Business VoIP phone solutions

Friday, May 04, 2012 9:52 AM

Is your current phone system coming to the end of its life? Does it provide you with the functionality you need currently?

An IP phone system offers the opportunity to improve your office communication and can also reduce your costs. Faster business broadband and improved VoIP products mean that your new system will be reliable and, in most cases, offer better quality calls and phone system features.

A VoIP phone system does not have to involve installation of hardware at your premises, it can be hosted in the cloud. This means that it can straddle offices, counties, and even countries. Calls between sites can be transferred as if they were in the same office and charged accordingly.

This makes a VoIP phone system ideal for flexible working and also to assist in keeping the business running when disaster strikes.

Business VoIP solutions

VoIP is used commonly amongst consumers and businesses are now catching up, realising the benefits that can be obtained, and understanding that reliability has been improved.

There are an increasing number of VoIP products available in the marketplace meaning that the right solution for your business can often be arranged "off the peg". However, because VoIP solutions are so flexible, if you need something outside of the norm it can be accomodated.

Because we are independent, not tied to one supplier, we can offer a comparison between different VoIP products. We can show you the features offered by different systems and the pricing for your particular requirements.

With increased competition has come a reduction in prices. This makes VoIP ideal for single users, new businesses and small offices, with the flexibility to cope with expansion as a business grows.

For a free quotation, review or help and advice get in touch with us.

Posted in: Broadband , Business Landlines , Business Phones , Business Telecoms , Data Solutions , FTTC , Office Phones , Phone Systems , Solutions , Technology , Telecoms , VoIP

Corporate phone services

Thursday, April 19, 2012 12:31 PM

We cater for all types and size of business, from a single mobile to a complete telecommunications solution for corporate users. The larger the company the more value we can bring in terms of cost reductions and productivity improvements.

Our main strengths are our independence and our ability to provide a complete range of telecoms solutions, not just mobile or fixed line phones. This is particularly important with corporate users as integration between products and devices is critical to enable more flexible working practices.

Data is also a critical area for corporates and we have a range of products which can work together to provide an end-to-end solution which includes:

  • ADSL Broadband
  • FTTC - Fibre to the cabinet
  • EFM - Ethernet First Mile
  • Leased Lines

Corporate phone review

With larger businesses we like to sit down and discuss their business and understand how it works. We look at their current telecoms infrastructure to see how suitable this is for their current needs and moving forward into the future. From this we can make suggestions as to improvements, particularly via the use of new technology.

Telecoms can be a complex area for corporates, often with multiple sites spread across the country, and there will usually be a number of different options with regards to connectivity and pricing. We can put forward more than one solution that will enable you to compare the best one for your business requirements.

Implementing the new telecoms solution is the next step and maintaining connectivity throughout any transfer process is the aim. Following on from this, maintenance of connectivity across the whole estate is a priority and we are experienced in providing failover and backup solutions to keep you working in all eventualities.

Delivering maximum value

Larger businesses can get the best value for their services. A business with 10 or more mobiles, or 10 or more fixed lines are likely to benefit from better tariffs than smaller companies.

By utilising our expertise in the latest telecoms technology, allied to the lowest available tariffs, maximum value can be achieved.

The first step to achieving savings and improvements is to call us on 01332 418 689 for an informal chat.

Posted in: Business Landlines , Business Mobiles , Corporate Deals , Corporate Phones , Data Solutions , Mobile Phones , Office Phones , Solutions , Technology , Telecoms , Unified Communications

Faster business broadband

Thursday, April 12, 2012 2:33 PM

Is your business stuck in the slow lane?

With a greater reliance on data, email and the internet, businesses are becoming more aware of the damage that a slow or unreliable broadband connection can cause. Every online task takes longer and this costs your business in wasted time.

If you multiply even a few minutes wasted every day by the total number of employees and take this across a whole year the case for faster broadband is made! Far from costing you more each month it is actually saving you money when wastage is factored in.

Could FTTC improve your broadband speed?

There are several options when looking for faster broadband for your business. One of the latest ones is called FTTC - fibre to the cabinet. You will probably already know this product as BT Infinity with its much advertised TV commercials aimed at consumers.

This product is based on BTs rollout of fibre optic cabling which allows greater amounts of data to go further than traditional copper lines. The fibre takes the data from the exchange to your local "cabinet" and then it travels the short distance to your premises over copper lines. More fibre and less copper means increased speeds - up to 40mb download and 10mb upload.

Where your business is based determines whether you can access this product and what speeds you are likely to receive. However BT are working hard to bring this new fibre network nationwide so if it's not available to you now it could be in the very near future.

