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Category: Learn

8 Reasons to Use the Salesforce-GCF Telephony Integration

20th May 2024 blog
GCF-Salesforce voice and telephony integration.

Refining customer experience can boost sales revenue by 2–7% and profitability by 1–2%. This suggests that investing in customer-focused improvements can directly impact the bottom line. What if we told …Read More »

6 Benefits of Using the Zendesk-Global Call Forwarding Integration

6th May 2024 blog
6 benefits of using the Zendesk and GCF calling integration

When it comes to business communication, VoIP-CRM integrations are a game-changer. Not only do these solutions improve voice connectivity, they also optimize workflow efficiency. By creating a unified platform, you …Read More »

Using the Zoho-Global Call Forwarding Integration to Optimize Business Communication

30th April 2024 blog
An image showing Zoho Telephony Integration use cases with Global Call Forwarding.

That customer experience is the driving force behind business success is a given. And therefore, ensuring responsiveness is critical at every stage of the pre-and post-sales processes. In this effort, …Read More »

How to Save Money with Cloud Telephony?

24th April 2024 blog
How save money with cloud telephony

The role of technology as a transformative force of business growth cannot be overstated. And cloud telephony has emerged as a key solution that helps businesses stay resilient and competitive, …Read More »

What is Contact Center Agent Elevation?

29th March 2024 blog
An image of contact center agent elevation.

The process of contact center agent elevation, also known as escalation, is one of the quickest ways to address customer expectations and queries. As customers want quick and tailored solutions, …Read More »

Global Call Forwarding Releases an Updated Softphone with New Features and Integrations

25th March 2024 Press
softphone PR

Global Call Forwarding has released an updated GCF Softphone for Windows users. DELRAY BEACH, FL, Jan 2024 The new softphone is designed to improve business communication, facilitate efficient calling experiences, …Read More »

What is Fax Over IP and 4 Benefits of Using FoIP

29th September 2020 Learn, VoIP

As businesses transition to the cloud and internet services, your faxes should not be left behind. Fax over IP or a FoIP service is an IP telephony service that enables fax transmission via the internet, which makes sending and receiving business documents easier and safer.

What is FoIP? Fax Over IP Explained

Fax over IP — also known as FoIP service or eFaxing — is an telephony feature that sends fax documents using internet protocols instead of the PSTN. Public switched telephone network (PSTN) has dominated the fax transmission game for years. However, internet protocols have paved way for services such as fax over IP to become possible. All that is required is a reliable internet connection and bandwidth to carry the faxes.

How Does Fax Over IP Work?

A FoIP service works similarly to voice over IP; that is, files are converted into digital packets and then transferred from one endpoint to the next. With eFaxing, your fax document is converted into a packet, encapsulated in a transport protocol, and transmitted to the destination. Both endpoints are usually fax machines that work with a FoIP gateway or adapter to enable the sending and receiving of faxes.

In some cases, your business can even get a fax forwarding service that forwards incoming faxes directly to your email. In other words, when your fax machine receives a fax, it can reroute the fax to a predetermined destination such as a business email ID.

4 Benefits of Using a FoIP Service

So, why should your business consider getting FoIP? Here are the top 4 benefits of using a fax over IP service:

1. Unified communications
You can easily fit or integrate FoIP into your existing business communication tools. This means that you do not need a separate or additional analog network to use the service. You can access important communication tools from the same network.

2. Content management
By transmitting fax over an IP network, you can manage important business and customer documents by digitizing, archiving, emailing, and storing them on the cloud.

3. Lower costs
Faxing over IP is often less expensive than using a traditional fax machine. For instance, the per-message rate is lesser than PSTN. Additionally, by unifying network connectivity, you are paying for one less network. This can result in definitive cost-savings.

4. Remote access and usage
Lastly, you can access the faxes from any device; even in areas where physical fax lines cannot be installed. This is an advantage for businesses with remote workers and distributed teams using their own devices.

Is Fax Over IP Right for Your Business?

There is only one way to find out: give a FoIP service a try. If your business deals with faxes on a daily basis and you want a reliable means to handle important documents, then FoIP may be the right solution. Call our experts today to learn more!

4 Ways Your Distributed Team Can Benefit From Call Forwarding

28th September 2020 Learn, Sales

Advances in technology have made it possible for businesses and their employees to work from different locations with ease. For most companies, being present in the office and using office equipment is no longer the only option. With voice over IP, BYOD, quick and easy video and audio conferencing, and more, it is easier than ever to manage distributed teams. In this post, we will look specifically at how a business call forwarding service can benefit remote or distributed teams.

