connections, as we can
discuss the ins and outs of such a setup with
you.
Alongside evaluating the benefits and
restrictions of your current system, craft a wish
list of features and options your users, and
callers, would like in a new system, so you can
pinpoint how you can improve user experience
from all sides.
Remember: The better you understand your
current system, the better you can mould your
new system to meet your requirements.
In addition to usability, take a look at your
current system:
•	 How old is your incumbent system?
•	 Has it been discontinued, making
replacement parts difficult to source?
•	 Are maintenance costs becoming too high?
Telecoms technology has been moving at a
rapid pace over recent years, and when it comes
to return on investment a new phone system will
often provide a quicker return over maintaining a
legacy system.
Nomis Connections Limited | Connections House, 11a Kings Road, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 3AA | 01252 411 111
www.nomisconnections.co.uk © Nomis Connections 2015. Company Registration No. 4759622. Place of registration: England & Wales
Size and flexibility
The size of your business is an important
factor in choosing a phone system. It’s crucial
to consider not only how many employees you
currently have, but also how many you expect to
have in the coming years.
•	 Are you planning to expand your staff over
the next 3-5 years?
Business needs are constantly evolving, so
gaining an accurate picture of your user numbers
is important. Using these figures, you can
balance having to replace a system that’s too
small early, against paying for users that you
won’t have for another year or two.
From this picture, providers like Nomis
Connections can recommend a system that
has the correct capacity at present, and can be
expanded to meet your future demand.
Lease or buy?
Like a car, your phone system can be leased or
purchased outright. Both are legitimate options,
and as with any capital expense there are pros
and cons to both. Once you have established
your budget, and considered total cost of
ownership (TCO), you can evaluate which is the
more cost-effective choice for your business.
Reputation and reliability count
Like all things in the technology industry, with
telecoms you get what you pay for. Because your
phone system is essential to the day-to-day
operations of your business, you want to get the
best product from a reputable manufacturer.
As an independent provider, Nomis Connections
can make impartial recommendations based on
your needs - ensuring you get the best solution
to meet them.
Note: As well as testimonials and case studies,
ask any potential provider for user references
from businesses similar to yours, and ask about
warranties, support, maintenance agreements
and costs.
Consider VoIP
VoIP is the latest in telecoms technology that
allows you to make and receive calls over your
internet connection, rather than traditional
telephone lines. The technology has been a
rapidly growing part of the industry over the
past 5 years, and is now overtaking ISDN as the
primary method of carrying calls.
VoIP is particularly popular due to its flexibility
- allowing businesses to take their numbers with
them wherever they go - and the significant cost
savings it offers.
We discuss VoIP in more detail in STEP 2.
gold
reseller
Nomis Connections Limited | Connections House, 11a Kings Road, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 3AA | 01252 411 111
www.nomisconnections.co.uk © Nomis Connections 2015. Company Registration No. 4759622. Place of registration: England & Wales
Customise your needs
Today’s phone systems come with an array of
features; it’s a good idea to speak with potential
providers about the wish list you created earlier
- allowing them to match your wishes with
available features.
Here are a few to consider:
•	 Do you want audio, video and web
conferencing?
•	 Would you like the ability to control your
desk phone from your computer? Or even use
your computer as a phone itself?
•	 Do you need multiple voicemail boxes?
•	 Do your employees share desks – making hot
desking essential?
•	 Would a message service that greets callers,
and direct calls to appropriate staff members,
be well-received?
Tip: Think about the kinds of functionality that
will give you a competitive edge, and speak to
Nomis Connections about it - there’s likely to be
a solution that’s right for you.
A word of caution: While you certainly don’t
need to pay for options you don’t use, it’s better
to grow a system’s features than regret their
absence. Retrofitting is not possible with some
phone systems.
Take mobility into account
With the rise of mobile communication, the
‘anytime, anywhere’ nature of business has put
emphasis on phone systems to be flexible -
facilitating office, home and mobile workers.
Couple this with the UK’s flexible working
legislation and it becomes clear that it’s more
important than ever to have a system that
can centrally manage your telecoms, without
compromising on quality or productivity.
The right system offers freedom and flexibility
for all users.
STEP 2: Choose your
infrastructure: landlines
or VoIP?
Modern phone systems allow you to make
and receive calls through two main types of
infrastructure - landlines and VoIP lines (also
known as SIP Trunks).
Landlines are a more traditional way of carrying
calls into and out of your business - either using
standard ‘analogue’ lines or digital ‘ISDN’ lines
- and the number of lines you have denote how
many calls you can make and receive at any one
time.
This model is known for its familiarity and
reliability, and is still popular among many
businesses. Now, though, as the technology is
becoming older, and the systems that use it
outdated, UK businesses are switching to newer,
more modern infrastructures.
VoIP lines are just that. This technology carries
calls into and out of your business in much the
same way, but rather than traditional ‘lines’, VoIP
carries these calls over your internet connection.
The way that VoIP carries calls also conveys a
number of benefits to businesses, including:
•	 High flexibility, great reliability – you can
route calls in and out of your business as you
please. This flexibility also makes VoIP very
resilient, which is great for Disaster Recovery.
•	 Superb mobility – as the service isn’t tied
to a specific location, you’re able to take
your system, and numbers, with you when
you move office. Such mobility is greatly
Nomis Connections Limited | Connections House, 11a Kings Road, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 3AA | 01252 411 111
www.nomisconnections.co.uk © Nomis Connections 2015. Company Registration No. 4759622. Place of registration: England & Wales
appreciated in modern-day business, where
things are rarely static.
•	 Significant cost savings – VoIP has a much
lower rental and call cost compared to more
traditional lines; our customers typically
save up to 60% on their yearly call spend by
switching to SIP.
•	 Great scalability – SIP lines (also known as
‘Trunks’) can be turned on and off like a tap,
giving you great control of how many calls
your business can answer at once. This is
particularly convenient when you’re growing,
or if you experience seasonal peaks.
If you’re thinking that VoIP is the way to go, and
you may be right, there are a couple of things
you need to consider before-hand:
The first is the quality and speed of your internet
connection. Though most VoIP products don’t
require excessively fast internet speeds, some
businesses with particularly slow connections
may find that they lose voice quality. If your
connection is also susceptible to frequent drops,
your calls will cut off.
This isn’t to say VoIP is a complete write-off for
you; a better internet service may be available
for you to upgrade to, or you could have a
separate broadband to carry your calls. Providers
such as Nomis Connections will be able to help
you assess these options.
The second consideration is the quality of the
VoIP network itself. This is slightly trickier to
judge as it’s behind the scenes. If your provider’s
network is too slow, has too much traffic running
over it, or doesn’t have a sufficient backup plan
if things go wrong, the voice quality, and the
reliability, of your VoIP system will be affected.
So how can you find out about the network
quality? The simplest thing to do is discuss it
with the provider, and get references from their
customers that are similar to your business and
using the service.
How popular is SIP?
In short, very. Over recent years the UK SIP
market has grown to 1.22 million connections,
which is around a 45% swap-out rate from ISDN
to SIP1
.
Looking to the future, SIP connectivity is forecast
to grow to over 3 million connections by the
start of 2019, as more businesses realise its
value.
IF YOU’RE UNSURE IF LANDLINES OR VOIP IS THE
BEST INFRASTRUCTURE FOR YOUR BUSINESS,
PROVIDERS SUCH AS NOMIS CONNECTIONS
CAN HELP YOU ASSESS YOUR SITUATION,AND
RECOMMEND THE BEST WAY FORWARD.
If you’d like to find out more about VoIP
specifically, our Quick and Simple Guide to
VoIP can be found at
www.nomisconnections.co.uk/
voip-guide-download
1
Source: Illume Consulting, July 2014
Nomis Connections Limited | Connections House, 11a Kings Road, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 3AA | 01252 411 111
www.nomisconnections.co.uk © Nomis Connections 2015. Company Registration No. 4759622. Place of registration: England & Wales
STEP 3: Where to host?
In-house, or in the cloud?
Next, you’ll need to decide if you’d like to host
your phone system yourself in-house, or if you’d
like it in the cloud.
In-house solution
With an in-house solution, your phone system
is housed in your office. These systems offer
the latest telecoms technology and can easily
integrate with an existing business network and
applications.
In-house phone systems offer businesses the
choice of infrastructure (explained in STEP 2)
- with both landlines and VoIP lines available.
This gives businesses the option of VoIP if their
internet connectivity allows it, or landlines if
