Tag: the unite group

Teams Calling: Seamlessly Integrating with Cloud-Hosted Phone Systems

In today’s fast-paced business world, effective communication is the lifeblood of any successful organisation. Teams Calling, is a revolutionary feature within Microsoft Teams. It has emerged as a game-changer for businesses looking to streamline their communication processes. Combining the power of collaboration and cloud-hosted phone systems, Teams Calling offers a comprehensive solution that optimises productivity, enhances customer engagement, and fosters seamless teamwork.

What is Teams Calling?

Teams Calling is a feature of Microsoft Teams that enables users to make and receive phone calls directly from their Teams application. It transforms the conventional desk phone into a versatile, cloud-based communication tool. This integration allows users to consolidate all their communication channels. Such as chat, video conferencing, and phone calls, into one unified platform, simplifying their work processes.

Seamless Integration with Cloud-Hosted Phone Systems

Teams Calling offers several advantages when integrated with cloud-hosted phone systems:

Enhanced Flexibility

Cloud-hosted phone systems enable employees to access their phone services from any internet-connected device. By incorporating Teams Calling into the mix, team members can make and receive calls from their computers, tablets, or mobile phones. Ensuring they stay connected, whether they are in the office or working remotely.

Cost-Effective Communication

Traditional phone systems often come with hefty setup and maintenance costs. Cloud-hosted phone systems offer a more cost-effective solution by eliminating the need for physical infrastructure. Teams Calling further optimises costs by bundling phone services with existing Microsoft 365 subscriptions, saving businesses significant expenses.

Streamlined Collaboration

Integrating Teams Calling with cloud-hosted phone systems fosters seamless collaboration among team members. With just a few clicks, users can initiate voice or video calls with colleagues or clients. Eliminating the need to switch between different communication platforms. This streamlined process enhances productivity and reduces the chance of missed messages or important calls.

Unified Communication History

Having a unified communication history is a boon for businesses. With Teams Calling, all call logs, voicemails, and call recordings are conveniently stored within the Microsoft Teams application. Team members can access this information at any time, ensuring they have a comprehensive record of their communication activities.

Advanced Features

Cloud-hosted phone systems often come equipped with a range of advanced features. Such as call forwarding, voicemail-to-email transcription, and interactive voice response (IVR) systems. By integrating these features with Teams Calling, businesses can provide better customer service, increase efficiency, and customise their communication setup to suit their unique needs.

Scalability and Integration

Cloud-hosted phone systems are highly scalable, making them ideal for businesses of all sizes. As organisations grow, they can easily expand their communication infrastructure without the need for significant investments in new hardware. Additionally, integration with existing business tools, such as Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software, further enhances the efficiency of communication and data management.

Secure Communication

Cloud-hosted phone systems offer robust security features to protect sensitive information and conversations. When integrated with Teams Calling, businesses benefit from Microsoft’s advanced security protocols. Ensuring that their communication remains secure and compliant with industry regulations.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Teams Calling offers a powerful communication solution that seamlessly integrates with cloud-hosted phone systems. By centralising all communication channels within the familiar Microsoft Teams platform, businesses can significantly enhance productivity, streamline collaboration, and reduce costs. Moreover, the combination of Teams Calling’s advanced features and cloud-hosted phone systems’ scalability provides organisations with a versatile and future-proof solution for their communication needs.

As businesses continue to embrace digital transformation, adopting Teams Calling integrated with cloud-hosted phone systems will undoubtedly play a crucial role in driving success and staying ahead in the ever-evolving corporate landscape. Embrace the power of modern communication and experience the transformative impact it can have on your organisation’s productivity and growth.

To learn more about Teams Calling and it’s easy integration with Cloud Hosted Phone Systems click here or contact our team today!

July 24, 2023
A chat with Cassandra, one of our Client Account Managers

We introduce you to our latest member of the team, Cassandra. Cassandra has joined our sales team as one of our Customer Account Managers. She has fit into the team perfectly and has had a great response from many of our clients here at The Unite Group.

We recently had a chat with Cassandra to find out a bit more about her and her role…

Growing up, what did you want to be?

From studying Art and Design at college at the age of 18, I was always interested in creative hobbies and liked to sketch and doodle and had a good imagination with storytelling. I always dreamt about going into animation and working with creative people. The role I have landed in is slightly different to this, however, I am excited to see where this role takes me.