What are the Challenges of a Distributed Team?

“Distributed teams” refers to business teams that work from home, different locations, remotely, etc. These teams are “distributed” across different locations and do not necessarily work out of the main office.

Distributed teams or remote working teams are a growing trend in 2022 year amidst the “great resignation.” However, not many businesses were equipped to comfortably switch to a work-from-home process. But for companies using an advanced or virtual phone system, this move was easy. And one reason for that is the call forwarding feature.

What is Call Forwarding?

Call forwarding is a small business phone service feature that lets you forward incoming calls to any location, number, or device. This way, you can easily route calls to specific agents and employees no matter where they are. So, who can benefit from call forwarding?

  • Distributed teams
  • Remote working teams
  • International teams
  • Traveling employees

4 Ways Call Forwarding Can Benefit Your Distributed Team

Call forwarding keeps you connected even outside the main office. All you need to do is connect your device to the internet and your VoIP service. And then, you can easily turn this device into a business powerhouse. Here are the top benefits of using call forwarding for your remote team:

1. Forward Calls Geographically

Calls can be forwarded to any geographic location. And so, you can have calls routed to local employees as well as international employees that are providing customer support to your international clientele in their own time zones. This means that users and remote employees have flexibility and are not limited to one location.

2. Forward Calls to Any Device

A call forwarding service will let you route calls to any device such as a computer, laptop, smartphone, tablet, VoIP phone, etc. This means that if one device fails or is stolen, employees can quickly use their own device to continue doing their job. It also means that users and employees are not limited to one device in the main office.

3. Set Up Forwarding Rules That Will Benefit Your Distributed Team

Call forwarding from a virtual phone service provider comes with useful routing rules and strategies. The most common routing and forwarding strategies include:

  • Time of day routing – Forward calls based on time. You can have calls forwarded to remote locations during off-hours to match the location’s time zone. You can also have calls forwarded to specific locations and devices over the weekends.
  • Select country routing – Forward calls from different countries to specific locations.
  • Voicemail to email – Send voicemails to your email as a recording.
  • Fax to email – Send important faxes to email.

4. Change Forwarding Strategies Anytime

The best part of such a service is that you can change the forwarding settings as and when needed. Forward calls to the main office when everyone is present. Or, forward calls to remote teams when remote working is applicable. Either way, you can change these rules as and when needed to make a system that works best for your business.

Get Call Forwarding for Your Small Business Today

A call forwarding service can help your business maintain connectivity and productivity even when teams are distributed and working remotely. Getting call forwarding is easy. You can sign up on our website and start forwarding calls to locations and devices as needed. Call us or chat with our experts to learn more about this service today!

5 Ways to Improve Phone System Automation with Call Forwarding

24th September 2020 Learn, VoIP

One of the most important parts of any business is to offer reliable customer support. This means that when a customer calls your business, you are always reachable and can provide quick and effective service. Offering such a support channel can prove difficult at times, especially when your team does not have the right business phone system tools. Fortunately, advanced services such as call forwarding and phone system automation can support your call volume.

Use Call Forwarding to Implement Phone System Automation

Call forwarding and phone system automation can work hand-in-hand to help callers get the assistance they need. This means transferring calls automatically or through an automated response system to the right agent, voicemail, or pre-recorded messages. Doing so can help your business offer quick and accurate customer support. Here are 5 ways to use call forwarding and phone system automation to improve your call flow management.

1. Interactive Voice Response

A cloud-hosted IVR system or interactive voice response is an automated phone system that answers incoming calls, identifies the purpose of the call, and proceeds to assist the caller. Your IVR system can present options to the caller through a series of menus such as “Press 1 for sales, Press 2 for customer support, Press 5 to make a payment, Press 4 for voicemail, and so on.” This way, callers can input the service they need.

2. Name or Company Directory

This feature is part of your automated phone system where you create a name or company directory so that callers can navigate by themselves to the department they want such as “Press 1 for marketing.” Having the automated system present customers with options means that they don’t have to know the department’s number or dial an extension themselves. You can list specific departments or even specific employees with an automated phone system. This also reduces the amount of transferring a caller has to go through before they reach the right department or employee.