VoIP isn’t for them.
Most modern in-house systems also offer ‘hybrid’
solutions - meaning businesses can blend VoIP
lines with traditional landlines; most often using
SIP Trunks as the main method of carrying calls,
with ISDN or analogue lines serving as backups
in an emergency.
Finances, however, should be considered; in-
house systems mostly require much more up-
front investment when compared to their cloud
counterparts.
In terms of life cycle, the majority of businesses
will choose to re-evaluate their in-house system
3-5 years after installation. This timeframe
allows businesses to accurately assess the total
cost of ownership, and maximise their return on
investment on the system.
Hosted in the cloud
Rather than having a ‘box on the wall’ in your
office, a hosted phone system utilises ‘the cloud’.
Your phones automatically connect to the system
via your broadband - meaning hosted systems
work exclusively using VoIP lines.
Instead of being a large upfront investment,
most hosted systems operate on a monthly
payment schedule - minimising, or indeed
eliminating, any up-front costs and improving
cash flow.
Most business-grade hosted systems now give
you all the functionality of an in-house solution,
and as the system is hosted the upgrade cycle is
often longer. However, be warned, some ‘budget’
hosted options may not offer the quality you
need (as discussed in STEP 2). Always pay close
attention to the quality of the system you’re
thinking of buying.
Both in-house and hosted systems have their
merits; both support hot desking, flexible and
mobile working. Both are also very powerful,
and can benefit your business for years to come.
Indeed, on the face of things, the two options can
be difficult for businesses to decide between.
Thankfully, expert providers such as Nomis
Connections can drill down into your needs and
use a wealth of experience to recommend the
right system to move you forward.
Aside from a technological viewpoint, we
consider the following when deciding on a
system with you:
•	 Cash flow - a hosted system may appeal to
businesses concerned with cash flow due to
its minimal capital expenditure. Otherwise,
leasing an in-house system can also help
manage cash flow.
Nomis Connections Limited | Connections House, 11a Kings Road, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 3AA | 01252 411 111
www.nomisconnections.co.uk © Nomis Connections 2015. Company Registration No. 4759622. Place of registration: England & Wales
•	Space - Workspace is finite, especially if you’re
in a small or serviced office. We’ll consider
where you’ll be putting your system - in a
comms/server room for example, or in the
cloud.
•	 Work patterns - Do you have flexible working
policies in place? Or perhaps your business is
spread across multiple offices, along with
home and mobile workers. These factors can
influence the decision between in-house and
hosted.
•	 Where your business is, and where it’s going
- as mentioned in STEP 1, looking at where
your business is now, and where it aims to be
in 3-5 years’ time, will influence the sort of
system you’ll have recommended to you.
•	TCO - we often see a point at which an
in-house system using SIP Trunks is more
cost-effective than a hosted VoIP system. We
assess the two technologies based on TCO,
and recommend the best one for your needs.
STEP 4: Consider necessary and
beneficial features
A business phone system is much more than a
collection of phones on desks; it’s an essential
tool that allows staff to connect with one
another, develop relationships with clients and
get things done. The right phone system offers
features that can improve these functions -
making them better, faster and more efficient.
If you look beyond the standard features of
call transfer, speed dialling and voicemail, you
discover a wealth of functions that can help you
work smarter.
Hot desking
In many offices, it’s convenient to have groups of
desks and phones that are shared between staff
members. For example, estate agents, who are
often out of the office at viewings, may not need
dedicated phones. Their office may have 10 or 15
desk phones between 20 agents.
Hot desking allows users to enter a code on any
phone on the system and automatically access
their personalised phone settings, speed dials,
voicemail and more. Then, when they’re finished,
they simply log out and a different user can log
in.
Hot desking makes phone sharing possible, and
can help businesses save on equipment and
office space.
Call logging
Call logging records all phone system activity
and logs the information based on the data you
want to capture. This data can then be formed
into reports, giving management teams access to
Nomis Connections Limited | Connections House, 11a Kings Road, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 3AA | 01252 411 111
www.nomisconnections.co.uk © Nomis Connections 2015. Company Registration No. 4759622. Place of registration: England & Wales
powerful statistical information on the number
of calls made or received, average call duration
and how many calls are missed. Information can
then be customised to monitor call patterns
within certain departments, right down to
specific members of staff.
Call information can also be displayed on wall
boards, which many businesses use to motivate
telesales and support teams.
Auto attendant
You’re already acquainted with this feature, even
if you don’t know it. An auto attendant is the
voice that greets you when you call a business -
giving you menu options so your call is directed
to the correct person for your enquiry. For
instance, you may be asked to ‘press 3 for support
queries’.
The auto attendant can also prompt callers
to change the language of the spoken menu,
dial an extension or listen to a pre-recorded
message, such as your opening times. It can even
direct them to leave a message in a dedicated
voicemail box - which is particularly popular for
schools when asking parents to record absences.
Automatic call distribution (ACD)
Sometimes customers call a company without
needing to speak with anyone in particular, or
they may not know who would be best to speak
with. Automatic call distribution allows you to
determine how calls will be distributed within
your business, or call centre.
Say you need to connect customers with support
staff - you could set the ACD feature to route
calls to staff members that have been idle
longest. You could also route them in order of
seniority, technical expertise or location; the
power is in your hands.
Audio and video conferencing
Most phone systems include a conference call
feature, which allows you to join more than
two people in a call, though the exact number
of participants varies depending on the type of
system.
As well as standard conferencing features, where
you invite people to join by calling them, you
can also have a dial-in ‘conference bridge’. This
gives you a number that all participants of a
conference can call, from wherever they are, and
instantly become part of the conference.
More advanced systems also include the
capability for video conferencing, and indeed
video conferencing solutions themselves are
increasing in popularity as their benefits are
being discovered.
It’s important to work with a provider when
it comes to assessing your needs for video
conferencing. Nomis Connections can help asses
these with you, and recommend and supply the
right solution based on these needs.
Unified messaging
Do you ever get tired of having to check several
different devices to retrieve your messages?
Unified messaging is designed to take care of
that. It is the collection of all your voicemail,
email, fax and text messages in one place.
Presence
If you’ve ever dialled more than one number to
track down a colleague, you’ll know the value of
this feature.
Presence is a status indicator for each person on
your phone system. It allows every user to see
each other’s status at a glance so they can decide
Nomis Connections Limited | Connections House, 11a Kings Road, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 3AA | 01252 411 111
www.nomisconnections.co.uk © Nomis Connections 2015. Company Registration No. 4759622. Place of registration: England & Wales
the method of communication that’s needed. For
instance, if a user sees that the person they need
to speak with is on the phone, they may choose
to instant message or email them instead.
Another user may benefit from seeing their
colleague’s status set as ‘in a meeting’ or ‘gone
for the day’ so they don’t waste time trying to
call them again.
Do not disturb
Do not disturb (DND) is perfect for when you
don’t want to be interrupted from the work
you’re doing. When this feature is activated, your
desk phone will not ring.
While this feature is widely-available, different
systems handle this process a little differently.
Some systems will offer the caller a busy signal,
or a message that the user does not wish to
be disturbed, while others will send calls to
voicemail or forward them to a person of your
choosing - such as a colleague.
Forwarding and twinning
Rather than not wanting to be disturbed, there
are times where you really need to be available.
Forwarding allows calls to follow you wherever
you are, allowing callers to reach you on your
mobile, or even home phone, by ringing your
office extension number, or direct dial number
(DDI).
It’s also possible to have the same call ring in all
these locations by ‘twinning’ your phones, giving
you one number anywhere.
STEP 5: Choose a provider and
device
So far, you’ve made some important decisions
about what you need, and want, from your
new phone system. Now it’s time to compare
providers and devices.
Setup and support
When choosing a phone system supplier,
consider who will install the system and provide
support for technical issues. Ask suppliers how
much experience they have in installing systems
and solutions in businesses of your size and
likeness. Do they offer training and support? Do
they have case studies and references to give
you?
When it comes to Nomis Connections, we have
over 40 years’ experience in installing and