For the latest availability and pricing on FTTC please contact us.

Even faster business broadband!

Businesses looking for faster speeds or guaranteed services will be more interested in EFM (Ethernet First Mile) and leased lines. These services provide private lines (ie. not shared with other customers) and download and upload speeds are agreed in advance.

Obviously these Ethernet services are more expensive, and they also require advanced installation, whereas FTTC can be implemented quickly as it uses your current copper lines for the last hop.

For a full assessment of the services available to your business together with their associated costs please contact us.

Posted in: Broadband , Data Solutions , EFM - Ethernet First Mile , Ethernet , FTTC , Solutions , Technology

Business website design

Tuesday, March 06, 2012 9:19 AM

There aren't many businesses these days that can afford to be without their own website. If you don't have one and are still using a non-branded email address (such as @hotmail.co.uk) then you risk a real lack of credibility and are failing to maximise your online potential.

Business website design and hosting does not have to be expensive or complicated. Like all of our products we are up-front about the costs involved and have options to suit small business users as well as larger businesses.

Take a look at our current business website price list (in pdf format - opens in new window) to view our prices and compare them with your current pricing or to see how cost effective getting a new website from us could be.

Make your company website profitable

Even if you are not actually trading online selling product your website can provide you with leads and enquiries for your services. If you get it right in terms of design and usability and apply some simple online marketing strategies you can very quickly recoup your initial design and build spend and start making money from your website.

The key is to provide your visitors with the information they want/need in order to take things a step further and make an online enquiry. This might be pricing information for those looking for the lowest price, niche products that are hard to find, testimonials and case studies that show the benefits your company can offer - every business is different and therefore every website will be different too.

If you have a USP then you need to make sure your visitors are aware of it quickly and it's easy to understand. Your whole website should be clear, uncluttered and easy to navigate. Make it easy to find information and easy to get in contact should they have a question to which they can't find an answer.

Free help and advice

We are only a phone call or email away if you need help with your website. So if you don't yet have a site and have some questions that need answering before making a decision then get in touch. Similarly if you have a website already for your business but it's not performing well or you think you are being overcharged, we can offer you free advice and help about any aspect of your online presence.

Contact us about any of our business website services:

  • Domain names
  • Website hosting
  • Website design and build
  • Search engine optimisation (SEO)
  • Search engine marketing (SEM)

Let us put together a bespoke business website package incorporating multiple services which will drive your business forward online.

Posted in: Business Website , SEO , SMEs , Website

Best iPhone 4S deals

Friday, February 10, 2012 9:03 AM

One of the most popular handsets currently is Apple’s iPhone 4S. It is actually our best seller for January 2012 and continues to be requested by business users across all sectors looking for the premier SmartPhone.

The 4S has built upon the iPhone 4’s excellent design and added to it with a better screen, camera and Siri, the voice activated digital assistant.

With the largest selection of apps available for any phone the iPhone 4S offers many applications which can be used by business users to make their life easier and their time away from the office more productive.

There are a range of iPhone 4S deals across all major networks and it is an affordable handset for most average users on contract.

Features of the iPhone 4S

The iPhone 4S comes in black or white with storage options of 16GB, 32GB and 64GB. Whilst 16GB sounds like a lot of storage it can easily be eaten up with music, photos and videos and most customers choose to go for the 32GB model.

All of the models come with the same dual core processing power along with the improved 8MP camera. They also offer HD video recording in 1080p.

The new iOS 5 adds extra features without being any less intuitive than previously. If you loved the iPhone before, the 4S will take it to a new level!

Most important of all for business users, the call quality has been improved (after all, if your using iPhone for business it’s first duty is going to be to keep in touch with the office) and maximum data speeds have been doubled.

For consumers or businesses the iPhone 4S has features that are difficult to match and, whilst other phones continue to develop along similar lines, it is the iPhone that is very much the leader in the field of mobile technology.

Posted in: Best Deals , Business Mobiles , iPhone 4S , Mobile Phones , SmartPhones , Technology

Compare business phone services

Wednesday, February 01, 2012 12:09 PM

At Best Business Phone Deals we are not tied to one provider or one solution. We offer a full range of products and services across all of your telecoms which means we can provide you with multiple options when we undertake a free review. This enables you to compare the best deals on the market.

As an example, imagine you needed a new phone system. Based on the number of users you have we could provide quotations for a standard phone system at your premises, a physical VoIP phone system or a hosted solution. Within each of these categories we would find you the most suitable product for your usage and the most cost effective.

We then provide you with a report detailing the different options, their strengths and weaknesses, and make recommendations where appropriate. The final decision is yours.

Click here for a free business phone review.

