Category: Voice 365

Voice 365 Cloud Telephony Systems

Voice 365 from The Unite Group is a cloud-based telephone system offering a range of services that will offer your business a professional communications solution.

  • The Advantages of VoIP Phone Systems for Modern Businesses

    The Advantages of VoIP Phone Systems for Modern Businesses

    As companies increasingly look for ways to streamline operations and reduce costs, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone systems have emerged as a powerful tool to meet these needs. With VoIP, businesses can make calls over the internet, bypassing traditional phone lines and gaining a host of additional benefits.

    What is VoIP?

    VoIP phone systems convert voice signals into digital data that is transmitted over the internet. Unlike traditional phone systems that rely on copper wires and physical infrastructure, VoIP uses a broadband connection, making it a more flexible and scalable solution for businesses of all sizes.

    Benefits of VoIP Phone Systems

    1. Cost-Effective Communication

    One of the primary benefits of VoIP phone systems is cost savings. Traditional phone lines often come with high costs, particularly for long-distance and international calls. With VoIP, these costs are significantly reduced, as calls are made over the internet. This can result in substantial savings, particularly for businesses with a global presence or those that frequently communicate with clients and partners abroad.

    2. Flexibility and Scalability

    VoIP systems offer unparalleled flexibility. As your business grows, your phone system can easily scale to meet your needs without the need for additional hardware or significant changes to your infrastructure. Adding new users or expanding your service is as simple as adjusting your subscription plan. Moreover, VoIP systems do not tie employees to a specific location, allowing them to make and receive calls from anywhere with an internet connection. This is particularly beneficial for businesses with remote workers or multiple office locations.

    3. Advanced Features

    VoIP phone systems come with a range of advanced features that are either costly or unavailable with traditional phone systems. These features include call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, auto-attendants, and video conferencing. Such features enhance productivity and ensure that businesses can maintain a professional image, even with a distributed workforce. Additionally, VoIP systems can integrate with other business tools, such as customer relationship management (CRM) software, allowing for a more streamlined workflow.

    4. Improved Call Quality

    With the advancements in internet speed and reliability, VoIP call quality has improved significantly. Modern VoIP systems offer crystal-clear call quality that often surpasses that of traditional phone lines. This ensures that communication remains clear and professional, regardless of the distance between the parties involved.

    5. Enhanced Security

    Security is a major concern for businesses, particularly when it comes to communication. VoIP phone systems are equipped with advanced encryption and security protocols to protect against potential threats, such as eavesdropping or data breaches. This ensures that your business communications remain secure and confidential.

    6. Easy Installation and Maintenance

    Unlike traditional phone systems that require extensive wiring and hardware, VoIP systems are relatively easy to install and maintain. Most of the setup is software-based, and the need for physical hardware is minimal. This not only reduces installation costs but also makes it easier to troubleshoot and resolve issues. Furthermore, because VoIP systems are hosted in the cloud, updates and maintenance can be handled remotely, minimizing downtime and disruptions to your business.

    The Unite Group’s VoIP Solutions

    At The Unite Group, we understand the importance of reliable and cost-effective communication for businesses. We design our cloud-hosted VoIP phone systems to meet the needs of modern businesses, offering a comprehensive solution that enhances communication, reduces costs, and supports business growth. Our VoIP solutions deliver all these benefits, backed by our expert support team to ensure your business stays connected at all times.

    Why Choose Us?

    Tailored Solutions: We work closely with our clients to understand their unique needs and provide customized VoIP solutions that fit their business requirements.

    Expert Support: Our team of professionals is always on hand to provide support and ensure that your VoIP system operates smoothly.

    Scalable Plans: Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, our VoIP plans are designed to scale with your business, offering flexibility and value for money.

    Integration: Our VoIP systems integrate seamlessly with your existing IT infrastructure, ensuring that you can continue to use the tools and platforms you’re familiar with.

    Reliability: With our VoIP solutions, you can be confident that your business communications will remain uninterrupted, thanks to our reliable and secure service.