maintaining telephone systems and solutions to
businesses of all sizes across the UK. We offer
system training upon install, and your system is
installed, configured, supported and maintained
by our in-house support team.
Alongside phone systems, we offer a range of
services including consultancy, calls and lines,
businesses broadband and leased lines and
business mobiles - offering you a single point of
contact for all your telecommunications needs.
Nomis Connections Limited | Connections House, 11a Kings Road, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 3AA | 01252 411 111
www.nomisconnections.co.uk © Nomis Connections 2015. Company Registration No. 4759622. Place of registration: England & Wales
Total cost of ownership (TCO)
While many providers offer honest and
competitive pricing, some phone system prices
can vary widely.
•	 Some boast low monthly fees with hefty up-
front costs, and vice versa.
•	 Others are more reasonably priced at the
outset and on a monthly basis, but then
require regular and costly upgrades or
service fees.
•	 Finally, some providers will charge low rates
for a ‘basic’ system, with all other features
available as chargeable add-ons.
The best way to attain a fair comparison of what
different providers are offering you is to look at
your total cost of ownership. We can help you
determine this number.
While it will be an important factor in your
decision making process, be careful not to
over-emphasise cost in choosing your phone
system. The adage of ‘you get what you pay
for’ is particularly true in the telecoms market -
meaning businesses must find a healthy balance
between quality, function and TCO.
Finding a system that will serve your business
well for the length of time you plan to have it is
what’s most important. Selecting a system that
could negatively affect you, and your customers,
won’t be worth the few hundred pounds you will
save over the system’s lifespan.
Aesthetics and ergonomics
Now comes the part in the process that you may
have been tempted to start with - the design of
the device itself. Depending on your business,
and whether or not your customers will ever
see or directly interact with your phones, phone
design may be an important factor in choosing a
system. After all, you wouldn’t want to put clunky
telephones in your design agency, would you?
The design of the user interface is key too.
Are the phones easy to use? Will staff (and
customers, if they’ll be using them too) be able
to work them?
You also want to be sure to choose a device that
is comfortable to use for extended periods of
time. Does the handset feel natural to hold? Is it
comfortable on the ear? Will your phones work
with accessories such as corded and cordless
headsets?
Though this part of the process is very personal
to you, it’s good to give your honest thoughts and
feedback to any provider, so they can highlight
any preferences you have – and address any
concerns.
STEP 6: Implement!
Now that you’ve considered all your options,
and discussed them with a provider like Nomis
Connections, it’s time to make a selection and
get a new system in place. It may seem as though
your work is almost done - and don’t worry, it
is - but it’s crucial to not rush the last step in
this process. Failing to plan the implementation
process with care could lead to mistakes that are
costly - not only in time and resources, but also
perception.
Some providers, like Nomis, offer project
management services as part of the solution.
We’re able to liaise with you to ensure your
setup goes as quickly as possible, with
minimal downtime, from provisioning lines
and broadband through to programming and
installing your system. We also offer training
on installation day to ensure your staff are
comfortable with the new setup, and continue
to support your solution – in its entirety –
throughout its life.
Nomis Connections Limited | Connections House, 11a Kings Road, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 3AA | 01252 411 111
www.nomisconnections.co.uk © Nomis Connections 2015. Company Registration No. 4759622. Place of registration: England & Wales
In a nutshell…
Here’s a quick recap of the steps you should take
when implementing a new system:
1. Notify staff
Let staff members know that a new phone
system is on the way so they can prepare
themselves for implementation day. Assure them
that there’s no need to worry - they’ll get all the
training and support they need to make them
comfortable.
2. Take stock
On installation day, your supplier will go through
all of your new equipment, including cables and
peripherals, to make sure you have everything
you need to get started.
3. Train users
Many providers, including Nomis Connections,
will offer training to your staff in order to
familiarise them with the system - and further
professional training is often available. Group
training is great for giving an overview of the
system and basic features, but you can also look
at individual training so users can ask questions
on functions they specifically want to use.
Not sure how a function works? Contact your
provider’s support desk - they’ll be able to guide
you through it.
4. Celebrate!
You’re now all set up with a phone system that’s
easy to use, has the features you need, and is
capable of taking your business forward for many
years to come. We’d say that’s a success!
Now, on to the next task…
Nomis Connections Limited | Connections House, 11a Kings Road, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 3AA | 01252 411 111
www.nomisconnections.co.uk © Nomis Connections 2015. Company Registration No. 4759622. Place of registration: England & Wales
Is it time to buy a new business phone system?
<5years
>10years
6-10years
IS YOUR CURRENT SYSTEM HAVING
PROBLEMS?
HAS IT BEEN DISCONTINUED?
ARE THE MAINTENANCE COSTS EXCESSIVE?
OR DO YOU ANTICIPATE ANY OF
THESE THINGS HAPPENING SOON?
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR NEW
FEATURES?
OR DO YOU NEED TO EXPAND
YOUR NUMBER OF USERS/SITES?
DO YOU WANT TO LOWER YOUR
CONTRACTUAL COSTS?
ARE YOU JUST LOOKING FOR
A NEW TECH TOY TO UNBOX?
IS YOUR CURRENT SYSTEM NOT
PERFORMING THE WAY YOU WANT IT TO?
IS IT DIFFERCULT TO USE OR A HEADACHE
FOR IT TO SUPPORT?
HAS IT BEEN DISCONTINUED?
It may be time. Not all
phone systems allow you
to add features or expand
the number of users/sites.
Ask your current provider.
It’s probably time to
explore the benefits of a
cloud-based system.
OK, you’ve stumped us!
Call or email us to let us
know why you think you
might need a new phone
system, and we’ll let you
know our thoughts.
It’s probably time to
explore the benefits of a
cloud-based system.
nomisconnections.co.uk
/contact/
nomisconnections.co.uk/
hosted-voip/
nomisconnections.co.uk/
contact/
nomisconnections.co.uk
/hosted-voip/
How old is your current system?
YES
YES
NO
YES
YES
YES
NO
NO
NONO
It’s time to
start looking
nomisconnections.co.uk
Nomis Connections Limited | Connections House, 11a Kings Road, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 3AA | 01252 411 111
www.nomisconnections.co.uk © Nomis Connections 2015. Company Registration No. 4759622. Place of registration: England & Wales
About Nomis Connections
“We understand that efficient and productive communication in business is a must. Our commitment to you
is to deliver a fast, reliable and friendly service to ensure your business telecoms solution is the best it can
be, and to offer you a single point of contact for all your telecoms needs.”
Simon Lincoln - Managing Director, Nomis Connections.
Nomis Connections is an
established independent
provider of telecommunications
services and solutions to
businesses throughout the UK.
With experience spanning
over 40 years, and many happy
customers across a multitude
of industries, we pride
ourselves on our unrivalled
expertise and dedication from
initial consultation to post-
installation support – always
putting our customers’ needs
first.
Our portfolio includes tailored telephone systems, broadband and leased lines, call recording and
reporting, mobile tariffs and devices, calls and line rental, VoIP and video conferencing.
We offer expert, jargon-free consultancy as part of our service; ensuring you receive a robust solution
that meets your needs, present and future. Alongside this, our in-house team fully support and
maintain your solution through its lifetime.
We are devoted to making businesses more efficient, whilst offering the best value for money, and
achieve this through outstanding customer service – acting as a single point of contact for your
telecommunications needs.
About Mitel
Market-leading manufacturer of robust, feature-rich and future-proof telephone systems, Mitel is
Nomis Connections’ recommended manufacturer of phone systems in the UK.
With over 40 years’ experience, and 60 million end users in 100+ countries, Mitel power over 2 billion
business connections a day.
They offer systems that can, and do, suit the needs of businesses of all sizes – from 2 to in excess of
600 users.
Nomis Connections Limited | Connections House, 11a Kings Road, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 3AA | 01252 411 111
www.nomisconnections.co.uk © Nomis Connections 2015. Company Registration No. 4759622. Place of registration: England & Wales
About Nomis Connections and Mitel
Our partnership with Mitel is built on the co-belief that we are able to provide you with a phone
system that suits your every requirement. As a Mitel Gold Partner, we’re in a prime position to
recommend, install, configure and support your system through its lifetime - giving you reliability and
peace of mind.
Why not give us a call to discuss your requirements?
Found this guide useful? That’s great to hear. If you have any further questions, or would like
to discuss your telecoms in more detail, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Tel
01252 411 111
Web
www.nomisconnections.co.uk
Email
sales@nomisconnections.co.uk
Are you thinking of moving premises?
Our guide to help you efficiently prepare for, and
manage your office move is available here:
www.nomisconnections.co.uk/
moving-office/

