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The secret to low-cost telephony for international organizations

International operating organizations tend to have a per-country telephony solution. Currently, roughly three types of telephony solutions are available: traditional PBXs, VOIP calling with on-site hardware and full cloud based telephony. For each solution or combination thereof, a substantial cost reduction can be realized for the entire organization with, as a bonus, unprecedented new telephony possibilities. 

Fully cloud-based solutions

Needless to say, full cloud solutions currently provide the lowest recurrent costs. This is not THE secret; more on that later. First, let's look at where the obvious savings can be realized.

Usage charges

Traditional telephony providers charge hefty rates for international and national calling. With cloud-based telephony, a VoIP provider charges minimal fees per minute. Moreover, mutual calling between users is free. In addition, the usage charges can be as much as 90% lower. Safe to say, these are substantial savings. If an organization is already using cloud telephony, there are often still gains to be made by switching to a VoIP provider with friendly rates.

Management costs

Traditional telephony platforms with on-premise hardware and software require maintenance. Especially when there are multiple sites, this can result in expensive maintenance contracts. With full cloud-based solutions, there are no or little hardware investments. Furthermore, low overhead costs apply. Not to mention the costs that can be saved on management staffing costs.

Staffing Costs

With cloud-based solutions, there are many ways to automate. Transferring calls to the right person or department can be done through smart routing. For example using an IVR or voice menu, shortens your overall call flow. But this is just the start; by using auto-attendants, integrating web chats, mail, and CRM in just one platform, substantial savings can be achieved. Especially in larger organizations, this can lead to FTE savings, but also, in smaller organizations, these savings can make a real impact. In addition, there is much to be gained from number management. By deploying a simple and powerful tool, anyone with the right rights can manage numbers and roles smoothly and effectively.

Win through sublime customer experience

Working with cloud telephony opens up new possibilities by adding contact center solutions, for example. For example, when transferring a call, it is possible to see whether someone is available, is in a meeting or call, or what else they might be doing. This ends unnecessary time on hold or endless waiting to be able to leave a voicemail message.

Customers will appreciate that. They would also appreciate the possibility of transfers based on expertise and availability. The customer will talk to the right person faster. It is also possible to display information about a caller on the screen, with data from a CRM, for example. But it does not stop here; there are endless possibilities to configure, automate, and connect, leading to a far better customer experience.

Costs associated with acquisitions and new branches

For growing, downsizing, or adding offices internationally, organizations can reap the benefits of flexibility and scalability of cloud-based telephony.

Such gains become tangible, for example, when a company is acquired or a new branch is opened. Cloud-based telephony - and business communications, for that matter - can be set up and managed completely remotely. One invoice, one support desk, a single point of contact. Moreover, hardly any hardware investments are required. In these cases, cloud-based telephony is a real cost killer. 

The real benefits

Any organization transitioning to full cloud-based telephony can benefit greatly from insights. Insights into call behavior, the types of questions and problems customers have, handling times, etc. The uncluttered reports make it possible to improve service, train employees, and adjust policies and procedures. All this leads to higher customer satisfaction, which in the end is the ultimate 'secret' of cloud-based telephony.

Questions?

Do you want to know if your organization could benefit from cloud telephony? Feel free to ask one of our experts via our contact form.