    Conclusion

    VoIP phone systems are revolutionizing the way businesses communicate, offering a cost-effective, flexible, and feature-rich alternative to traditional phone lines. By adopting a VoIP system, your business can not only reduce communication costs but also improve efficiency and scalability. At The Unite Group, we are committed to providing top-tier VoIP solutions that meet the unique needs of each client. Contact us today to learn more about how our VoIP systems can benefit your business and help you stay connected.

  • Streamlining School Technology with The Unite Group: Cloud Phone Systems, IT Support, and Cyber Security 

    Streamlining School Technology with The Unite Group: Cloud Phone Systems, IT Support, and Cyber Security 

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    Schools face the challenge of managing a plethora of technological tools and systems to support education effectively. From maintaining a robust IT infrastructure to ensuring secure communication channels, the complexity of managing school technology can be overwhelming. However, with the right partner, this process can be seamless and efficient. The Unite Group offers a comprehensive solution for schools by offering cloud phone systems, IT support, and cyber security services all from one singular supplier. 

    The Importance of Unified School Technology Management 

    Managing technology in a school setting involves a variety of components that must work together harmoniously. These include communication systems, IT infrastructure, and cyber security measures. When these elements are managed separately, it can lead to inefficiencies, increased costs, and security vulnerabilities. By unifying these services under a single provider like The Unite Group, schools can ensure seamless operation, reduce downtime, and enhance security. 

    Cloud Phone Systems for Efficient Communication 

    Communication is the backbone of any educational institution. A reliable phone system is essential for coordinating between staff, communicating with parents, and managing emergencies. Traditional phone systems can be costly and cumbersome, especially for schools with limited budgets. 

    The Unite Group offers cloud phone systems that are cost-effective and scalable. These systems allow schools to handle calls over the internet, reducing the need for expensive hardware and maintenance. Features such as call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, and automated attendants ensure that communication is smooth and uninterrupted. 

    Moreover, cloud phone systems are highly adaptable to the changing needs of schools. Whether expanding to accommodate more lines or integrating with other communication tools, the flexibility of cloud-based solutions ensures that schools can adapt quickly and efficiently. 

    Comprehensive IT Support 

    Schools rely heavily on their IT infrastructure to support daily operations, from classroom activities to administrative tasks. However, maintaining this infrastructure can be challenging without dedicated support. The Unite Group provides comprehensive IT support tailored to the needs of educational institutions. 

    Our IT support services include: 

    Proactive Monitoring:

    Continuous monitoring of IT systems to detect and resolve issues before they impact school operations. 

    Helpdesk Services:

    A dedicated help desk to assist staff and students with any IT-related queries or problems. 

    Hardware and Software Management:

    Regular updates and maintenance of hardware and software to ensure optimal performance. 

    Network Management:

    Ensuring reliable and secure internet connectivity across the school campus. 

    By outsourcing IT support to The Unite Group, schools can focus on their core mission of education while we handle the technical complexities. 

    Robust Cyber Security 

    With the increasing reliance on digital tools and online platforms, schools are becoming prime targets for cyber-attacks. Protecting sensitive information, such as student records and staff data, is crucial. The Unite Group offers robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard school data and infrastructure. 

    Our cyber security services include: 

    Firewall and Antivirus Protection:

    Implementing advanced firewall and antivirus solutions to protect against malware and unauthorised access. 

    Data Encryption:

    Ensuring that sensitive data is encrypted both in transit and at rest. 

    Security Audits:

    Regular security audits to identify vulnerabilities and implement necessary measures. 

    Incident Response:

    A dedicated team ready to respond swiftly to any security breaches or incidents. 

    By integrating cyber security into our comprehensive IT management plan, schools can ensure that their digital environments are secure and compliant with regulatory standards. 

    Benefits of Partnering with The Unite Group 

    Partnering with The Unite Group for your school technology needs offers several benefits: 

    Simplified Management:

    By consolidating cloud phone systems, IT support, and cyber security under one provider, schools can simplify management and reduce administrative burdens. 

    Cost-Effectiveness:

    Our solutions are designed to be budget-friendly, helping schools save money while still receiving top-notch services. 

