Powered by high demand VoIP connectivity, business phone systems today cover a tremendous array of capabilities. New avenues and methods of connection increased that demand since the pandemic, and now more options are available as technology advances. In addition to Nextiva, IAP supports a deep range of systems, including Cisco, RingCentral, 8×8, Vonage, Xfinity and many more.
These are just a few of the industry’s top names and we’re well acquainted with plenty more. All these systems excel in multi-faceted functions. Call routing, business texting, automated attendant, call management, interactive voice response, voice mail, and call recording are all relatively standard features these days. All sound great on-hold with IAP supplying the studio productions!
Another common trait among the leading business phone systems? Those voicemail, auto attendant, and interactive voice response (IVR) functions also easily accommodate IAP’s top quality recording, dynamic voice artists, and catchy licensed music tracks.
Here are a few more factors that may weigh into the decision and what Cisco, RingCentral, 8×8, and Vonage each have to offer.
Cisco
If you read our last blog on Nextiva, you have a general idea about its functionality. Cisco is a close second and a familiar name globally in the business arena. 100 million Cisco IP phones have been put to work since 1998, and the latest generation has a few new wrinkles. Control Hub offers one-dashboard management for those using multiple Cisco devices. PhoneOS is a flexible operating system that lets Cisco users configure their own platforms.
Cisco also has four newly designed desk phone models, built with configurable action buttons, and user-friendly “desk reservations.” Small and medium-sized businesses are also reporting excellent results with remote work setups and dynamic screen sharing with HD video through the Cisco Webex Suite.
Integrated security and cutting-edge networking capabilities also give Cisco a foothold in phone systems geared for adaptability. Areas like overhead messaging and on-hold marketing are also easy to integrate with IAP audio expertise.
RingCentral
RingCentral has a sterling reputation for ease-of-use. New VoIP users especially appreciate the RingEX cloud business phone, available in desktop and mobile models. The RingEX app supports various IVR functions, call queuing, call monitoring, and easy connectivity remotely.
Powerful unified team collaboration functions are a major attraction with RingCentral. Team huddles by video can be achieved internally and externally in just seconds with one-click buttons. Call, chat, and text features are also easily intuitive. Outbound calls? Just click a contact name.
Business analytics are big with RingCentral too. Dashboards can be customized with a variety of robust metrics and data measurement, and in several visual styles. Plus, the IAP studio routinely cranks out messages-on-hold productions for RingCentral systems, working closely with designated contacts on the written content, voice artist selection, and music preferences.
8×8
What’s unique about 8×8? UCaaS plans help make the transition to higher-tier contact centers a smoother process. These “Unified Communications as a Service” are particularly advantageous in large scale customer service operations. Unlimited local and global calling across 48 countries also includes SMS, team chat, and video meeting features.
8×8 is strong in supervisor support. Call monitoring incorporates whisper and barge functions. Analytic dashboards can be customized to cover multiple team members simultaneously. Call routing features like multi-level IVR, queuing, and voicemail transcription can also be significant benefits for smaller and mid-size operations.
8×8 Frontdesk also assists receptionist support. This app interface makes it easier for receptionists handling high call volumes, transfers, and queue activity. Large capacity interactive meetings? No problem for 8×8, even when there’s 500 guests! Needless to say, 8×8 is extremely flexible and robust.
Additionally helpful with the complex IVR capabilities? IAP specializes in the creation of prompts, guiding callers seamlessly in the right direction.
Vonage
Vonage is certainly a leading name in personal and residential communications, and no less so in business communication platforms. Vonage offers businesses clear advantages with virtual numbers and truly unlimited SMS texting across North America. There’s also a user-friendly app that simplifies meeting setup and recording with just a click.
Users of Vonage business phones have also shown a preference in routing features, IVR, call groups, and analytics. Of course, video meetings and team chat functions are part of the Vonage package. For audio/video productions, IAP can help with the messages-on-hold, IVR prompts, narration, and e-Learning. Our professional greetings, voice talents, and licensed music all come together to enhance the customer experience. Vonage business phone platforms and IAP studio productions are an ideal match.
System Scalability
With so many businesses having migrated to the cloud, other “must-haves” to note include portal accessibility and how those portals function. And what about mobile call handling? Can you access voicemail and IVR ring groups quickly without jumping through annoying technical menu hoops?
Cost is always factor and you should watch for add-ons with one brand that may be standard with another. If you’re concerned about compatibility with Auto Attendant, MOH, IVR, and/or Voicemail, rest assured that IAP accommodates Cisco, RingCentral, 8×8, and Vonage as well as Nextiva and numerous other manufacturers. We work closely with trustworthy vendors and IT experts to make installation of our equipment fast and seamless. The audio reproduction in these systems is always crystal clear and totally professional!
Choosing IAP for Professional Recording
The friendly staff at IAP first began producing Messages-on-Hold in 1986 and we’ve seen a lot of changes in technology since the pre-internet days. Our background in broadcasting has also been a bonus in other areas of studio recording, like Radio commercials and voice tracks for TV and video productions.
With the advent of VoIP and cloud-based business phones, IAP easily adapted to newer demands for Auto Attendant and IVR prompts, Overhead Messaging, and Voicemail greetings. As with all our services, we handle every facet from writing and voicing to mixing and loading. We recently started offering Digital Signage too.
Just reach out and we’ll be glad to help. Contact info@illinoisaudio.com or 630.552.9600 to see what IAP can do for your business!