More Related Content

What's hot

TULIP.India is the fastest growing and the 2nd largest telecom market in the ...
TULIP.India is the fastest growing and the 2nd largest telecom market in the ...TULIP.India is the fastest growing and the 2nd largest telecom market in the ...
TULIP.India is the fastest growing and the 2nd largest telecom market in the ...Unitedworld School Of Business
 
Charter business fiber presentation_final
Charter business fiber presentation_finalCharter business fiber presentation_final
Charter business fiber presentation_finaljcham89511
 
Local telephone and broadbandengineers guide Chesterfield
Local telephone and broadbandengineers guide ChesterfieldLocal telephone and broadbandengineers guide Chesterfield
Local telephone and broadbandengineers guide ChesterfieldGaz Pearce
 
AnswerNet Overview
AnswerNet OverviewAnswerNet Overview
AnswerNet OverviewAnswerNet
 
TelePacific Company Snapshot
TelePacific Company SnapshotTelePacific Company Snapshot
TelePacific Company SnapshotSean_Wall
 
Teleprime Marketing
Teleprime MarketingTeleprime Marketing
Teleprime MarketingClubExpress
 
Transitioning to Hosted Voice
Transitioning to Hosted VoiceTransitioning to Hosted Voice
Transitioning to Hosted VoiceDaniel J Delaney
 
Webinar - New UK consumer contract regulation
Webinar - New UK consumer contract regulationWebinar - New UK consumer contract regulation
Webinar - New UK consumer contract regulationTalkTalk Business
 
Who We Are Datasheet
Who We Are DatasheetWho We Are Datasheet
Who We Are DatasheetAlisa Barlow
 

What's hot (12)

TULIP.India is the fastest growing and the 2nd largest telecom market in the ...
TULIP.India is the fastest growing and the 2nd largest telecom market in the ...TULIP.India is the fastest growing and the 2nd largest telecom market in the ...
TULIP.India is the fastest growing and the 2nd largest telecom market in the ...
 
UC - The Future of Communication
UC - The Future of Communication UC - The Future of Communication
UC - The Future of Communication
 
Charter business fiber presentation_final
Charter business fiber presentation_finalCharter business fiber presentation_final
Charter business fiber presentation_final
 
Local telephone and broadbandengineers guide Chesterfield
Local telephone and broadbandengineers guide ChesterfieldLocal telephone and broadbandengineers guide Chesterfield
Local telephone and broadbandengineers guide Chesterfield
 
AnswerNet Overview
AnswerNet OverviewAnswerNet Overview
AnswerNet Overview
 
TelePacific Company Snapshot
TelePacific Company SnapshotTelePacific Company Snapshot
TelePacific Company Snapshot
 
Shortel
Shortel Shortel
Shortel
 
Teleprime Marketing
Teleprime MarketingTeleprime Marketing
Teleprime Marketing
 
Transitioning to Hosted Voice
Transitioning to Hosted VoiceTransitioning to Hosted Voice
Transitioning to Hosted Voice
 
Webinar - New UK consumer contract regulation
Webinar - New UK consumer contract regulationWebinar - New UK consumer contract regulation
Webinar - New UK consumer contract regulation
 
Who We Are Datasheet
Who We Are DatasheetWho We Are Datasheet
Who We Are Datasheet
 
AnswerNet Overview 2010
AnswerNet Overview 2010AnswerNet Overview 2010
AnswerNet Overview 2010
 

Similar to telephone_system_buyers_guide

2 24800 2012_north_american_cloud_contact_center_solutions_whitepaper
2 24800 2012_north_american_cloud_contact_center_solutions_whitepaper2 24800 2012_north_american_cloud_contact_center_solutions_whitepaper
2 24800 2012_north_american_cloud_contact_center_solutions_whitepaperNguyen Hoang
 
Take Advantage Of The Explosive Growth Of The Fiber Optics Market
Take Advantage Of The Explosive Growth Of The Fiber Optics MarketTake Advantage Of The Explosive Growth Of The Fiber Optics Market
Take Advantage Of The Explosive Growth Of The Fiber Optics MarketSpectrum Business Partner Program
 
Full Presentation - Copthorne Hotel Slough 07/10/2014
Full Presentation - Copthorne Hotel Slough 07/10/2014Full Presentation - Copthorne Hotel Slough 07/10/2014
Full Presentation - Copthorne Hotel Slough 07/10/2014mfraser1976
 
When Is The Time To Change Your VoIP Service Provider?
When Is The Time To Change Your VoIP Service Provider?When Is The Time To Change Your VoIP Service Provider?
When Is The Time To Change Your VoIP Service Provider?Naina Rajput
 
Phone Net Inc 06 25 09
Phone Net Inc 06 25 09Phone Net Inc 06 25 09
Phone Net Inc 06 25 09Lorihood
 
Pioneer Brochure May 2014 Final Hi Res Print Ready
Pioneer Brochure May 2014 Final Hi Res Print ReadyPioneer Brochure May 2014 Final Hi Res Print Ready
Pioneer Brochure May 2014 Final Hi Res Print ReadyGary Trudgett
 
A leading US-based car dealership moves into the fast lane by leveraging outs...
A leading US-based car dealership moves into the fast lane by leveraging outs...A leading US-based car dealership moves into the fast lane by leveraging outs...
A leading US-based car dealership moves into the fast lane by leveraging outs...Firstsource Solutions Limited
 
It lives in the application
It lives in the applicationIt lives in the application
It lives in the applicationSal Orefiche
 
Enticing leads through lead generation services
Enticing leads through lead generation servicesEnticing leads through lead generation services
Enticing leads through lead generation servicesGo4Customer Australia
 
How to choose a VoIP provider
How to choose a VoIP providerHow to choose a VoIP provider
How to choose a VoIP providerFlowroute
 
Goering Center_3Steps_Enger
Goering Center_3Steps_EngerGoering Center_3Steps_Enger
Goering Center_3Steps_EngerNick Enger
 
JT Mobile Voice Short Code Solution 2012
JT Mobile Voice Short Code Solution 2012JT Mobile Voice Short Code Solution 2012
JT Mobile Voice Short Code Solution 2012James Trenholme
 
TeleSign Opening Keynote, The Evolution of CPaaS, TADSummit 2018
TeleSign Opening Keynote, The Evolution of CPaaS, TADSummit 2018TeleSign Opening Keynote, The Evolution of CPaaS, TADSummit 2018
TeleSign Opening Keynote, The Evolution of CPaaS, TADSummit 2018Alan Quayle
 
5 Things To Consider When Choosing An ISP
5 Things To Consider When Choosing An ISP5 Things To Consider When Choosing An ISP
5 Things To Consider When Choosing An ISPTriple Play
 
in-search-of-a-better-customer-experience-042014
in-search-of-a-better-customer-experience-042014in-search-of-a-better-customer-experience-042014
in-search-of-a-better-customer-experience-042014Richard Lin
 
We Live In a Digital World - Cool Communication Tools that won't Weigh your C...
We Live In a Digital World - Cool Communication Tools that won't Weigh your C...We Live In a Digital World - Cool Communication Tools that won't Weigh your C...
We Live In a Digital World - Cool Communication Tools that won't Weigh your C...Rosina Webb
 