    Expertise:

    With our team of experienced professionals, schools can access the latest technology and best practices in IT management and cybersecurity. 

    Scalability:

    Our services are scalable to meet the evolving needs of schools, ensuring they can grow and adapt without disruptions. 

    Conclusion 

    Effective management of school technology is crucial for the smooth operation and success of educational institutions. The Unite Group offers a comprehensive solution by integrating cloud phone systems, IT support, and cyber security from one supplier. By partnering with us, schools can ensure efficient communication, robust IT infrastructure, and strong cybersecurity, all while focusing on their primary mission of education. 

    Contact The Unite Group today to learn more about how our integrated solutions can support your school’s technology needs and help create a safe, efficient, and effective learning environment. 

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  • What is Hosted Telephony?

    What is Hosted Telephony?

    Hosted telephony

    Hosted telephony is the latest industry buzzword, but what does it mean? The term refers to telephone systems hosted by a third party. These systems are software-based and require no hardware or cabling.

    Hosted telephony is a service that offers business owners the ability to use an office phone system without having to invest in hardware and infrastructure. Instead, you can use a simple internet connection, or even your smartphone or tablet, to make and receive calls, send and receive faxes, and even transfer files all with the same ease as you would with an ordinary landline.

    The Benefits of Hosted Telephony

    There are many benefits to hosted telephony. The main one is flexibility. You can pick up your mobile phone and make a call from anywhere in the world at any time of day – there’s no need for expensive travel plans or complicated international calling plans. In fact, if you have an internet connection you can make calls from anywhere in the world as long as there is mobile coverage for your phone provider!

    Hosted telephony or “softphones,” as they’re often called can offer many advantages over traditional phone systems, including:

    Flexibility

    Hosted telephony can be used from any computer with internet access. This makes them perfect for mobile professionals and those who travel frequently. They also allow for unlimited extensions.

    Convenience

    Customers can use softphones on their own time to make calls when it’s most convenient for them. This includes the ability to receive calls on their computer or smartphone. This can come in handy if they’re in a noisy environment or if they just want to sit down at their computer in the evenings to make calls.

    Email Integration

    You can send emails directly from your phone by typing the recipient’s email address into the “To” field or by selecting them from your contacts list. This eliminates the need for writing down long email addresses on scraps of paper! If you receive an email while away from your desk, it will be stored in your inbox. When you do log on again, all new messages are there automatically. This means they will be in your inbox ready for reading!

    Improve employee efficiency

    Hosted telephony allows employees to use their mobile devices as business phones, which makes them more efficient and productive in the workplace. Employees can easily access their voicemail, emails, and other business applications from their mobile devices, which makes it easier for them to do their jobs remotely or when working from home.

    Cost

    You don’t need to worry about buying new phones or upgrading them every year or so. This means that overall costs are much lower than if you were paying for upgrades yourself.

    How can The Unite Group help?

    With our industry knowledge, as an established Communications provider for over 13 years. We have the knowledge to offer the best solution for your business rather than offering a ‘one-size’ fits all approach. We can offer solutions tailored to your business. Our projects team will take time to understand your business’s needs. They will also ensure the transition to your services with us goes as smoothly as possible.

    If this is something you might be interested in learning more about, give us a call on 0191 466 1050. Or contact us for more information.

  • Answer your business line anytime, from anywhere with Voice 365 – FAQs

    Answer your business line anytime, from anywhere with Voice 365 – FAQs

    answer your business line anytime, from anywhere with voice 365

    Here at The Unite Group, we offer Voice 365 – our hosted telephony solution. Voice 365 is a cloud based telephone system that means your calls which can be accessed from multiple devices anywhere. The system offers an IP desk phone and Webex softphone for every user meaning you never have to miss a call!

    This is our telephony solution for the modern business. Making incorporating remote and hybrid working even more accessible.

    So what exactly is Voice 365?

    Voice 365 is a hosted cloud telephony solution. It has a range of features including: call center working, call recording, voicemail, call management, functionality, receptionist software and softphones.

    Will my team be able to answer calls from any location?

