Latest news with #telephony
Zawya
03-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Cloud-based tools reshape how South Africa's businesses communicate
The digital communications landscape in South Africa and globally continues to shift, with cloud-based telephony tools increasingly replacing legacy PBX systems. This is according to Braintree, a local Microsoft solutions partner, which says tools such as Microsoft Teams Calling and Operator Connect are becoming core to how businesses collaborate and manage voice services. Doug Morrison, VP of modern workplace at Braintree, says companies are moving away from hardware-dependent systems toward software-based platforms that integrate voice, chat and video services under a single interface. 'Digital-first has become the default,' he says. 'It's not just about replacing phones; it's about embedding communication into business workflows.' Braintree cites IDC figures showing that unified communications as a service (UCaaS) accounted for 89% of global market revenue, with Microsoft leading the market at 44.7% share. These platforms allow companies to manage voice calling without traditional infrastructure, routing calls directly into Microsoft Teams through certified telecom partners. Braintree refers to the Forrester Total Economic Impact report, which found that small and medium businesses using Microsoft Teams Calling saw up to 45% total cost of ownership savings over three years, with enterprise customers reporting 17% savings. Both categories reported positive returns on investment. Beyond cost, Braintree says organisations are adopting cloud communications for greater flexibility and scalability. Operator Connect, Microsoft's voice integration service, enables organisations to provision and manage phone systems directly in the Teams admin centre, removing the need for on-site PBX equipment. Security has also become a key consideration. Cloud-based systems allow for encrypted communication, remote patch management, and access controls. Braintree notes that this is especially relevant for businesses with hybrid or remote workforces. Mobility is another driver. Employees can make and receive calls from any internet-connected device, which Braintree says reduces the need for fixed desk phones and enables flexible work policies. It adds that AI features now available in cloud systems can support compliance, call transcription, and workflow automation. Looking ahead, Braintree expects greater convergence between telephony, collaboration tools, and emerging technologies like AI and omnichannel messaging platforms. 'As tools become smarter and more integrated, communication is shifting from something you do separately to something embedded in how work gets done,' Morrison says.
Phone Arena
18-06-2025
- Business
- Phone Arena
AT&T's latest move aims to modernize traditional lines
AT&T AT&T AT&T AT&T Business Voice service | Image credit: AT&T – Melissa Arnoldi, executive vice president & general manager, AT&T Business, June 2025. AT&T Receive the latest AT&T news Subscribe By subscribing you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy 24/7 Monitoring : Remote monitoring and automatic notifications to ensure reliability for business lines. : Remote monitoring and automatic notifications to ensure reliability for business lines. Built-in Battery : Built-in battery backup for service during power outages. : Built-in battery backup for service during power outages. Wireless Backup : Optional automatic failover to a 4G LTE connection permits uninterrupted service during broadband interruptions. : Optional automatic failover to a 4G LTE connection permits uninterrupted service during broadband interruptions. Robust Security : Integrated Digital Phone Call Protect to block spam and robocalls. : Integrated Digital Phone Call Protect to block spam and robocalls. Enhanced Telephony Management : Modern calling features that can be customized for business needs such as 24/7 virtual receptionist, simultaneous ringing across multiple lines, customizable Caller ID, and centralized voicemail management. AT&T AT&T Recommended Stories If the newBusiness Voice service piqued your interest, here are some of its key features:It's also worth mentioning thatBusiness Voice is compatible with all types of transport and allows businesses to choose between shared or dedicated internet connections to meet their also introduced two plans for those business customers that need Business Voice. The cheaper one costs $25/month and includes unlimited calling nationwide and to Canada, Mexico, and US territories, 40+ voice features, and unlimited international calling in 51 countries as low-cost expensive plan costs $60/month and converts traditional analog utility lines to digital connectivity. This plan supports devices other than phones, from faxes and call boxes to security and alarm systems. It also allows management using the same control panel as voice lines. This specific service replaces the traditional telephone service (POTS).
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
No Second Chances: 20% of UK Customers Won't Call Back After a Missed Call
New data reveals just how costly missed calls can be—and how mobile-first solutions like Rinkel help small businesses stay one step ahead. LONDON, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In today's hyper-connected world, UK customers expect to be answered—immediately. A missed call is no longer just a delay—it's a lost opportunity. Recent studies show that 1 in 5 UK customers will not try again if a business fails to answer the first time. That's not all, 74% of consumers say one poor support experience will make them switch brands, and 75% now expect brands to offer support 24/7. This is a growing problem for microbusinesses and freelancers—many still take work calls on personal mobiles or use outdated VoIP systems that don't fit their needs. Calls are easily missed when the owner is busy, on a job, or away from the office. One company helping microbusinesses stay connected is Rinkel, a mobile-first telephony platform recently expanding in the UK. By letting calls ring through to multiple mobiles simultaneously, Rinkel reduces missed calls without the complexity of traditional systems. Among its UK users, 63% of customers using call diverting missed fewer calls and said they felt more in control of their communication. Rinkel is now available across the UK. Explore features or start your first month for free: "As a solo kitchen fitter, I couldn't always answer the phone while working on a project." says David Morgan, who runs a small kitchen fitting business in Leeds. "With Rinkel, calls go to both me and my assistant, which means no more lost business." Small teams, big expectations From sole traders to small agencies, UK microbusinesses are expected to deliver fast, reliable service just like big firms. But when 93% of small business owners say they've missed important calls due to being too busy, it's clear that current systems aren't enough. With £30 billion lost annually in missed calls, responsiveness is no longer optional—it's essential. Tools that help small teams act big To meet this "always-on" pressure without burning out, many microbusinesses are turning to smart communication platforms like Rinkel. Instead of juggling personal mobiles, Rinkel lets teams: Ring multiple phones at once Set business hours and custom business voicemail Call back from a business number, not a private mobile "We built Rinkel for small teams who want to stay professional and never miss a call," says Jeroen van Vierzen, CEO of Rinkel. "You don't need a big office or fancy setup—just the right tools to make sure your customers always feel heard." Photo - - View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