Digital Customer Service
Digital Customer Service Digital Customer Service
Digital Customer Service Rebecca Caroe
 

Similar to telephone_system_buyers_guide (20)

Welcomm Bro 16pp A4
Welcomm Bro 16pp A4Welcomm Bro 16pp A4
Welcomm Bro 16pp A4
 
Welcomm Bro 16pp A4
Welcomm Bro 16pp A4Welcomm Bro 16pp A4
Welcomm Bro 16pp A4
 
2 24800 2012_north_american_cloud_contact_center_solutions_whitepaper
2 24800 2012_north_american_cloud_contact_center_solutions_whitepaper2 24800 2012_north_american_cloud_contact_center_solutions_whitepaper
2 24800 2012_north_american_cloud_contact_center_solutions_whitepaper
 
Take Advantage Of The Explosive Growth Of The Fiber Optics Market
Take Advantage Of The Explosive Growth Of The Fiber Optics MarketTake Advantage Of The Explosive Growth Of The Fiber Optics Market
Take Advantage Of The Explosive Growth Of The Fiber Optics Market
 
Full Presentation - Copthorne Hotel Slough 07/10/2014
Full Presentation - Copthorne Hotel Slough 07/10/2014Full Presentation - Copthorne Hotel Slough 07/10/2014
Full Presentation - Copthorne Hotel Slough 07/10/2014
 
When Is The Time To Change Your VoIP Service Provider?
When Is The Time To Change Your VoIP Service Provider?When Is The Time To Change Your VoIP Service Provider?
When Is The Time To Change Your VoIP Service Provider?
 
Phone Net Inc 06 25 09
Phone Net Inc 06 25 09Phone Net Inc 06 25 09
Phone Net Inc 06 25 09
 
Pioneer Brochure May 2014 Final Hi Res Print Ready
Pioneer Brochure May 2014 Final Hi Res Print ReadyPioneer Brochure May 2014 Final Hi Res Print Ready
Pioneer Brochure May 2014 Final Hi Res Print Ready
 
A leading US-based car dealership moves into the fast lane by leveraging outs...
A leading US-based car dealership moves into the fast lane by leveraging outs...A leading US-based car dealership moves into the fast lane by leveraging outs...
A leading US-based car dealership moves into the fast lane by leveraging outs...
 
It lives in the application
It lives in the applicationIt lives in the application
It lives in the application
 
Enticing leads through lead generation services
Enticing leads through lead generation servicesEnticing leads through lead generation services
Enticing leads through lead generation services
 
How to choose a VoIP provider
How to choose a VoIP providerHow to choose a VoIP provider
How to choose a VoIP provider
 
Goering Center_3Steps_Enger
Goering Center_3Steps_EngerGoering Center_3Steps_Enger
Goering Center_3Steps_Enger
 
Successful Technical Project Management
Successful Technical Project ManagementSuccessful Technical Project Management
Successful Technical Project Management
 
JT Mobile Voice Short Code Solution 2012
JT Mobile Voice Short Code Solution 2012JT Mobile Voice Short Code Solution 2012
JT Mobile Voice Short Code Solution 2012
 
TeleSign Opening Keynote, The Evolution of CPaaS, TADSummit 2018
TeleSign Opening Keynote, The Evolution of CPaaS, TADSummit 2018TeleSign Opening Keynote, The Evolution of CPaaS, TADSummit 2018
TeleSign Opening Keynote, The Evolution of CPaaS, TADSummit 2018
 
5 Things To Consider When Choosing An ISP
5 Things To Consider When Choosing An ISP5 Things To Consider When Choosing An ISP
5 Things To Consider When Choosing An ISP
 
in-search-of-a-better-customer-experience-042014
in-search-of-a-better-customer-experience-042014in-search-of-a-better-customer-experience-042014
in-search-of-a-better-customer-experience-042014
 
We Live In a Digital World - Cool Communication Tools that won't Weigh your C...
We Live In a Digital World - Cool Communication Tools that won't Weigh your C...We Live In a Digital World - Cool Communication Tools that won't Weigh your C...
We Live In a Digital World - Cool Communication Tools that won't Weigh your C...
 
Digital Customer Service
Digital Customer Service Digital Customer Service
Digital Customer Service
 