    Yes! As Voice 365 is a cloud-based system, it can be answered from any location. One of our engineers will help your team set up the system on all handsets, softphones, tablets & mobile devices. From then, your business line will ring on all devices meaning your team can answer the phone anytime, anywhere.

    Can I make video calls through Voice 365?

    Yes, Voice 365 now provides video calling as well as a conferencing facility. The conferencing facility now can host up to 250 participants at a time! Using our docking system working alongside a tablet, creates a professional modern-looking desk phone. Allowing you easy access to both telephone calls & video calls.

    Can the softphone be set up on any mobile device?

    The Voice 365 softphone app can be downloaded from both the Android and Apple IOS app stores. Therefore any device running either of these can instantly have access to answering your business line. Meaning you don’t have to give your teams personal numbers out.

    The softphone can also be set up on laptops & desktop PC’s meaning you really can answer the phone anywhere!

    How does the call recording work?

    Call recordings can be provided to all users or selected users. They are then stored securely in our dedicated cloud network. Recordings can then be accessed online from any location. Call recordings can be stored for either 30 days, 180 days or 7 years depending upon your needs.

    Can I monitor my team’s call stats?

    Yes, our Voice 365 solution has call-reporting features. Meaning call reporting, wallboards and daily reports are all accessible through the cloud-based system. This is particularly useful for call centers. Wallboard’s can be displayed on large screens within your office if necessary and our friendly team of engineers will be on hand to set these up.

    Does Voice 365 have integration into office communicator software?

    Yes, Voice 365 can provide office communicator software in a monthly subscription for all users. Providing a live presence display and integration into basic Microsoft products including Outlook. The software can also support integration into your existing CRM to display information based on incoming caller details. Meaning your team can have a better idea of the the call they are about to answer. Typically speeding up your answering times and meaning you can provide a more personalised service.

    Can my existing telephone number be imported into Voice 365?

    Any existing numbers can be ported to our cloud network. This process typically takes 10-20 days to complete.

    Is The Unite Group team on hand to help if I encounter any problems?

    Yes, our dedicated team of engineers provide support from our dedicated remote helpdesk facility meaning issues can be dealt with promptly. Meaning you can be confident your telephone system is in safe hands.

    What is the cost of Voice 365?

    Voice 365 starts from £15 per user. This includes 5000 minutes per month per user. All users also will receive a handset upon installation. As well as support to set up any necessary softphones.

    Are you interested in this service and want to learn more? Arrange a discovery call with one of our telecommunications managers who can discuss in further detail the best options for your business.

  • 4 ways cloud telephony can improve the customer experience

    4 ways cloud telephony can improve the customer experience

    There are many elements that need to work together to deliver an exceptional customer experience. Communication is one of the most important. Most businesses give customers a variety of communication channels to support synchronous and asynchronous communication, depending on the situation. Telephony is the most common way customers will contact a business, businesses should invest in cloud telephony to improve the customer telephony experience.

    Whilst some businesses are still using on-premises phone systems, many businesses made the move to cloud telephony to support remote and hybrid working. However, not all businesses are making the most of cloud telephony. In this article, we will discuss 4 ways cloud telephony can improve the customer experience.

    What is cloud telephony?

    For the uninitiated, cloud telephony is a phone system that runs through an internet connection, rather than traditional PSTN. Businesses can still keep their phone numbers, and aa desk phonesis still required there are hardware options available. With cloud telephony, employees can also answer phone calls from other devices, such as their work computer, or mobile phone.

    How Cloud Telephony Can Improve the Customer Experience

    Powerful Calling Features

    One of the ways that cloud telephony can improve the customer experience is through powerful calling features. One of these features is a form of Interactive Voice Response (IVR) this is known as an auto attendant. This feature connects callers to the appropriate person or department based on the caller’s input to the provided menu options. With auto attendant, the menu options can be recorded by the business. The caller can select the desired option either through the keypad or with speech recognition. This feature improves the customer experience as it ensures that callers can speak to the right department quickly and easily, without having to be put on hold or transferred.