What is your role at The Unite Group and how did you end up where you are now?

My role with The Unite Group as a Client Account Manager is to develop relationships with existing and new clients. Provide high levels of customer service by reviewing their needs and understanding their business. Organising my own diary and face-to-face engagement. Promoting up-to-date information, advice, and guidance on all the company’s services and products. Sourcing new opportunities through networking and attending group memberships to raise the company’s profile.

I was looking for a new opportunity after recently being made redundant and was approached by The Unite Group after meeting and building a relationship with some of the team. I feel like I have finally found the right role for me and really excited for the future.

What does a typical day look like at The Unite Group?

My typical day at The Unite Group usually starts off with a team update, then planning the week ahead with appointments, making calls and sending emails, updating company systems, visiting clients, attending networking events, and updating social media with posts. No two days are the same and that’s what I love about my role!

What is your most and least favorite part of the job?

My favourite part of the job is meeting and talking to people as I find people very interesting. I love being able to help people and make an impact and learning new skills.

My least favourite is all the admin involved and all the systems to remember.

What is your greatest achievement?

My greatest achievement has got to be becoming a mother and raising my daughter into a caring thoughtful and polite young lady.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?

Within the next ten years, I want to travel around the world and experience new things to push myself out of my comfort zone. I also want to be successful in my job and live life to the full!

How do you unwind outside of work?

Outside of work, I like to keep fit by attending gym classes and going on long walks. I also enjoy socialising with friends. As well as going to music festivals.

If you would like to learn more about how Cassandra and The Unite Group can help you with your business technology needs, call us on, 0191 466 1050 or email us at info@theunitegroup.co.uk. Our team would be happy to discuss how our services could improve your company’s efficiency and take the headache of tech away from you.

Have you received great customer service from Cassandra or another member of our team recently? Why not leave us a Google review and let us know about the service you received!

Click here to leave a review.

July 19, 2023
Boosting Business Communication: The Power of Cloud-Hosted Phone Systems

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced and interconnected business landscape, effective communication is vital for success. As technology evolves, so do the tools we use to communicate. One such tool that has gained significant popularity is the cloud-hosted phone system. This article will explore the benefits of implementing a cloud-hosted phone system for businesses. Showcasing how it can revolutionise communication and enhance productivity.

Enhanced Flexibility and Scalability

A cloud-hosted phone system offers unparalleled flexibility and scalability for businesses of all sizes. Unlike traditional on-premises phone systems, cloud-hosted solutions operate through the internet, eliminating the need for physical infrastructure. This means that businesses can easily add or remove phone lines, adjust call routing, and scale their system as their needs evolve. Whether you’re a small startup or an established enterprise, a cloud-hosted phone system ensures that your communication infrastructure can adapt to your changing requirements without incurring significant costs or disruptions.

Cost-Effectiveness

Implementing a cloud-hosted phone system can lead to substantial cost savings for businesses. With traditional phone systems, setting up and maintaining hardware can be expensive and time-consuming. On the other hand, cloud-hosted systems operate on a subscription-based model, eliminating the need for costly infrastructure investments. Additionally, maintenance and upgrades are managed by the service provider, reducing IT expenses. By opting for a cloud-hosted solution, businesses can redirect their financial resources towards growth initiatives. While still enjoying a reliable and feature-rich communication platform.

Seamless Collaboration and Mobility

A cloud-hosted phone system enables seamless collaboration and mobility, empowering employees to work from anywhere, at any time. With features like mobile apps and softphone compatibility, team members can make and receive business calls using their smartphones or computers. Regardless of their location. This eliminates the constraints of physical office spaces. Allowing businesses to tap into the benefits of remote work and expand their talent pool. The ability to transfer calls, hold conference calls, and access voicemails remotely enhances teamwork and productivity, fostering a more connected and efficient workforce.

Reliability and Business Continuity

In a world where even a minute of downtime can result in lost opportunities, a cloud-hosted phone system offers unparalleled reliability and business continuity. Traditional phone systems are vulnerable to disruptions caused by power outages, natural disasters, or equipment failures. Cloud-hosted systems, on the other hand, are housed in secure data centers with built-in redundancy, ensuring uninterrupted service. In the event of an emergency, calls can be automatically rerouted to alternate devices or locations, allowing businesses to maintain communication and deliver uninterrupted customer service.