Independent telecoms specialists

Our aim is to provide you with the latest technology which will enhance your business communications whilst also saving you money.

For mobile phones this could involve upgrading to SmartPhones and utilising new mobile devices such as tablets (iPad, Playbook etc.). For fixed line services this could be moving to a VoIP or hosted solution. We can also advise about combining your mobile and fixed telephony together in a unified communications solution.

One area where more and more businesses are finding value is in better data connections. Whilst traditional ADSL broadband is suitable for home use and very small offices, once you have a few users a better connection is usually required.

Data is the lifeblood of many businesses these days and a slow or unreliable connection can stop a business in its tracks. In these circumstances a dedicated leased line or EFM (Ethernet First Mile) line can be the answer. Giving you a guaranteed upload and download speed of your choice, depending upon your requirements, and much better reliability.

We can compare the different data options as part of your package and you may be surprised at how affordable a dedicated line is for your business. Prices are falling due to competition and increased network supply so you could gain a huge data speed boost without having to break the bank.

Once you have our report you can compare our products with those you have already to see the savings you could make, as well as comparing how new technology could improve the way you work and thus drive productivity.

Reviews are available throughout the UK to companies large and small offering a straightforward business phone comparison service.

Posted in: Best Deals , Business Landlines , Business Mobiles , Business Phones , Business Telecoms , Package , Phone Lines , Phone Systems , Solutions , Telecoms

Utilising telecoms technology to improve communications

Tuesday, January 24, 2012 2:28 PM

Telecoms technology is advancing all of the time and the ways in which communications can be improved for your business are many. Finding the best solution can be complex and involves an in-depth knowledge of the latest products and services.

Our aim is to guide you through the process, looking at your current needs and how these will change in the near future, suggesting ways in which you could improve productivity and flexibility and comparing the latest products to get you the best tariffs that fulfill all of your requirements.

Click here for a free telecoms review.

Advances in telecoms technology

Mobile technology is moving towards everyone having a SmartPhone and maybe a tablet too! More devices are coming out that bridge the gap between the two. Advances are being made in the programs and apps that you can use on your mobile device meaning that you can do more and more work when out of the office.

Integrating your mobile and fixed line solutions is also a trend. This enables you to answer more calls as a business and to have the right person answering each call, increasing your productivity and also customer satisfaction.

Fixed line solutions now involve VoIP more often than not and also hosted services are becoming a common theme. Each of these could involve a level of data connectivity over and above a standard broadband connection. EFM (Ethernet First Mile) and leased lines are becoming more common even among small and medium sized businesses as prices fall.

Our service to your business

Bringing together mobile, fixed line and data connectivity is where we come in. Ensuring that each of the recommended products work together and provide your business with an improved communications package.

It doesn't have to break the bank either. Increased competition within the telecoms marketplace mean that prices are falling. Hosted solutions generally do not require any initial costs for hardware or ongoing maintenance, making them ideal for new small businesses.

Whatever your size of business and whichever sector you operate in we would like to look at your current telecoms set up and improve it. In the process if we can also reduce your costs this would be an added bonus!

The benefits of increased productivity, more flexible working practices, increased customer satisfaction and retention should not be underestimated. Utilising the latest telecoms technology could put you a step ahead of your competitors and enable you to outpace them and overtake them.

Take advantage of our 16 years experience within the telecoms sector and work with us to enhance your communications and drive your business forward.

Posted in: Business Landlines , Business Mobiles , Business Phones , Business Telecoms , Hosted Solutions , SmartPhones , Solutions , Technology , Telecoms , Unified Communications , VoIP

Mobile landline solutions

Thursday, January 12, 2012 9:42 AM

A landline number makes it easier and cheaper for your customers to contact you. It adds credibility to your business. However, with a traditional fixed landline there needs to be someone to answer it and this ties up resources.

For small businesses in particular it is not cost effective to have a fixed landline when everyone is out and about working. Whilst you could set up an answerphone this is not offering much of a service to your customers and could mean you missing important time-sensitive business calls.

A mobile landline gives you a virtual landline phone number that rings on your mobile phone wherever you are. There are a number of different products that provide a similar end result but work in different ways and offer different pricing structures.

Some are network specific, such as Vodafone One Net Express, whilst others can work with any of the mobile networks. The main difference between charging is whether calls are diverted from the landline number to your mobile free of charge within your package or whether you pay for the call diversion.

For users with a small amount of incoming calls paying for each diverted call usually works out cheaper. For larger users buying a package often works out to be more cost effective.