    Cloud telephony solutions, such as Microsoft Teams Phone, also have significantly better reporting features, in comparison to traditional phone systems. These reports can give a business insights into the average wait time for callers, the quality of each call, how many calls are routed to each department, as well as timelines for each agent, showing their call activity. These insights enable businesses to make data-driven internal changes to improve the calling experience.

    Simple Call Recording

    For businesses looking to improve the customer experience, it is important to be able to determine any problem areas in processes and conversations. This is achievable through call recording, which is simple to implement with a cloud telephony. Call recording can be turned on for all calls, or if you have a set policy around set calls being recorded then we can set it so only those calls are recorded. The call recordings can be automatically uploaded to cloud storage. We can set make sure we set permissions so the correct people to access just what they need. Call recording can also help agents, as they can review their own calls to recover overlooked details.

    Enable Scalability

    For businesses that are growing quickly or have busy periods of the year where they require temporary workforces, it is essential that their technology can scale up and down with them. On-premises telephony solutions do not allow for simple scaling as it requires a technician to come on-site to install new lines and hardware. This lack of scalability often hurts the customer experience as it results in more calls with fewer agents, leading to longer wait times. Using cloud telephony solution allows us to add new agents within minutes. This means that the business only pays for the number of licenses that are needed at that time.

    Increased Mobility

    As hybrid work has become commonplace in many businesses, and with sales teams back on the road, meeting clients in person, we must be able to make and receive calls from anywhere. This is not possible with a traditional phone system, however, it is simple with cloud telephony. With Microsoft Teams Phone, employees can install the Teams application on their personal phone and use it as if it was a desk phone or work-issued mobile phone. This is a positive for businesses as well as there is no need to buy employees’ work mobile phones.

    Looking to make the move to cloud telephony?

    If you are looking to move your phone system to the cloud or if you currently have a cloud phone system but want to make the most of it, we can help. An investment in cloud telephony can assist your employees in providing exceptional customer experiences. Ultimately leading to increased profitability, whilst saving money on hardware expenditure. Our Voice 365 solution could be exactly what you need. If you want to find out more, contact us today.

  • Integrated and flexible working with Voice 365 on any device

    Integrated and flexible working with Voice 365 on any device

    Voice 365

    We have introduced a new service using Voice 365 for our customers.

    The Voice 365 softphone by Webex provides you with integrated features, promoting collaborative working on a daily basis.

    The softphone is created with the target audience of modern businesses, keeping your team connected from any location.

    Remote working is an essential since the pandemic, and many employees opt for hybrid working models as restrictions have eased.

    As as result, we have introduced a new softphone allows users to work from any location with ease.

    The Voice 365 Softphone

    The softphone has a wide range of features such as easy-to-call functions, integrated mobile apps and simple contact management.

    You can also integrate the softphone with your other devices, such as your tablet and mobile phone.

    Employees can edit documents simultaneously using the new whiteboard feature.

    Essential phone features and software allow you to find out which colleagues are available for a call. You can then transfer calls effortlessly both externally and internally.

    With Voice 365 business meetings and calls can be conducted with ease.

    With hybrid working patterns continuing, staff illness and other factors – the softphone allows you to hold face-to-face meetings without leaving your workplace or home office.

    The Integrated features allow you to actively make use of applications. Such as Microsoft Office, whilst communicating with colleagues and clients.

    You can work from any location using the softphone, and if your data is stored in the cloud, your files can be accessed and edited wherever you are working.

    Call recordings are stored in the cloud and can be accessed online from any location, allowing remote workers and client phone calls to be monitored, both in and outside of the office.

    Call flows can be monitored and displayed onto online wallboards, controlling call traffic. Automated reports are produced to monitor staff.

    This new device takes collaborative and flexible working to the next level, an essential after the pandemic.

    How can we help?

    The Unite Group can help you with your communication needs, as well as our new softphone, we have a variety of services that you can view here.

    If this is something that you would like to discuss further, don’t hesitate to get in touch on 0191 466 1050 or email us on info@theunitegroup.co.uk.

  • Patient Partner and how it can benefit your Practice

    Patient Partner and how it can benefit your Practice

    Patient Partner is a brand-new service that we are offering at The Unite Group.