telephone_system_buyers_guide

  • 1. Nomis Connections Limited | Connections House, 11a Kings Road, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 3AA | 01252 411 111 www.nomisconnections.co.uk © Nomis Connections 2015. Company Registration No. 4759622. Place of registration: England & Wales A guide to finding your new phone system A step-by-step approach to finding the best solution for your business.
  • 2. Nomis Connections Limited | Connections House, 11a Kings Road, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 3AA | 01252 411 111 www.nomisconnections.co.uk © Nomis Connections 2015. Company Registration No. 4759622. Place of registration: England & Wales Forward The telephone remains the most popular method of everyday communication for almost all businesses. Email, web chat and even social media have all taken great strides in changing the way we speak to each other, but there are still situations where picking up the phone is much more effective at communicating the ideas, thoughts or even concerns we have. For this reason, choosing a new phone system for your business is important. It can also be a complicated, even daunting task for many people. While some businesses have a member of staff dedicated to managing their telecoms, many don’t - meaning the project could be given to someone with little knowledge of the systems, or the reasons for change. To add to this, telecoms itself has become increasingly technical over recent years, resulting in more ‘techy-speak’ as technologies like VoIP replace their more traditional counterparts. This is where our guide comes in. We’ve crafted it to help both technical and non-technical people alike – guiding you through the necessary steps to find your new phone system in a simple, clear and no-nonsense way. Drawing from over 40 years’ industry knowledge, our guide is the only tool you need before taking the next step in renewing your system. Enjoy! SImon Simon Lincoln – Managing Director
  • 3. Nomis Connections Limited | Connections House, 11a Kings Road, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 3AA | 01252 411 111 www.nomisconnections.co.uk © Nomis Connections 2015. Company Registration No. 4759622. Place of registration: England & Wales Step 1: Determine your needs • We help confront your reasons for change - looking at what you’ve got, what others have, and what you need - present and future. • We look at how the size of your business, and what you’re hoping to achieve, influence your decision. • We discuss what’s best: To lease, or to buy? Step 2: Choose your infrastructure • How should calls be carried in and out of your business? Over your internet connection, or down traditional phone lines? We consider both options. • We discover the world of VoIP, and the benefits it offers. Step 3: Where to host? • Should your system be in your office, or in the cloud? We look at the features and benefits of both in-house and hosted phone systems - and how these may affect your business. Step 4: Consider features • We look at the sorts of features and add-ons you can get for phone systems - and how they could benefit you. Features we discuss include hot desking, call logging, unified messaging and audio and video conferencing. Step 5: Choose a provider • How do you go about choosing the device you need, with the provider you like? We look at elements of a proposal that can help set the front-runners apart, and give you some key metrics to ensure you’re getting the best solution for you - physically, technically, and financially. • We also address the importance of ongoing support and maintenance. Step 6: Implement • So, you’ve found the perfect system for you, recommended by a great provider. Now it’s down to implementing: We look at how to go about getting your solution up and running correctly first time, in the most efficent way possible. 6 easy steps to your new phone system...
  • 4. Nomis Connections Limited | Connections House, 11a Kings Road, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 3AA | 01252 411 111 www.nomisconnections.co.uk © Nomis Connections 2015. Company Registration No. 4759622. Place of registration: England & Wales STEP 1: Determine your basic needs Before you begin comparing prices and researching features, you must first assess what you need, and want, from a business phone system. Putting time and thought into your requirements will ensure you receive a system that meets, or even exceeds, your expectations. Take stock of what you’ve got Give your current system an earnest and thorough review, and consider why you want to purchase a new phone system. Some of the most common reasons are: • Poor voice quality • Outages or dropped calls • The need for better call routing - ensuring callers get through to the most appropriate person first time, every time • Reducing maintenance costs, particularly for older systems • Wanting additional features to improve productivity, flexibility and mobility Get feedback from the people interacting with your phone system most frequently. Ask for input from your staff - both technical and non- technical - as well as light and heavy phone users: • Ask them what’s working on the current system, and what isn’t • What frustrates them? And what do they struggle with? • Do they find the phones comfortable and easy to use? Don’t forget who’s on the other side of the phone either; ask your customers, partners and suppliers about their experiences contacting your business: • Are they able to reach the people they need easily? • Are dropped calls an issue? Keep an eye on the competition… It’s also good to look at what your competitors are doing with their communications. Assess what you believe they do well, and what could be improved. This allows you to benchmark your requirements, and is a good example to give a communications provider like Nomis Connections, as we can discuss the ins and outs of such a setup with you. Alongside evaluating the benefits and restrictions of your current system, craft a wish list of features and options your users, and callers, would like in a new system, so you can pinpoint how you can improve user experience from all sides. Remember: The better you understand your current system, the better you can mould your new system to meet your requirements. In addition to usability, take a look at your current system: • How old is your incumbent system? • Has it been discontinued, making replacement parts difficult to source? • Are maintenance costs becoming too high? Telecoms technology has been moving at a rapid pace over recent years, and when it comes to return on investment a new phone system will often provide a quicker return over maintaining a legacy system.
  • 5. Nomis Connections Limited | Connections House, 11a Kings Road, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 3AA | 01252 411 111 www.nomisconnections.co.uk © Nomis Connections 2015. Company Registration No. 4759622. Place of registration: England & Wales Size and flexibility The size of your business is an important factor in choosing a phone system. It’s crucial to consider not only how many employees you currently have, but also how many you expect to have in the coming years. • Are you planning to expand your staff over the next 3-5 years? Business needs are constantly evolving, so gaining an accurate picture of your user numbers is important. Using these figures, you can balance having to replace a system that’s too small early, against paying for users that you won’t have for another year or two. From this picture, providers like Nomis Connections can recommend a system that has the correct capacity at present, and can be expanded to meet your future demand. Lease or buy? Like a car, your phone system can be leased or purchased outright. Both are legitimate options, and as with any capital expense there are pros and cons to both. Once you have established your budget, and considered total cost of ownership (TCO), you can evaluate which is the more cost-effective choice for your business. Reputation and reliability count Like all things in the technology industry, with telecoms you get what you pay for. Because your phone system is essential to the day-to-day operations of your business, you want to get the best product from a reputable manufacturer. As an independent provider, Nomis Connections can make impartial recommendations based on your needs - ensuring you get the best solution to meet them. Note: As well as testimonials and case studies, ask any potential provider for user references from businesses similar to yours, and ask about warranties, support, maintenance agreements and costs. Consider VoIP VoIP is the latest in telecoms technology that allows you to make and receive calls over your internet connection, rather than traditional telephone lines. The technology has been a rapidly growing part of the industry over the past 5 years, and is now overtaking ISDN as the primary method of carrying calls. VoIP is particularly popular due to its flexibility - allowing businesses to take their numbers with them wherever they go - and the significant cost savings it offers. We discuss VoIP in more detail in STEP 2. gold reseller
  • 6. Nomis Connections Limited | Connections House, 11a Kings Road, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 3AA | 01252 411 111 www.nomisconnections.co.uk © Nomis Connections 2015. Company Registration No. 4759622. Place of registration: England & Wales Customise your needs Today’s phone systems come with an array of features; it’s a good idea to speak with potential providers about the wish list you created earlier - allowing them to match your wishes with available features. Here are a few to consider: • Do you want audio, video and web conferencing? • Would you like the ability to control your desk phone from your computer? Or even use your computer as a phone itself? • Do you need multiple voicemail boxes? • Do your employees share desks – making hot desking essential? • Would a message service that greets callers, and direct calls to appropriate staff members, be well-received? Tip: Think about the kinds of functionality that will give you a competitive edge, and speak to Nomis Connections about it - there’s likely to be a solution that’s right for you. A word of caution: While you certainly don’t need to pay for options you don’t use, it’s better to grow a system’s features than regret their absence. Retrofitting is not possible with some phone systems. Take mobility into account With the rise of mobile communication, the ‘anytime, anywhere’ nature of business has put emphasis on phone systems to be flexible - facilitating office, home and mobile workers. Couple this with the UK’s flexible working legislation and it becomes clear that it’s more important than ever to have a system that can centrally manage your telecoms, without compromising on quality or productivity. The right system offers freedom and flexibility for all users. STEP 2: Choose your infrastructure: landlines or VoIP? Modern phone systems allow you to make and receive calls through two main types of infrastructure - landlines and VoIP lines (also known as SIP Trunks). Landlines are a more traditional way of carrying calls into and out of your business - either using standard ‘analogue’ lines or digital ‘ISDN’ lines - and the number of lines you have denote how many calls you can make and receive at any one time. This model is known for its familiarity and reliability, and is still popular among many businesses. Now, though, as the technology is becoming older, and the systems that use it outdated, UK businesses are switching to newer, more modern infrastructures. VoIP lines are just that. This technology carries calls into and out of your business in much the same way, but rather than traditional ‘lines’, VoIP carries these calls over your internet connection. The way that VoIP carries calls also conveys a number of benefits to businesses, including: • High flexibility, great reliability – you can route calls in and out of your business as you please. This flexibility also makes VoIP very resilient, which is great for Disaster Recovery. • Superb mobility – as the service isn’t tied to a specific location, you’re able to take your system, and numbers, with you when you move office. Such mobility is greatly