3. Advanced Routing Strategies

An automated phone system will give you the opportunity to use various call forwarding and routing strategies for maximum productivity. For example, calls made during off-hours or weekends can be routed to remote employees who have an evening or weekend shift. This is called time-based routing. You may even forward those calls to your own smartphone or home office.

Or, you can have certain calls forwarded to remote employees or international offices located in different parts of the world with location-based routing. This type of automation is especially useful for companies with international reach and clientele. Lastly, you can have incoming calls ring on multiple devices at the same time. This ensures that the call is answered quickly and no call goes missed.

4. Multichannel Communication Options

Offering support only through phone conversations may be a disadvantage. Especially considering most customers look for emails, chat, or social media contact methods. This is why your business should consider using human collaboration with phone system automation. For instance, chatbots can help resolve issues through pre-recorded messages and rules. Automated responses inform customers that your business has received their message and will respond within a few days.

By executing multichannel support, your business caters to customers who do not prefer phone conversations. Thereby, increasing your customer base.

5. Voicemail

Your automated phone system can even forward the call to voicemail when the caller simply wants to leave a message and receive a call back. This is useful when the caller is not sure which department to speak with or if all employees are busy and the caller does not want to wait in line.

 Get Phone System Automation with Global Call Forwarding

Here at Global Call Forwarding, we specialize in bringing advanced communication tools to businesses of all sizes and in all industries. You can use our call forwarding service to help automate customer service and build stronger relationships. Want to learn more? Call us at 1 (888) 908 6171 or chat online with one of our experts today!

Related: 11 Best Business Call Forwarding Services in 2022

6 Reasons Why a Softphone Is Essential For Any Remote Team

21st September 2020 Learn, VoIP

Managing remote or distributed teams can be a hassle. Ensuring that employees stay connected and are able to contact customers and answer customer service calls is important. However, not everyone has access to the tools needed to make such a system work. Here is where a softphone can benefit your remote team.

How Can a Softphone Benefit Your Remote Team?

First, what is a softphone? It is a software that transforms any device (computer, laptop, smartphone, IP phone, tablet, etc.) into a phone. You can then use this device to make and receive calls over the internet instead of a cellular or traditional phone line.

All you need to make this work is a headset, a camera (if video calling is needed), and a voice over IP service. Then, employees can connect with co-workers and customers from any location and any device!

Here are 6 reasons to use a softphone for your remote or distributed teams.

1. Save on Communication-Related Costs

Softphones don’t need extra hardware or equipment to make them work effectively. And so, you won’t need to supply your remote teams with equipment. They can simply use their existing devices (laptops, tablets, smartphones) to connect to your VoIP service and make and receive calls.

When you choose a softphone instead of a desk phone, you save hardware, equipment, and IT costs.

2. Never Miss a Call, Stay Reachable

Another reason to use a softphone for business communication is that users can stay connected from any location (thanks for VoIP). And since employees and agents can use any device, they are reachable no matter where they are located. Plus, incoming calls can be forwarded to their number ensuring that they never miss a call. And when calling customers, they can change their outgoing caller ID to represent the company’s phone number instead of their own number. This way, their personal phone number is masked while they continue doing their job.

3. Maintain Productivity

A softphone gives a remote worker the ability to work at their own pace and from the comforts of their own home or local coffee shop. When giving employees the ability to work remotely, you cut down on commuting and transportation woes and give parents the opportunity to take care of their children while still being able to work. Remote working can significantly reduce stressors present in one’s life, helping them focus better on important tasks. Employees that do not feel burdened or stressed and can therefore do their jobs better, thus maintaining productivity.

4. Take Advantage of Advanced Communication Features

Softphones also give users access to advanced business communication features. The variety of features depends on your VoIP service. Most providers will offer the following:

  • Ability to make and answer calls
  • Call transfer
  • Remote call forwarding and routing
  • Outbound calling (with dynamic caller ID)
  • Call with a single click or by dialing through the dialpad
  • Access to voicemail
  • Ability to make notes about the call and the caller
  • Contact management

5. Support Your BYOD Policy

A bring your own device policy is a workplace policy that encourages employees to use their own devices. This is an ideal situation for remote workers as well as employers. Employers don’t have to worry about expenses related to equipment such as providing laptops or computers, etc. At the same time, remote workers can use devices and applications they are comfortable with. A softphone can easily fit into your BYOD policy as users can convert any of their devices into business communication tools. This way, they remain productive through devices they are comfortable working with.

