Integration of SIP Trunking in 2011

As SIP Trunking technology becomes more widely accepted and utilized in businesses (all sizes) and mobile communications,  the implementation will be boosted this year. Clients want to know what SIP Trunking is and what it will do for their business.

What is SIP Trunking?  (Session Initiation Protocol) connection is a service that connects a company’s PBX to the existing telephone system infrastructure (PSTN) via Internet using the SIP VoIP standard. It’s an efficient type of VoIP that many companies are using to lower their Telecom costs.

What are the BENEFITS for my company? SIP Trunking can be seamlessly integrated into existing systems. Not only that, but it saves you money, fairly quickly upon your initial modest investment. Most companies see a return on investment in as little as 3-6 months. Traditional local and long distance charges decrease dramatically because the call travels mostly over the IP network. Bundles of physical wires are replaced with PSTN connectivity via a SIP trunking service provider on the Internet.  Also, if your company has multiple offices, SIP Trunking technology makes better use of your connectivity. Basically, it makes sense from both the economic standpoint and the business aspect as well.

NWMAP is a reputable Master Agency with over 20 years experience. We offer a variety of SIP Trunking technologies at the best cost for our clients. We really know our Telecom vendors enabling our clients to have choices in services and methods to save money.

Technology: How Your Business Can Get More For Less

Majority of companies are avoiding spending money in 2011, and maybe throughout this recession, and focusing on making money. However, the demands for better technology, efficient communication, new customers, and fulfilled prior customers is still at an all-time high. Companies are facing challenges like keeping up with the rapid growth in technology, faster and more reliable communication expectations, expansion and travel, and customers want more for less.  How can you get all this accomplished and not spend unnecessary money or possibly any more than you already are?

In the Telecommunications industry the technology is already there, with an availability for more options and features than ever before.

  • Combining and consolidating. Multiple services like voice, data, and Internet can be combined and costs consolidated to save companies money. A Telecom Broker can assist you with consolidating all your services into one package or one bill, including ongoing maintenance and a Telecom Broker available any time you need one.  
  • Efficiency and reliability. VOIP solutions enable companies to be connected to their customers clearly and directly.
  • Packages and Promotions. Typically a company can get more for less because of various carrier promotions and wholesale pricing NWMAP Telecom Brokers have access to.
  • Current products are designed to be easily integrated into a company’s existing system. NWMAP ensures seamless transitions.
  • Security. Data solutions will keep businesses connected, secure and stable. For example, MPLS Flex provides superior security between multiple locations.  

How To Attract The Next Generation Workforce To Your Business

IT leaders have known for years the value and benefit of efficient and new technologies for businesses.

  • Being able to share information, globally if necessary.
  • Improve customer service
  • Increase productivity
  • Cut costs in several departments
  • Reduce carbon footprint
  • Reduce absenteeism
  • Business runs more efficiently
  • Improve communications

An additional benefit is attracting the new generations in the workforce to your business. These employees are tech savvy and greatly appreciate new and efficient technology. They work well in groups, requiring the appropriate technology to keep them connected. Video conferencing, virtual teams, telecommuting, email/voicemail technologies, and wireless devices attract the next generation who have the capabilities to transform your business.

Implementing  a new system or new technologies can require employee training and ongoing assurance of company-wide acceptance. The benefit of attracting the next generation workforce is adding an addition to your company that embraces new technologies. It opens a door to opportunities for companies and employees with various work arrangements, whether employees travel or work from home occasionally.

The benefits far outweigh any hesitation a business may have about implementing new technology. Often times, businesses are astonished by the money they save. Telecom Brokers at NWMAP save their clients money by having access to over 40 carriers in the Telecom business, negotiating prices with those carriers, and searching for specific packages that benefit the client’s business specifically. New technology should always benefit a business.

Client Versus Sales

There is a sense of accomplishment of really doing what is right for the client versus having the burden of selling something that is not the best fit for the client. The focus is on one or the other in any typical company involving sales. We notice it when we shop at specific stores- some are there to sell you something…anything! They may talk you into products you aren’t even looking for.  And some associates are there to help you find what you specifically want or need- they are there for YOU. The latter takes patience, experience, and communication.

These differences in customer service and sales approaches can be identified in the telecom industry.  There are sales agents whose primary goal is to sell you services and/or products- that’s it. They will not likely take into consideration precisely what you need and want for your business. They would also like to close a sell with you as quickly as possible, not searching for specific products and packages complimentary to your needs at the lowest pricing available. The lower the price the lower their sales commission; basically, their goal versus your goal! Their job depends on selling you something you don’t need. They don’t stand to make as much money helping you in the future either- you may never talk to them again. Another common trait among sales agents with superficial goals is a lack of experience. Anybody with experience knows the customer must be the focus, at first contact and all through the sales process into the future as well.

NWMAP has been in the Unified Communications and Telecom industry for numerous years, but they still consider themselves customer service experts first and foremost. Lennie Green, a current Master Agent for NWMAP states: “My success comes from helping my customers be successful.”

Questions to Ask When Choosing a Telecom Broker

Outstanding  customer service is what a Telecom agency should be all about. Telecom Agents/Brokers can possess impressive telecommunications verbiage and tech speak, but experience and customer service dedication outweigh tech speak any day. It’s like judging a book by it’s cover- don’t be fooled. The telecom business is crawling with sales agents and each one wants to impress you with their spiel. How do you make a wise decision without being persuaded by a well-articulated tech spiel about products and/or services you don’t need?

Believe it or not, being aware about customer service practices and your expectations is more important than being tech savvy when choosing a  Telecommunications Broker. Another helpful tip; Choosing your Telecom Agency (MasterAgency) should be done prior to deciding on which Unified Communications/ Telecom Carriers you are interested in. Questions to ask yourself and a Telecom Broker:

  1. How much experience? How long has the Telecom Agency been in business and also how long have the Master Agents been working there?
  2. Are they concerned with providing a specific plan for YOUR business?
  3. When I have an issue, who will be there to answer my questions?
  4. In what part of the process is my Telecom Broker involved in?
  5. Do I have to pay for a quote from the Telecom Broker?

These questions will give you an optimal head start. Because there are so many consistently new Unified Communications products and services available to your business, the determining factors for where you take your business and who you trust comes down to experience and superb customer service.

NWMAP offers free quotes, customer service first promise, and agents with 20+ years experience individually.