  • 7. Nomis Connections Limited | Connections House, 11a Kings Road, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 3AA | 01252 411 111 www.nomisconnections.co.uk © Nomis Connections 2015. Company Registration No. 4759622. Place of registration: England & Wales appreciated in modern-day business, where things are rarely static. • Significant cost savings – VoIP has a much lower rental and call cost compared to more traditional lines; our customers typically save up to 60% on their yearly call spend by switching to SIP. • Great scalability – SIP lines (also known as ‘Trunks’) can be turned on and off like a tap, giving you great control of how many calls your business can answer at once. This is particularly convenient when you’re growing, or if you experience seasonal peaks. If you’re thinking that VoIP is the way to go, and you may be right, there are a couple of things you need to consider before-hand: The first is the quality and speed of your internet connection. Though most VoIP products don’t require excessively fast internet speeds, some businesses with particularly slow connections may find that they lose voice quality. If your connection is also susceptible to frequent drops, your calls will cut off. This isn’t to say VoIP is a complete write-off for you; a better internet service may be available for you to upgrade to, or you could have a separate broadband to carry your calls. Providers such as Nomis Connections will be able to help you assess these options. The second consideration is the quality of the VoIP network itself. This is slightly trickier to judge as it’s behind the scenes. If your provider’s network is too slow, has too much traffic running over it, or doesn’t have a sufficient backup plan if things go wrong, the voice quality, and the reliability, of your VoIP system will be affected. So how can you find out about the network quality? The simplest thing to do is discuss it with the provider, and get references from their customers that are similar to your business and using the service. How popular is SIP? In short, very. Over recent years the UK SIP market has grown to 1.22 million connections, which is around a 45% swap-out rate from ISDN to SIP1 . Looking to the future, SIP connectivity is forecast to grow to over 3 million connections by the start of 2019, as more businesses realise its value. IF YOU’RE UNSURE IF LANDLINES OR VOIP IS THE BEST INFRASTRUCTURE FOR YOUR BUSINESS, PROVIDERS SUCH AS NOMIS CONNECTIONS CAN HELP YOU ASSESS YOUR SITUATION,AND RECOMMEND THE BEST WAY FORWARD. If you’d like to find out more about VoIP specifically, our Quick and Simple Guide to VoIP can be found at www.nomisconnections.co.uk/ voip-guide-download 1 Source: Illume Consulting, July 2014
  • 8. Nomis Connections Limited | Connections House, 11a Kings Road, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 3AA | 01252 411 111 www.nomisconnections.co.uk © Nomis Connections 2015. Company Registration No. 4759622. Place of registration: England & Wales STEP 3: Where to host? In-house, or in the cloud? Next, you’ll need to decide if you’d like to host your phone system yourself in-house, or if you’d like it in the cloud. In-house solution With an in-house solution, your phone system is housed in your office. These systems offer the latest telecoms technology and can easily integrate with an existing business network and applications. In-house phone systems offer businesses the choice of infrastructure (explained in STEP 2) - with both landlines and VoIP lines available. This gives businesses the option of VoIP if their internet connectivity allows it, or landlines if VoIP isn’t for them. Most modern in-house systems also offer ‘hybrid’ solutions - meaning businesses can blend VoIP lines with traditional landlines; most often using SIP Trunks as the main method of carrying calls, with ISDN or analogue lines serving as backups in an emergency. Finances, however, should be considered; in- house systems mostly require much more up- front investment when compared to their cloud counterparts. In terms of life cycle, the majority of businesses will choose to re-evaluate their in-house system 3-5 years after installation. This timeframe allows businesses to accurately assess the total cost of ownership, and maximise their return on investment on the system. Hosted in the cloud Rather than having a ‘box on the wall’ in your office, a hosted phone system utilises ‘the cloud’. Your phones automatically connect to the system via your broadband - meaning hosted systems work exclusively using VoIP lines. Instead of being a large upfront investment, most hosted systems operate on a monthly payment schedule - minimising, or indeed eliminating, any up-front costs and improving cash flow. Most business-grade hosted systems now give you all the functionality of an in-house solution, and as the system is hosted the upgrade cycle is often longer. However, be warned, some ‘budget’ hosted options may not offer the quality you need (as discussed in STEP 2). Always pay close attention to the quality of the system you’re thinking of buying. Both in-house and hosted systems have their merits; both support hot desking, flexible and mobile working. Both are also very powerful, and can benefit your business for years to come. Indeed, on the face of things, the two options can be difficult for businesses to decide between. Thankfully, expert providers such as Nomis Connections can drill down into your needs and use a wealth of experience to recommend the right system to move you forward. Aside from a technological viewpoint, we consider the following when deciding on a system with you: • Cash flow - a hosted system may appeal to businesses concerned with cash flow due to its minimal capital expenditure. Otherwise, leasing an in-house system can also help manage cash flow.
  • 9. Nomis Connections Limited | Connections House, 11a Kings Road, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 3AA | 01252 411 111 www.nomisconnections.co.uk © Nomis Connections 2015. Company Registration No. 4759622. Place of registration: England & Wales • Space - Workspace is finite, especially if you’re in a small or serviced office. We’ll consider where you’ll be putting your system - in a comms/server room for example, or in the cloud. • Work patterns - Do you have flexible working policies in place? Or perhaps your business is spread across multiple offices, along with home and mobile workers. These factors can influence the decision between in-house and hosted. • Where your business is, and where it’s going - as mentioned in STEP 1, looking at where your business is now, and where it aims to be in 3-5 years’ time, will influence the sort of system you’ll have recommended to you. • TCO - we often see a point at which an in-house system using SIP Trunks is more cost-effective than a hosted VoIP system. We assess the two technologies based on TCO, and recommend the best one for your needs. STEP 4: Consider necessary and beneficial features A business phone system is much more than a collection of phones on desks; it’s an essential tool that allows staff to connect with one another, develop relationships with clients and get things done. The right phone system offers features that can improve these functions - making them better, faster and more efficient. If you look beyond the standard features of call transfer, speed dialling and voicemail, you discover a wealth of functions that can help you work smarter. Hot desking In many offices, it’s convenient to have groups of desks and phones that are shared between staff members. For example, estate agents, who are often out of the office at viewings, may not need dedicated phones. Their office may have 10 or 15 desk phones between 20 agents. Hot desking allows users to enter a code on any phone on the system and automatically access their personalised phone settings, speed dials, voicemail and more. Then, when they’re finished, they simply log out and a different user can log in. Hot desking makes phone sharing possible, and can help businesses save on equipment and office space. Call logging Call logging records all phone system activity and logs the information based on the data you want to capture. This data can then be formed into reports, giving management teams access to
  • 10. Nomis Connections Limited | Connections House, 11a Kings Road, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 3AA | 01252 411 111 www.nomisconnections.co.uk © Nomis Connections 2015. Company Registration No. 4759622. Place of registration: England & Wales powerful statistical information on the number of calls made or received, average call duration and how many calls are missed. Information can then be customised to monitor call patterns within certain departments, right down to specific members of staff. Call information can also be displayed on wall boards, which many businesses use to motivate telesales and support teams. Auto attendant You’re already acquainted with this feature, even if you don’t know it. An auto attendant is the voice that greets you when you call a business - giving you menu options so your call is directed to the correct person for your enquiry. For instance, you may be asked to ‘press 3 for support queries’. The auto attendant can also prompt callers to change the language of the spoken menu, dial an extension or listen to a pre-recorded message, such as your opening times. It can even direct them to leave a message in a dedicated voicemail box - which is particularly popular for schools when asking parents to record absences. Automatic call distribution (ACD) Sometimes customers call a company without needing to speak with anyone in particular, or they may not know who would be best to speak with. Automatic call distribution allows you to determine how calls will be distributed within your business, or call centre. Say you need to connect customers with support staff - you could set the ACD feature to route calls to staff members that have been idle longest. You could also route them in order of seniority, technical expertise or location; the power is in your hands. Audio and video conferencing Most phone systems include a conference call feature, which allows you to join more than two people in a call, though the exact number of participants varies depending on the type of system. As well as standard conferencing features, where you invite people to join by calling them, you can also have a dial-in ‘conference bridge’. This gives you a number that all participants of a conference can call, from wherever they are, and instantly become part of the conference. More advanced systems also include the capability for video conferencing, and indeed video conferencing solutions themselves are increasing in popularity as their benefits are being discovered. It’s important to work with a provider when it comes to assessing your needs for video conferencing. Nomis Connections can help asses these with you, and recommend and supply the right solution based on these needs. Unified messaging Do you ever get tired of having to check several different devices to retrieve your messages? Unified messaging is designed to take care of that. It is the collection of all your voicemail, email, fax and text messages in one place. Presence If you’ve ever dialled more than one number to track down a colleague, you’ll know the value of this feature. Presence is a status indicator for each person on your phone system. It allows every user to see each other’s status at a glance so they can decide