6. Make Remote Working a Possibility

Finally, the most important reason to use a softphone is to make transitioning to remote-work is easy. Business VoIP technology and softphones make remote working or managing distributed teams easier. So, now, you can offer employees the option to work from home or hire agents in different time zones to get more global customers.

Need More Reasons to Get a Softphone Today?

Don’t wait any longer; choose the right softphone for your business! Get a softphone to enhance and streamline your business communications. Global Call Forwarding can help!

Sign up for our virtual phone number service and use the GCF softphone for any device to make and answer calls through the internet. Call us at 1 (888) 908 6171 to get started today!

How Much Does an International Toll Free Number Cost? [2024]

9th September 2020 International Business, Learn

International toll free numbers can help you expand your company’s reach by creating communication channels between your company and interested customers in other countries and states. Here we will outline how much an international toll free number costs and what important factors to take into account when getting a new international toll free number.

International Toll Free Number Costs: Factors to Consider

International toll free phone numbers are toll free numbers for different countries across the world. Residents within those countries can call your ITFN for free while incoming calls are forwarded to a location or line in a country of your choice.

This enables your business to offer sales and customer support to international countries. For instance, you can get a UK toll free number and have calls forwarded to your office in Singapore.

How much an international toll free number costs depends on the following factors:

1. How you answer calls
What device you answer calls on can affect the ultimate price you pay for an international toll free number service. For instance, calls answered on a mobile phone may be more expensive than calls answered on a VoIP or SIP phone.

2. Where calls come from
One of the biggest contributors to the international toll free phone number cost is the location of your callers. That is, where your callers are calling from. For instance, calls from China may be more expensive than calls from the UK or Singapore. Furthermore, what device — landline or mobile — is used to call can also affect the cost.

3. Talk time per month
What is your business’ call volume per month? How many calls and how much call time do you expect? This is also important to consider when getting an ITFN service. The more you talk, the more you pay. However, there are plans that reduce cost per minute when your call traffic increases.

4. Additional features and services
What additional features or add-on services do you need? These additional features can increase your overall cost. Important features like outbound calling, IVR, call forwarding, etc., should be easily accessible. If the prices for these services are too high, you may want to consider a different service.

5. Extra fees
Lastly, don’t forget to take into account any additional fees such as set-up or installation fees, cancellation fees, long-term contracts, etc. Look for a provider that doesn’t need set-up or cancellation fees so you can switch providers if needed.

Global Call Forwarding: ITFN Price Breakdown

Here we breakdown our current international toll free number costs for the most popular countries. We include our basic monthly plan, SIP trunking price, and forwarding rates.

1. US Toll Free Numbers

To buy a US toll free number, you can simply review the below pricing information and sign up on our homepage.

    • Cost of a US ITFN: $12.95
    • SIP trunk pricing for outbound calls: $25 for 10 channels
    • Rate for forwarding to IP: $.02 – $.04 per additional minute

2. Germany Toll Free Numbers

With Germany virtual toll free phone numbers, you can now offer German residents a free way to connect with your business.

    • Cost of a Germany ITFN: $17.95
    • IP trunk pricing for outbound calls: $25 for 10 channels
    • Rate for forwarding to IP: $0.05- $0.07 per additional minute

3. UAE Toll Free Numbers

UAE 800 numbers can help your business offer sales and customer support to individuals and businesses located in UAE.

Cost of a UAE ITFN: $28.95
SIP trunk pricing for outbound calls: $25 for 10 channels
Rate for forwarding to IP: $0.43 – $0.47 per additional minute

4. UK Toll Free Numbers
Use UK freephone numbers to create reliable communication channels between your business and its UK clientele.

Cost of a UK ITFN: $12.95
SIP trunk pricing for outbound calls: $25 for 10 channels
Rate for forwarding to IP: $0.063 – $0.083 per additional minute

5. Singapore Toll Free Numbers
Buy Singapore toll free numbers to create a business in Singapore and add locals to your customer base.

Cost of a Singapore ITFN: $27.95
SIP trunk pricing for outbound calls: $25 for 10 channels
Rate for forwarding to IP: $0.063 – $0.082 per additional minute

6. Japan Toll Free Numbers

Japan toll free numbers will help you enter the Japanese market without increasing the cost of operations.

    • Cost of a Japan toll free phone number: $68.95
    • SIP trunk pricing for outbound calls: $25 for 10 channels
    • Rate for forwarding to IP: $0.33 – $0.37 per additional minute

7. Hong Kong Toll Free Numbers

Use Hong Kong toll free numbers to increase sales and offer customer service to local consumers by making your Hong Kong business accessible and easy to call.