Compare mobile landline solutions

Because we offer a number of different mobile landline products we can provide you with comparisons between the different options both in terms of price and functionality. Some of the products include extra features such as music on hold, automated switchboards and hunt groups.

A mobile landline will make your business more flexible and products cater for businesses from 1 user to 20 plus. Basic rental prices start from £9.95 per number and there is no limit on the amount of numbers you can have. For instance you can have a different number for each of your departments or different geographical numbers for local areas around your business.

Call routing and call management features are available on most of the products and there are even advanced features such as call recording which can be added to your package.

Larger users with 10 or more staff may wish to consider a fully integrated unified communications solution. Combining your mobiles, landlines and data so that they work together seamlessly will improve the way you work, driving your productivity forward.

Whatever your telecom requirements please get in touch for a free review. As converged telecoms specialists we offer an extensive package of products which provide an end result tailored to your business needs. These are bespoke solutions aimed at reducing your costs and improving your communication channels.

Posted in: Business Landlines , Business Mobiles , Business Telecoms , Flexible Working , Mobile Landline , One Net Express , Package , Phone Lines , Phone Systems , Solutions , Telecoms , Unified Communications , Virtual Phone Numbers

Make 2012 your business cost reduction year

Friday, December 23, 2011 9:39 AM

As 2011 comes to a close many people will be thinking about the new year and making resolutions for 2012. What are your business resolutions? Your goals and ambitions for 2012?

One area where we can help you is in cost reductions for telecoms products and services. Many businesses continue to pay too much for their mobile and landline contracts and have multiple suppliers to deal with, making it difficult when problems occur, not to mention an administrative mess.

A single supplier solution with a package that encompasses a range of services will help reduce the amount you pay and has other benefits too:

  • One point of contact
  • One easy-to-understand bill
  • Guaranteed interaction between products

How to reduce your costs

Take a look at all of your 2011 bills and order them according to when the contracts expire. Diary each of them for two months before expiry - this length of time is needed to obtain alternative quotations AND give 30 days notice (the usual notice period although some may be longer - double check your contract and adjust the timescales accordingly).

When you reach your first diary entry contact us for a free no obligation quotation. We will look at the product or service which is due initially but we can also undertake a full review of all of your services with a view to buying out your other contracts if this makes sound commercial sense for both parties.

If a buy-out is not appropriate we can then look at your other services nearer their contract end date.

The benefit of a full review, as opposed to looking at a single product, is that unified solutions can be identified which will improve your communications. This can help your business perform more efficiently, thus improving productivity.

A review can look at any or all of the following products:

If you are happy with our figures we make it easy to transfer your services with the minimum of disruption.

Posted in: Best Deals , Business Phones , Business Telecoms , Package , Solutions , Telecoms

Business telecoms cost/benefit analysis

Monday, November 07, 2011 9:43 AM

Ask yourself these questions:

  • Has your business reviewed its telecoms recently?
  • Are they working together optimally to enable your employees to work productively wherever they are?
  • Is there a coherent strategy in place?

  • Do you buy on price alone?

Many businesses focus solely on price and renew the individual parts of their telecoms infrastructure with different suppliers based on cost alone. This approach could lead to you having inferior equipment and not making the most of the latest telecoms technology.

The benefits of a single supplier solution

There are many reasons to consider a single supplier solution:

  • Overall cost savings

  • Optimum integration between devices and systems

  • Simplification of administration

  • Better fault resolution

A single supplier may not be the best price option for every one of your individual products but they should be able to show you an overall saving across a range of multiple services. Utilising one company for all of your business telecoms gives you a single point of contact, ideal when you have a fault such as a loss of data connection which could be a problem with your lines, broadband, router or IT. One call to your dedicated account manager (not a call centre) gets it sorted.

A review of your telecoms will look at how you currently use your services and make suggestions as to ways in which new technology may be able to improve productivity. Your current usage will also be analysed to ensure that the optimum tariffs are chosen.

The review should not take up too much of your time and at the end of it you will receive a cost/benefit analysis showing you the different options available. It will be fully costed and easy to understand.

Areas a business telecom review covers

  • Mobile Phones and Devices (laptops, netbooks, tablets, mobile broadband)

  • Landline phones (systems, lines, call charges)

  • Unified Communication Solutions
  • Broadband and data connectivity

  • VoIP and hosted solutions

  • Employee management and vehicle tracking

Many small and medium sized businesses in certain sectors may not have a need for a full review encompassing all of the above, but should still consider getting a quotation for the services they do have which may show up alternative ways of utilising telecoms technology to benefit their productivity.

Posted in: Best Deals , Business Landlines , Business Mobiles , Business Phones , Business Telecoms , Solutions , Telecoms , Unified Communications