  • 11. Nomis Connections Limited | Connections House, 11a Kings Road, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 3AA | 01252 411 111 www.nomisconnections.co.uk © Nomis Connections 2015. Company Registration No. 4759622. Place of registration: England & Wales the method of communication that’s needed. For instance, if a user sees that the person they need to speak with is on the phone, they may choose to instant message or email them instead. Another user may benefit from seeing their colleague’s status set as ‘in a meeting’ or ‘gone for the day’ so they don’t waste time trying to call them again. Do not disturb Do not disturb (DND) is perfect for when you don’t want to be interrupted from the work you’re doing. When this feature is activated, your desk phone will not ring. While this feature is widely-available, different systems handle this process a little differently. Some systems will offer the caller a busy signal, or a message that the user does not wish to be disturbed, while others will send calls to voicemail or forward them to a person of your choosing - such as a colleague. Forwarding and twinning Rather than not wanting to be disturbed, there are times where you really need to be available. Forwarding allows calls to follow you wherever you are, allowing callers to reach you on your mobile, or even home phone, by ringing your office extension number, or direct dial number (DDI). It’s also possible to have the same call ring in all these locations by ‘twinning’ your phones, giving you one number anywhere. STEP 5: Choose a provider and device So far, you’ve made some important decisions about what you need, and want, from your new phone system. Now it’s time to compare providers and devices. Setup and support When choosing a phone system supplier, consider who will install the system and provide support for technical issues. Ask suppliers how much experience they have in installing systems and solutions in businesses of your size and likeness. Do they offer training and support? Do they have case studies and references to give you? When it comes to Nomis Connections, we have over 40 years’ experience in installing and maintaining telephone systems and solutions to businesses of all sizes across the UK. We offer system training upon install, and your system is installed, configured, supported and maintained by our in-house support team. Alongside phone systems, we offer a range of services including consultancy, calls and lines, businesses broadband and leased lines and business mobiles - offering you a single point of contact for all your telecommunications needs.
  • 12. Nomis Connections Limited | Connections House, 11a Kings Road, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 3AA | 01252 411 111 www.nomisconnections.co.uk © Nomis Connections 2015. Company Registration No. 4759622. Place of registration: England & Wales Total cost of ownership (TCO) While many providers offer honest and competitive pricing, some phone system prices can vary widely. • Some boast low monthly fees with hefty up- front costs, and vice versa. • Others are more reasonably priced at the outset and on a monthly basis, but then require regular and costly upgrades or service fees. • Finally, some providers will charge low rates for a ‘basic’ system, with all other features available as chargeable add-ons. The best way to attain a fair comparison of what different providers are offering you is to look at your total cost of ownership. We can help you determine this number. While it will be an important factor in your decision making process, be careful not to over-emphasise cost in choosing your phone system. The adage of ‘you get what you pay for’ is particularly true in the telecoms market - meaning businesses must find a healthy balance between quality, function and TCO. Finding a system that will serve your business well for the length of time you plan to have it is what’s most important. Selecting a system that could negatively affect you, and your customers, won’t be worth the few hundred pounds you will save over the system’s lifespan. Aesthetics and ergonomics Now comes the part in the process that you may have been tempted to start with - the design of the device itself. Depending on your business, and whether or not your customers will ever see or directly interact with your phones, phone design may be an important factor in choosing a system. After all, you wouldn’t want to put clunky telephones in your design agency, would you? The design of the user interface is key too. Are the phones easy to use? Will staff (and customers, if they’ll be using them too) be able to work them? You also want to be sure to choose a device that is comfortable to use for extended periods of time. Does the handset feel natural to hold? Is it comfortable on the ear? Will your phones work with accessories such as corded and cordless headsets? Though this part of the process is very personal to you, it’s good to give your honest thoughts and feedback to any provider, so they can highlight any preferences you have – and address any concerns. STEP 6: Implement! Now that you’ve considered all your options, and discussed them with a provider like Nomis Connections, it’s time to make a selection and get a new system in place. It may seem as though your work is almost done - and don’t worry, it is - but it’s crucial to not rush the last step in this process. Failing to plan the implementation process with care could lead to mistakes that are costly - not only in time and resources, but also perception. Some providers, like Nomis, offer project management services as part of the solution. We’re able to liaise with you to ensure your setup goes as quickly as possible, with minimal downtime, from provisioning lines and broadband through to programming and installing your system. We also offer training on installation day to ensure your staff are comfortable with the new setup, and continue to support your solution – in its entirety – throughout its life.
  • 13. Nomis Connections Limited | Connections House, 11a Kings Road, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 3AA | 01252 411 111 www.nomisconnections.co.uk © Nomis Connections 2015. Company Registration No. 4759622. Place of registration: England & Wales In a nutshell… Here’s a quick recap of the steps you should take when implementing a new system: 1. Notify staff Let staff members know that a new phone system is on the way so they can prepare themselves for implementation day. Assure them that there’s no need to worry - they’ll get all the training and support they need to make them comfortable. 2. Take stock On installation day, your supplier will go through all of your new equipment, including cables and peripherals, to make sure you have everything you need to get started. 3. Train users Many providers, including Nomis Connections, will offer training to your staff in order to familiarise them with the system - and further professional training is often available. Group training is great for giving an overview of the system and basic features, but you can also look at individual training so users can ask questions on functions they specifically want to use. Not sure how a function works? Contact your provider’s support desk - they’ll be able to guide you through it. 4. Celebrate! You’re now all set up with a phone system that’s easy to use, has the features you need, and is capable of taking your business forward for many years to come. We’d say that’s a success! Now, on to the next task…
  • 14. Nomis Connections Limited | Connections House, 11a Kings Road, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 3AA | 01252 411 111 www.nomisconnections.co.uk © Nomis Connections 2015. Company Registration No. 4759622. Place of registration: England & Wales Is it time to buy a new business phone system? <5years >10years 6-10years IS YOUR CURRENT SYSTEM HAVING PROBLEMS? HAS IT BEEN DISCONTINUED? ARE THE MAINTENANCE COSTS EXCESSIVE? OR DO YOU ANTICIPATE ANY OF THESE THINGS HAPPENING SOON? ARE YOU LOOKING FOR NEW FEATURES? OR DO YOU NEED TO EXPAND YOUR NUMBER OF USERS/SITES? DO YOU WANT TO LOWER YOUR CONTRACTUAL COSTS? ARE YOU JUST LOOKING FOR A NEW TECH TOY TO UNBOX? IS YOUR CURRENT SYSTEM NOT PERFORMING THE WAY YOU WANT IT TO? IS IT DIFFERCULT TO USE OR A HEADACHE FOR IT TO SUPPORT? HAS IT BEEN DISCONTINUED? It may be time. Not all phone systems allow you to add features or expand the number of users/sites. Ask your current provider. It’s probably time to explore the benefits of a cloud-based system. OK, you’ve stumped us! Call or email us to let us know why you think you might need a new phone system, and we’ll let you know our thoughts. It’s probably time to explore the benefits of a cloud-based system. nomisconnections.co.uk /contact/ nomisconnections.co.uk/ hosted-voip/ nomisconnections.co.uk/ contact/ nomisconnections.co.uk /hosted-voip/ How old is your current system? YES YES NO YES YES YES NO NO NONO It’s time to start looking nomisconnections.co.uk
  • 15. Nomis Connections Limited | Connections House, 11a Kings Road, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 3AA | 01252 411 111 www.nomisconnections.co.uk © Nomis Connections 2015. Company Registration No. 4759622. Place of registration: England & Wales About Nomis Connections “We understand that efficient and productive communication in business is a must. Our commitment to you is to deliver a fast, reliable and friendly service to ensure your business telecoms solution is the best it can be, and to offer you a single point of contact for all your telecoms needs.” Simon Lincoln - Managing Director, Nomis Connections. Nomis Connections is an established independent provider of telecommunications services and solutions to businesses throughout the UK. With experience spanning over 40 years, and many happy customers across a multitude of industries, we pride ourselves on our unrivalled expertise and dedication from initial consultation to post- installation support – always putting our customers’ needs first. Our portfolio includes tailored telephone systems, broadband and leased lines, call recording and reporting, mobile tariffs and devices, calls and line rental, VoIP and video conferencing. We offer expert, jargon-free consultancy as part of our service; ensuring you receive a robust solution that meets your needs, present and future. Alongside this, our in-house team fully support and maintain your solution through its lifetime. We are devoted to making businesses more efficient, whilst offering the best value for money, and achieve this through outstanding customer service – acting as a single point of contact for your telecommunications needs. About Mitel Market-leading manufacturer of robust, feature-rich and future-proof telephone systems, Mitel is Nomis Connections’ recommended manufacturer of phone systems in the UK. With over 40 years’ experience, and 60 million end users in 100+ countries, Mitel power over 2 billion business connections a day. They offer systems that can, and do, suit the needs of businesses of all sizes – from 2 to in excess of 600 users.
  • 16. Nomis Connections Limited | Connections House, 11a Kings Road, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 3AA | 01252 411 111 www.nomisconnections.co.uk © Nomis Connections 2015. Company Registration No. 4759622. Place of registration: England & Wales About Nomis Connections and Mitel Our partnership with Mitel is built on the co-belief that we are able to provide you with a phone system that suits your every requirement. As a Mitel Gold Partner, we’re in a prime position to recommend, install, configure and support your system through its lifetime - giving you reliability and peace of mind. Why not give us a call to discuss your requirements? Found this guide useful? That’s great to hear. If you have any further questions, or would like to discuss your telecoms in more detail, please don’t hesitate to get in touch! Tel 01252 411 111 Web www.nomisconnections.co.uk Email sales@nomisconnections.co.uk Are you thinking of moving premises? Our guide to help you efficiently prepare for, and manage your office move is available here: www.nomisconnections.co.uk/ moving-office/