Advanced Features and Integration

Cloud-hosted phone systems come equipped with a wide array of advanced features that enhance communication and streamline business operations. These features can include auto-attendants, call forwarding, call recording, voicemail-to-email transcription, and more. Moreover, cloud-hosted systems can seamlessly integrate with other business applications such as customer relationship management (CRM) software, enabling a unified communication experience. By leveraging these integrated features, businesses can optimise their workflows, improve customer interactions, and gain valuable insights into their communication patterns.

Conclusion

In today’s digital age, businesses must embrace technology that revolutionizes communication and improves productivity. A cloud-hosted phone system offers the flexibility, scalability, cost-effectiveness, and advanced features that businesses need to thrive. By making the switch, organisations can empower their workforce, enhance collaboration, ensure business continuity, and stay ahead of the competition. Embrace the power of the cloud-hosted phone system and unlock the full potential of your business communication.

To learn more about Cloud Hosted Phone Systems click here or contact our team today!

July 18, 2023
Swinging for a Cause – Grace House Golf Day 2023

Almost 3 weeks on from the Grace House Golf Day 2023, we reflect on what a great day we had sponsoring the event. Here at The Unite Group, we are keen supporters of Grace House and the fantastic work they do. As you will know our Director, Paul, is known to often be found on the Golf course. So we felt sponsoring this event was a no-brainer for us! The perfect opportunity to maximise our support for Grace House.

Introduction

On Friday 16^th June, we took to Ramside Golf Course for the annual Grace House Golf Day 2023. Joined by 14 fantastic teams, we enjoyed a great day of golf in perfect weather conditions. Held amidst the picturesque greens of the prestigious Ramside Golf Club, this event brought together passionate golfers and philanthropists alike, all driven by a common purpose—to support the vital work of Grace House North East. With a shared commitment to making a positive impact in the community, participants rallied together for an unforgettable day of camaraderie and charitable giving.

Setting the Stage for a Memorable Event

The rolling fairways of Ramside Golf Club provided the ideal backdrop for Grace House North East‘s Charity Golf Day. Participants arrived early in the morning, greeted by the warm embrace of the summer sun and the shared anticipation of a day filled with memorable moments. As golf enthusiasts and supporters of Grace House North East mingled, laughter and conversation filled the air, forming new connections and strengthening existing bonds, all in the spirit of giving back to the community.

Teaming Up for a Worthy Cause

Our team here at The Unite Group and Social+ worked closely with the team at Grace House in the weeks leading up to the event. Ensuring they planned the best day possible for attendees and most importantly Grace House. Our in-house Digital Marketing team, Social+, was present at the event covering the socials for the charity. Ensuring those who couldn’t make the day didn’t miss out on the action.

Business leaders, community advocates, and sports enthusiasts all united under one common goal: to raise funds and awareness for Grace House North East. Their unwavering dedication ensured the success of the charity event, attracting generous sponsors, enthusiastic golfers, and avid supporters. The teams were assembled, each player ready to showcase their skills and compete in friendly yet spirited matches, all while staying focused on the true purpose of the day—to contribute towards the remarkable work of Grace House North East.

A Day of Sportsmanship and Giving

Here at The Unite Group, we had 2 teams taking part in the competition. One led by Paul and another by our Helpdesk Engineer Morgan. Morgan is relatively new to our team. So, this event was the perfect opportunity for him to get to know some of our customers a little better. Morgan’s team narrowly missed out on the 3^rd place spot losing out on a better back nine. But they all enjoyed the day nonetheless.

Beyond the game, the event featured various fundraising activities. Including silent auctions and raffles, designed to further support Grace House North East. Generous donations from individuals and businesses added to the excitement and served as a testament to the collective desire to create lasting change in the lives of vulnerable children and their families. We had Chris situated over on hole 9 with our ‘Spin The Wheel’. Offering golfers the gamble of either moving back a tee or forwards if they were lucky! As well as one of our vans full of balloons. Offering participants the opportunity to guess how many with the chance to win a prize! All just raising any additional funds possible for the fantastic work Grace House does!

Conclusion

Raising over £9000 the day was a success! We would like to thank all who supported the day and contributed to this. Congratulations to the team from Evolve Technology who were the winners!

