For businesses that need a simple, scalable and cost-effective phone service, VoIP might be the right choice. Although many have heard of it, there’s some confusion of what it is exactly. From a technological perspective, Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP is a technology that is defined by a series of transmissions that make it possible to communicate over the Internet.

It does this by converting vocal vibrations into compressed digital signals that translate into Internet Protocol or IP packets. Then, the packets are transmitted and converted into a traditional phone signal as long as the user has an Internet connection. Basically, it gives businesses the ability to make phone calls from a computer that has a Wi-Fi hookup and a VoIP phone line. This is a convenience many businesses can use and benefit from. Below are three ways VoIP can benefit any business.

Easy Installation and Maintenance

VoIP systems are easy to install, and can be installed far more quickly and for less cost than legacy phone systems. They require less cabling than traditional phone systems and because there are less cables, they reduce the clutter, fire hazards and costs that come along with additional wiring. The lack of extra equipment and cabling for installation make it a scalable technology. In fact, it’s infrastructure is so scalable that new components can be added with little to no hassle.

The scalability is also evident in the fact that vocal vibrations are transferred into digital signals using software and not hardware, which makes the entire communication system easier to maintain and change. This easy maintenance, installation and scalability make it a popular choice for many businesses, especially those who don’t have an entire tech team or tech-savvy employees.

VOIP is Mobile and Flexible

The technology’s mobility and flexibility also make it an attractive choice for businesses. First, adding and maintaining mobility features on a VoIP system is very cost effective. Next, it allows for the integration of other software programs, like video, voice conferencing, email and e-faxing. This means users can talk or video conference while still being able to access other applications.

Wireless VoIP also means it can also travel anywhere, so users can talk from any place that has a Wi-Fi connection. Managers or employees who are always on the move can benefit from this greatly. Plus, it makes communication during corporate travel much more convenient, and long distance VoIP is more cost effective than mobile phone calls.

Increases Company Productivity

Increased company productivity is another benefit that Voice over Internet Protocol offers. The technology gives employees the ability to multi-task without interruption of current tasks. Users can also hold remote meetings, share data, make sales via video conferencing, and send files to a client while conferencing with them.

Additional Benefits

Though, these are three major benefits for using VoIP, they aren’t the only benefits the system offers. Voice over Internet Protocol also offers enhanced vocal clarity that is better than any traditional phone line. Not only that, the system also combines and stores data on a single network, which increases its cost-effectiveness, manageability and reliability. Wireless VoIP also gives businesses the ability to make cheap phone calls from anywhere where Wi-Fi is found. So, any business that is unsure about VoIP should consider it’s many benefits to see how it can change their business operations for the better.

There are many businesses and organizations that can benefit from call recording. It is important to note that the terms call recording and call logging are used somewhat interchangeably. Generally, call logging refers to the collection, analysis, and reporting of statistical and technical data gathered from telephone calls. The data collected includes but is not limited to, call destination, call origin, length of call, call cost, extension use or non-use, and output quality. Call recording refers to the recording of the audio data of a call. The two often work hand in hand. Many businesses and organizations have found that it is immensely beneficial for improving operations.

How Call Recording Works

In a typical call logging system, data is collected from a telecommunications system in the form of call detail records or CDRs. The CDRs are transmitted to an interface via an ethernet cable and then transferred on to a computer system. Once on the computer system, specialized software aggregates the data and displays it in an easy to understand manner.

Call recording works in a similar manner in that data is collected and transmitted to an interface and/or computer system. The difference being that it is audio data rather than CDRs.

The Benefits of a Call Recording and Logging System

Call logging makes capturing calls easy and the data is readily accessible. The data can be used in multiple ways for the discerning company or organization. Below, is a list of a few of the ways that call logging data can be used.

Improve performance – Call logging software tracks call answer time, call length, and missed calls. This information can be used to implement training or allocate resources to better reach company goals in these areas.

Cost control – The system can track the cost of calls and break it down by department or extensions allowing companies and organizations to control their telecommunications costs.

Capacity management – Call logging can help a company determine whether they need to expand or scale back their telecommunications system based on the over or under-use of the current system.

Systems that feature both call logging and call recording offer further benefits.

Training – Organizations can use their inventory of recorded calls to regulate the quality of customer service as well as discover training opportunities for new and veteran employees alike.

Compliance – Recorded calls allow a company to ensure that company and industry standards are being followed. For example, certain industries must comply with HIPAA or PCI (payment card industry) standards.

Verification – Call recording allows companies or organizations to verify what took place during a call. This is useful for dispute resolution and the verification of sales/financial transactions.

Implementing a Call Recording and Logging System

A call recording/logging system usually involves the implementation of both hardware and software solutions. Because a system can involve tens to hundreds of phone systems and the proper routing of those systems, installation is a job for an experienced communications system company. A specialized company can provide a customized solution for the specific needs of a business or organization.

Need a call recording or call logging system for your business or organization? With over 30 years in the industry, Creative Switching Designs has the experience and knowledge to get you logging calls in no time. Contact us for more information.