    Since the pandemic, telephone appointments in medical practices have been the norm.

    Despite telephone appointments improving patient access, call traffic and waiting times have increased massively.

    Patients are being triaged and assessed over the phone and it is likely that this will continue to stay.

    Patient Partner streamlines the processes over the phone and allows telephone appointments to continue with ease.

    The new service removes the middleman and allows patients to book appointments with their medical practice without having to speak to a member of staff.

    Voice 365 Technology

    Using Voice 365 technology, Patient Partner acts as a virtual receptionist and works for those who are already registered with the practice.

    There are routine appointments such as smear tests and asthma reviews can be booked using Patient Partner.

    With this system the patients will be able to choose from a menu that is automatically read out to them.

    The Triage module leads patients through a list of options which creates an appointment with the correct clinician.

    On booking an appointment, the patient is required to record a message which details why they need an appointment.

    This feature will then allow the clinicians to prioritise calls that are deemed as urgent. 

    Patients can also access external services when utilising the self-referral mode.

    Appointment menus can be seasonal, adding flu jabs to the menu in the winter months.

    Patients can also order repeat prescriptions and reveal test results.

    Patient Partner is a low-cost and simple service which improves patient access to practice services.

    To access Patient Partner, patients need their date of birth, telephone number and PIN number.

    The practice has the ability to decide what time of day they offer specific services, creating structure for the medical practice.

    Patient Partner is a 24-hour service, allowing patients to call and make appointments at any time.

    A benefit of Patient Partner is that the virtual receptionist can alleviate staff pressure.

    Call traffic is reduced massively, helping those who need to speak to a member of staff, get through to reception sooner.

    Patient Partner is currently available in 11 languages to help meet the needs of the patients registered at your practice.

    This is another benefit, as it helps breakdown language barriers for those whose first language isn’t English.

    How can we help?

    There are a number of benefits to using Patient Partner in your practice.

    And if this is something that would benefit your practice, then The Unite Group can help.

    Starting with a free consultation, we can walk you through the process and discuss the tool in depth.

    We can schedule an easy installation with little disruption to your working day.

    If you would like to learn more book your free consultation here, call us on 0191 466 1050 or email us on info@theunitegroup.co.uk.

  • Hosted telephony and the BT Switch off explained…

    Hosted telephony and the BT Switch off explained…

    BT has recently announced that they are switching all their customers from PTSN and ISDN services to a fully digital network, as Openreach are discontinuing the old phone analogue lines by 2025.

    This therefore concerns all small to medium-sized businesses, and even affects home services too. If you are a business, this affects everything that uses old phone networks including alarm and door entry systems.

    By switching to digital phone services, you are able to make calls from any device in any location, using the same phone number.

    This allows you to be able to link business applications and systems with video chat, calls and collaboration – which is a necessity in the workplace since the pandemic.

    The technical term for this digital phone service is hosted telephony.

    Hosted Telephony means that your phone system is hosted in the cloud. This is instead of physically in your office.

    The installation process is simple, there are no physical cables to install and connect. All that is required is an internet connection.

    Hosted Telephony provides a flexible and reliable way to manage your communications in the workplace.

    One of the benefits of hosted telephony is that once it is installed, it can be easily managed and tailored to your business. You will also have the option of adding extra features.

    Calls can be made and received across multiple devices including your phone and desktop.

    The flexibility of hosted telephony allows small and growing businesses to scale up. You also then don’t have phone numbers that are tied to one location.

    Advanced features of hosted telephony include SMS messaging, voicemail, Microsoft Integration, call recordings and more.

    Hosted Telephony also reduces maintenance and IT costs for your business.

    How can we help?

    At The Unite Group, we use Voice 365 to provide our customers with hosted cloud telephony service.

    Voice 365 provides a range of features including, call centre and remote working, receptionist software, call management, and more.

    We provide Voice 365 phones with no purchase cost. All of the payments are billed monthly, this allows you to spread out the cost for your business.

    If this is something you might be interested in learning more about, why not give us a call on 0191 466 1050. Or email us on info@theunitegroup.co.uk.