We are very proud to have been able to support the Grace House Golf Day 2023. We look forward to continuing our support throughout 2023 and into 2024 as we have agreed to sponsor this event again next year!

July 6, 2023
Choose Cloud Phones for Affordability and Usability: The Office Phone Affordability Solution

Introduction:

In today’s digital age, businesses are constantly seeking ways to streamline their operations while keeping costs in check. The advent of cloud technology has revolutionised various aspects of business, and the phone system is no exception. Cloud phones have emerged as a cost-effective and versatile solution for office communication, offering affordability and usability in one package. In this article, we will explore how cloud phones can benefit your office by providing affordable and user-friendly communication options.

Affordability: Saving Your Business Money

One of the primary advantages of opting for cloud phones in your office is the potential for substantial cost savings. Traditional phone systems often require significant upfront investments in hardware, installation, and ongoing maintenance. In contrast, cloud phone systems operate using internet-based technology, eliminating the need for expensive on-premises equipment. Making them a better choice for office phone affordability.

By leveraging the power of the cloud, businesses can reduce or eliminate hardware costs altogether. Cloud phones operate using software that can be accessed through mobile devices, desktop computers, or even existing IP desk phones, minimising the need for additional equipment purchases. Moreover, cloud phone providers often offer flexible subscription plans, allowing businesses to scale their services based on their needs, thereby avoiding unnecessary expenses.

Usability: Enhancing Communication Efficiency

In addition to cost savings, cloud phones offer enhanced usability, empowering businesses to communicate more efficiently. Cloud-based systems integrate seamlessly with various communication tools, such as email, instant messaging, and video conferencing platforms. This integration enables employees to collaborate effectively and access their phone systems from any device, regardless of their physical location.

Cloud phones also provide advanced features designed to improve productivity. These features may include call forwarding, voicemail transcription, auto-attendant, call recording, and interactive voice response (IVR) systems. Such capabilities help streamline business operations, ensure calls are handled efficiently, and enhance the overall customer experience.

Flexibility and Scalability: Adapting to Your Business Needs

Another compelling reason to choose cloud phones is their inherent flexibility and scalability. As your business grows or experiences fluctuations in call volumes, cloud phone systems can easily accommodate those changes. Cloud phone providers offer the ability to add or remove phone lines and scale features on-demand, providing your office with the necessary agility to adapt to evolving business requirements. Meaning as your business expands, it offer better office phone affordability than the traditional phone system.

Cloud phones also enable remote work capabilities, which have become increasingly crucial in today’s business landscape. With cloud-based communication systems, employees can seamlessly connect with clients, colleagues, and partners from anywhere, promoting collaboration and ensuring uninterrupted productivity.

Security and Reliability: Safeguarding Your Communications

When considering cloud-based solutions, security and reliability are essential factors to evaluate. Cloud phone providers prioritise the security of their systems, implementing robust measures to protect your communications. They often employ encryption protocols, firewall protection, and regular system updates to ensure the integrity and privacy of your calls and data.

Moreover, cloud phone systems offer inherent reliability, as they are not susceptible to physical infrastructure failures or natural disasters. With redundant servers and built-in failover mechanisms, cloud-based phone services provide a level of reliability that traditional phone systems cannot match. Not only do cloud phones offer better office phone affordability, but they are also safer, at a lower cost – it’s a no-brainer!

Conclusion:

Choosing cloud phones for your office not only provides cost savings but also enhances usability, flexibility, and scalability. By embracing cloud technology, businesses can leverage advanced communication features, facilitate collaboration, and ensure seamless connectivity regardless of location. Cloud phone systems offer security, reliability, and the potential for significant cost reductions, making them an ideal choice for modern businesses seeking affordability and usability in their office phone solutions. Embrace the power of the cloud and revolutionise your office communication today!

June 29, 2023
June 2023 – Newsletter

Our June Newsletter is here to give you an insight into everything that has been going on here at The Unite Group over the past month.

In this newsletter: We sponsored the Grace House Golf Day, Network+ announce their next networking event, some of our Cyber Security Experts attend the ISAME Regional Meeting, we introduce you to our latest team member, we offer a FREE webinar to our customers, and learn more about operator connect for Microsoft Teams.

To read The Unite Group’s June Monthly Newsletter, click on the image below!