When it comes to owning a small business, one of the largest and most important investments you will make is in technology. From retail to hospitality, all sectors of business rely heavily on technology. It is a major cornerstone of day to day operations, analyzing profits and losses, as well as increasing efficiency. Many small business owners get frustrated when it comes to investing in technology and at the many different options available. As if that weren’t frustrating in itself, there are the many competing schools of thought on small business tech. It is a common headache for small business owners of all industries. The bright side is that there are many resources available for learning the basic of small business tech. Here is just a few tips to get your feet wet and get you brainstorming.

You Get What You Pay For

When we say technology for small business is important, that is a huge understatement. Small business tech can make or break your company. Try to cut corners and underinvest on tech and your productivity will plummet and your customer service will suffer as a result. Why is tech so important? We live in a world of instant communication with untethered mobile devices and on-demand internet and texting. For example, if a restaurant’s computer system goes down, the ordering and payment will come to halt to the detriment of customers and employees alike. Customers take notice, get frustrated, and some may even refuse to come back!

The quality of technology you buy may cost you upfront, but will cost you much more in the long run if you go with cheap alternatives. We aren’t advocating raiding your savings, but you would be surprised what can be done with quality, affordable equipment, solid software, and determination. Do your research and invest in hardware/software that complement what you have in place but also do more than your old equipment.

Numbers Don’t Lie

If you really want to know how well your business is operating, numbers will tell you everything you want to know if you know how to read what those numbers are saying. Analytics, or the study of collected data, can paint a clear picture on how your company is functioning. It will answer questions you may have and some you may not have thought about. Knowing is half the battle and analytics help you better comprehend the key performance indicators of your small business. Analytics can help in many areas of business such as customer service, profitability, and marketing effectiveness.

Accessibility is Profitability

In business, these are the modern times of instant gratification. We no longer do things through catalogs or snail mail. Even online retail has changed with some services offering same day delivery on many goods. Our lack of patience has created the mobile society. In many cases, if you are not mobile, you cannot be profitable or at least you’ll miss out on what is not an insignificant amount of business. For example, an insurance agent these days must have their cell phone or laptop with them at all times. They may have a client buying a car on Saturday morning and needing a binder or proof of insurance. These are documents that cannot wait and your customers expect to be able to reach you no matter the time. That is just the nature of the beast. Even if your customers don’t purchase your products online, just having an online presence will make your company more appealing to potential clients

Look to the Cloud

Data is key to business. It literally is the core of your business information systems. Customer contact information, sales reports, and profit and loss statements are all examples of important data. Storing that data can be one of the most expensive small business technology expenses. With the advent of the untethered computer, more and more businesses are embracing offsite storage via cloud-based services versus old school hard drives. The drastic difference in cost is one of the main advantages but accessibility is another benefit. For example, a store employing a POS system for purchases no longer has to be tied to one computer. The POS system can integrate right into the cloud service and pull data from the cloud to perform functions. And POS systems aren’t alone in their benefit of cloud services. With the cloud, a company can also store important documents and other company information in one place. By embracing technologies like cloud-based services, advanced analytics, and POS systems your company can benefit greatly from technology as well as save money compared to older, time-consuming methods of day to day business

Creative Switching Designs offers many technology solutions for businesses and organizations. Call for more information about VoIP, call recording, network equipment, and cloud solutions.

CSD is honored to have been chosen to attend the Intelisys / Scansource Super9 sessions in Phoenix last week. I was privileged to be paired with 8 other true professionals. Congratulations to all our group for the win in the VAR transformation exercise.

At CSD we were fortunate that Hurricane Harvey had minimal impact on us as a company and more importantly on our employees. Many of our customers however were not so lucky. We have been working tirelessly over the last couple of weeks to do what we can do to assist our clients in their time of need. From helping salvage flooded recording systems to re-configuring entire phone systems for disaster use, CSD is proud of the work we have done to help our clients recover during their time of need. Because we as a company were so blessed as to be spared, CSD has available staff and solutions to assist anyone who still needs help. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for recovery assistance if your recording or phone systems were impacted.

Bill McCown- CEO CSD

To Our Valued Clients

Creative Switching Designs is pleased to announce the appointment of Bill McCown as President. He will be replacing Thomas Larvin who will be retiring at the end of this month.

Thomas and Lee Slocum founded Creative Switching Designs in 1986. For the last 30 years, they have provided sales, support and service to customers having communications challenges in the commercial and public safety contact center marketplace. Thomas’ extensive industry knowledge has helped position CSD as one of the premier solution providers in this industry.

In order to facilitate a smooth transition for all of our clients, Bill will work with Thomas and the staff of CSD to assure the same superior level of support and customer service that you have come to enjoy and expect from Creative Switching Designs.

Mr. McCown brings with him over 25 years of IT, networking and telecommunications experience ranging from engineering and technical to managerial and executive level roles across multiple industries. Bill has a deep understanding of how voice and networking technology impacts organizations. As CSD’s new President, Bill is looking forward to working closely with each and every client to insure you are always supplied with the most appropriate solution to meet your voice and audio recording needs.

We feel it is important to reiterate that all staff that you are accustomed to dealing with on a day-to-day basis are remaining in place and the high level of attention and support you are accustomed to receiving will continue.

In closing we at Creative Switching Designs thank you for your continued business, and ask that you join us in celebrating this joyous occasion with Thomas and our staff. We look forward to another 30 years of serving you, our clients. Please feel free contact Bill, or any of our staff at 281-579-1600 if you have questions regarding this transition.

Sincerely,

The Creative Switching Designs Staff