To be added to our mailing list drop us an email, info@theunitegroup.co.uk or to speak to our friendly team call us on, 0191 466 1050

June 27, 2023
Why You Need a Cloud Phone System: Exploring the Benefits of Hosted Telephony

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced and interconnected business landscape, effective communication plays a vital role in the success of any organisation. Traditional phone systems are no longer sufficient to meet the evolving needs of businesses. This is where cloud phone systems, also known as hosted telephony, come into play. These innovative solutions leverage the power of the cloud to deliver seamless and efficient communication experiences. In this blog post, we will delve into the benefits of hosted telephony and explain why it is a must-have for modern businesses.

Cost Savings

One of the most significant advantages of a cloud phone system is the potential for cost savings. Traditional phone systems often require substantial upfront investments in hardware, infrastructure, and maintenance. In contrast, hosted telephony eliminates the need for expensive on-premises equipment, such as private branch exchange (PBX) systems. With a cloud-based solution, you can access enterprise-grade communication capabilities through a simple monthly subscription. Significantly reducing your upfront and ongoing expenses.

Scalability and Flexibility

As your business grows, so do your communication needs. Hosted telephony offers unparalleled scalability and flexibility to adapt to your evolving requirements. Cloud phone systems allow you to easily add or remove phone lines, extensions, and features without the hassle of physical infrastructure changes. Whether you are opening new offices, expanding your team, or exploring remote work options. A cloud-based solution ensures that your communication system seamlessly scales alongside your business.

Business Continuity

Unforeseen events, such as power outages, natural disasters, or network failures, can disrupt traditional phone systems and negatively impact business operations. Hosted telephony mitigates this risk by offering built-in redundancy and failover capabilities. In the event of a disruption, calls can be automatically routed to backup numbers, mobile devices, or alternative locations, ensuring uninterrupted communication and business continuity. By relying on the cloud for your phone system, you can maintain seamless connectivity even during challenging times.

Advanced Features and Integration

Another benefit of hosted telephony is it provides access to a wide range of advanced features and integrations that can enhance your business communication. These features include call forwarding, voicemail-to-email transcription, auto-attendants, call recording, and more. Additionally, cloud phone systems seamlessly integrate with other business applications such as customer relationship management (CRM) platforms and help desk software. This integration streamlines workflows, improves productivity, and enables better customer service by providing a holistic view of customer interactions.

Mobility and Remote Work

In an era where remote work and mobile connectivity are becoming increasingly prevalent, hosted telephony offers the flexibility and mobility that modern businesses require. Cloud phone systems allow employees to make and receive business calls from their mobile devices, laptops, or even softphone applications. This empowers your team to work from anywhere, ensuring continuous communication and collaboration across geographies. Whether your employees are on the road, working from home, or at a client’s location, they can stay connected seamlessly.

Simplified Management and Maintenance

Managing and maintaining traditional phone systems can be complex and time-consuming. With a cloud phone system, the responsibility for system updates, security patches, and infrastructure maintenance lies with the service provider. This allows your IT team to focus on core business activities, rather than dealing with the technical intricacies of phone system management. Additionally, cloud-based solutions often provide user-friendly web portals or mobile apps, enabling easy administration and self-service options for users to manage their own features and preferences.

Conclusion

The benefits of a cloud phone system, or hosted telephony, are clear and compelling. From cost savings and scalability to advanced features and mobility, adopting a cloud-based solution can revolutionize your business communication. Whether you’re a small startup or a large global organisation, the benefits of hosted telephony are sure to be useful for your business.

To find out more, contact our team today!

June 22, 2023
A chat with Morgan, one of our Helpdesk Engineers

We introduce you to our latest team member, Morgan. Morgan joined our team last month with previous experience as a support desk engineer. He has fitted into the team perfectly and recently lead a team representing The Unite Group at the Grace House Golf Day.

We recently had a chat with Morgan to find out a bit more about him and his role…

Growing up, what did you want to be?

Growing up, I always wanted to be a footballer or a journalist reporting on sports. Unfortunately, that didn’t work out but I had a keen interest in IT which is how I landed my first role in the industry.

What is your role at The Unite Group and how did you end up where you are now?

My role at The Unite Group is as a Helpdesk Engineer. In my role, I work with the helpdesk team to resolve any technical issues our customers may face. This is perfect to best utilise my skillset as I have worked in technical support for over 5 years. Following my studies of IT at both GCSE & A-Level. I recently was offered the opportunity to join The Unite Group and I am enjoying my time here so far!

What does a typical day look like at The Unite Group?

A typical day in my role involves me working on multiple tickets from our clients with specific issues. Which I then investigate thoroughly in order to find the best possible solution to make sure the client is satisfied. This entails contacting our clients and working with them to ensure that their technology works to their specific needs.

What is your most and least favorite part of the job?

My favorite part of the job has got to be working with the helpdesk team to find solutions to each client’s specific issue. It’s a great feeling to be able to go back to a client and let them know we’ve resolved their issues promptly. Limiting the effect it has on their role.

My least favorite part of the job is when Social+ asks me to participate in a TikTok and I haven’t had a haircut!

What is your greatest achievement?

My greatest achievement has got to be being a TikTok celebrity on the Social + account. Myself, Jack H & Jack P have been taking part in a few lately and we’re sure it’ll not be long before we’re going viral!

Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?

In 10 years’ time, I see myself hopefully living in the Maldives retired after winning the EuroMillions. If that fails, I hope to progress within the industry and continue to grow my technical knowledge.

How do you unwind outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy playing sports such as football and golf on the regular. I recently joined Paul on the Grace House Golf Day leading a team for The Unite Group. It was a great day and we raised lots for the charity! I look forward to hopefully attending more golf days for The Unite Group in the future.

If you would like to learn more about how Morgan and The Unite Group can help you with your business technology needs, call us on, 0191 466 1050 or email us at info@theunitegroup.co.uk. Our team would be happy to discuss how our services could improve your company’s efficiency and take the headache of tech away from you.

Has Morgan or another member of our helpdesk team resolved any of your issues recently? Why not leave us a Google review and let us know about the service you received!

Click here to leave a review.

June 20, 2023
10 reasons why you should outsource your IT Support

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, technology plays a critical role in driving efficiency, productivity, and growth. However, managing an efficient and reliable IT infrastructure can be a complex and resource-intensive task. This is where outsourcing IT support can offer a strategic advantage to companies of all sizes and industries. By partnering with a specialised IT support provider, like ourselves here at The Unite Group. Businesses can tap into a wealth of expertise, experience, and resources that can help them overcome various pain points and achieve their technology goals.

In this blog, we cover 10 reasons why you should outsource your IT Support.

1. Lack of in-house expertise

If your company does not have the necessary skills or expertise in managing IT infrastructure and support, you should consider outsourcing these services to a specialised IT support provider. IT issues if not resolved quickly can be expensive for businesses. It could also damage your reputation it you are not able to deliver the high levels of service your customers would expect.

2. Cost considerations:

Maintaining an in-house IT support team can be expensive. Outsourcing IT support can be a cost-effective solution as it eliminates the need for hiring, training, and managing a dedicated IT department. Here at The Unite Group, we offer price-per-user IT Support. Meaning as long as the user is covered, we will support all their devices.

3. Scalability and flexibility

If your company experiences fluctuations in its IT support needs, you may find it challenging to scale your in-house team accordingly. Outsourcing provides the flexibility to easily adjust the level of support required based on the company’s evolving needs. We have a large helpdesk team meaning any issues will be dealt with often on the same day.

4. 24/7 support requirement

Does your businesses require round-the-clock IT support to ensure their systems are operational at all times? Outsourcing IT support provides access to 24/7 support services, which may be challenging to maintain with an in-house team.

5. Focus on core competencies

Outsourcing your IT support allows you to focus on your core competencies and strategic initiatives while leaving IT infrastructure management to external experts. Be assured your IT is in safe hands, leaving you time to focus on your business.

6. Access to advanced technology

As IT support providers, we have access to the latest technologies, tools, and industry best practices. By outsourcing, you can leverage these resources without having to invest in them separately.

7. Geographical reach

If your company operates in multiple locations across the UK, outsourcing your IT support can ensure consistent support across all locations, regardless of the region.

8. Compliance and security concerns

Alongside IT Support, we also offer managed backup services as well as Cyber Essentials certifications. Our IT engineers can work closely with our cyber security experts to ensure your IT infrastructure is compliant and protected.

9. Employee turnover and training

Recruiting and retaining skilled IT professionals can be challenging. By outsourcing IT support, companies can avoid the risks associated with employee turnover and the need for ongoing training and skill development. Our team here at The Unite Group is kept up-to-date with the latest training within the industry to ensure you can be confident in their capabilities.

10. Disaster recovery and business continuity

Managing your IT in-house can often mean services like backup management, disaster recovery planning, and business continuity strategies can be forgotten. This ensures that critical data and systems can be quickly restored in the event of an outage or disaster. Here at The Unite Group, we can fully manage your backups to ensure your data is safe, secure, and up to date if you choose to outsource your IT support.

From cost savings and scalability to accessing advanced technologies and round-the-clock support, outsourcing IT support allows companies to focus on their core competencies while leaving the management and maintenance of their IT infrastructure in capable hands. Ultimately, outsourcing IT support enables organisations to streamline operations, enhance security, improve user experience, and stay ahead in today’s highly competitive digital landscape.

Interested in our Managed IT services and want to outsource your IT Support? Click here to learn more or contact our team today on 0191 466 1050

June 15, 2023
Cloud Hosted Phone System vs Traditional Phone System

We understand that changing your phone system can seem like a daunting task. However, it’s important to ensure your business utilises the latest technology. In this blog, we compare the Cloud Hosted Phone System vs Traditional Phone System. Highlighting the benefits of making the change to a Cloud Hosted Phone System.

Hardware

Traditional phone systems require hardware. This includes a physical phone system on-site and handsets for all staff as a minimum. Hardware is expensive and will end up costing your company thousands! Not only that, but it will likely need to be replaced within 5 years as technology continues to advance. Meaning yet more to spend.

In comparison, a Cloud Hosted Phone System requires no additional equipment. Your team can receive calls via their mobile, laptop, tablet or if you would still like a desk phone we will provide you with an IP desk phone free of charge! As well as this, you will not be required to have a phone system on-site, further eliminating costs. When choosing The Unite Group as your provider, we can confirm there will be no upfront costs for your business! Making this a cost-effective option for businesses small and large.

Accessibility

With more and more employees seeking hybrid and work-from-home roles, the biggest problem facing the modern business is how to ensure their teams can deliver the same level of service at home. A cloud-hosted phone system is a simple solution for this! Your team can pick up calls from anywhere with an internet connection. Meaning your customers will be unaware of your team’s working location. Ensuring you can deliver the highest level of service no matter where your employees are situated.

This is a great advancement in comparison to the traditional phone system where your team would be required to be present in your place of work to answer the phone. Creating accessibility means you’ll never miss an opportunity again! As long as your team has internet access, the call won’t be missed.

Business Continuity

If we have learnt anything in the past 3 years, it’s that your business needs to ensure it could continue running if the world were to close down – quite literally! The Covid-19 pandemic stressed the importance of business continuity. Technology is leading the way in this. Not only does a cloud based phone system ensure your team can answer a call anywhere. It also ensures that if your team could not leave their home, your business calls would remain unaffected.

Clients who had already adopted such technology prior to 2020, reaped the benefits of this technology. Don’t wait until disaster strikes, ensure you have the correct technology in place now. Meaning your team understands how to use it and should there be an instance where our normal way of life is disrupted, your business calls won’t be.

Integration

Another advantage of cloud-based platforms is easy integration with your cloud based systems/CRMs. With APIs now available for most online software it means you can have customer information immediately available on your screen when they call in.

Another advantage is click to dial meaning you can click on a telephone number in your CRM or in Outlook and it will immediately call that number.

Traditional phone systems do not connect with other technology in this way. Making cloud hosted phone systems the better option for a modern business.

Microsoft Teams Dialling

Cloud based phone systems provided by The Unite Group also integrate fully with Microsoft Teams. Meaning you can dial directly from the Teams interface. This allows you to utilise the key features of cloud telephony but use the Teams portal that you are familiar with. This makes remote working seamless meaning you always have everything available in one place irrespective of the physical location. In 2023, we are seeing increasing numbers of Teams calls replacing physical meetings. Therefore, this connectivity is vital for businesses wanting to lead the way with their technology use.

To conclude, now we have compared a Cloud Hosted Phone System vs Traditional Phone System, we encourage you to consider the benefits to your business. Here at The Unite Group, we offer businesses big & small the option of moving seamlessly to a cloud hosted phone system. If you would like to learn more, visit our cloud hosted phone system page or arrange a chat with a member of our experience team today!

June 13, 2023