    • Cost of a Hong Kong ITFN: $27.95
    • SIP trunk pricing for outbound calls: $25 for 10 channels
    • Rate for forwarding to IP: $0.063 – $0.082 per additional minute

8. Australia Toll Free Numbers

Want to expand to Australia? Australia virtual numbers can help you test the market and see how your product performs before you open field offices.

    • Cost of an Australia toll free number: $13.95
    • SIP trunk pricing for outbound calls: $25 for 10 channels
    • Rate for forwarding to IP: $0.063 – $0.082 per additional minute

9. China Toll Free Numbers

Use China toll free numbers to sell to local Chinese residents and businesses. Enter the Chinese market and advertise locally.

    • Cost of a China ITFN: $44.95
    • SIP trunk pricing for outbound calls: $25 for 10 channels
    • Rate for forwarding to IP: $0.37 – $0.41 per additional minute

10. India Toll Free Numbers

Doing business in India? Connect to India’s telecommunication network to make global communication easier and less expensive.

    • Cost of an India ITFN: $38.95
    • SIP trunk pricing for outbound calls: $25 for 10 channels
    • Rate for forwarding to IP: $0.25 – $0.35 per additional minute

11. Mexico Toll Free Numbers

Mexico toll free numbers can open your business to include a Mexican customer base.

    • Cost of a Mexico ITFN: $12.95
    • SIP trunk pricing for outbound calls: $25 for 10 channels
    • Rate for forwarding to IP: $0.063 – $0.073 per additional minute

12. Canada Toll Free Numbers

Get Canada toll free numbers today and start selling your product or service in Canada. Improve brand visibility and awareness by advertising locally.

    • Cost of a Canada toll free number: $12.95
    • SIP trunk pricing for outbound calls: $25 for 10 channels
    • Rate for forwarding to IP: $0.02 – $0.04 per additional minute

Choose Your International Toll Free Number Now!

ITFNs make it easy to do global business without incurring exorbitant international calling rates. Get an international toll free number based on the countries and regions you want to target and expand your business to. With these numbers, you can add new customer bases, improve sales, offer global customer support, and become a reputable international brand. Sign up today or call us to learn more!

How to Start a Business in Mexico as a Foreigner

20th August 2020 International Business, Learn

Starting a business in a new country can be intimidating and confusing when you don’t know where to start. If you are looking to expand your company to Mexico or start a business in Mexico as a foreigner, here are some useful resources to help you enter the market successfully.

Starting a Business in Mexico as a Foreigner

When starting a business in a new country, there are a few things you need to pay attention to. For example, registering your business, tax information, business phone numbers, marketing to locals, and more.

Here are a few helpful steps to guide you when starting a business in Mexico as a foreigner.

1. Decide on a Company Name

First, choose a name for your company. Research local company names to get a sense of the way locals name their business. Then, find one that is most suitable for your business. Keep local slang in mind and consider the use of translation.

2. Create a Deed of Incorporation

Next, draw up a Deed of Incorporation; that is a deed for business entities. To do so, you will need a notary public. You may work with a Corredor Público, a type of attorney that specializes in deed formation. You can register your business as a:

  • Sociedad Anónima de Capital Variable S.A. de C.V. — a regular corporation
  • Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada S. de R.L. — an LLC
  • Sociedad Civil, S.C. — an LLC or PC, or
  • Asociación Civil, A.C. — a non-profit

When signing the Deed of Incorporation, ensure you have the following:

  • All owners are present and mentioned in the Deed
  • Owners’ Identification — official ID for Mexicans; passports and proof of legal presence for foreigners
  • CURP number (like an SSN)
  • RFC number (tax ID)
  • Proof of address

3. Register the Business

You must register your business with the National Business Information Registry (SIEM). Then, register its address by obtaining a Domicilio Fiscal — a registered address. This is the location where you will receive notifications from the government and carry out your business operations. Lastly, you will also need to register with the Mexican Tax Authorities (SAT) through any of their local offices or online.

4. Register with the Foreign Investment Register

An important part of starting a business in Mexico as a foreigner is registering with the Foreign Investment Register. If the owner is a foreigner without a permanent address status, then they have to register here.

5. Get a Mexico Phone Number

Next on the agenda is getting a Mexico phone number. Virtual phone service providers like Global Call Forwarding can help you get Mexico virtual phone numbers so you can get started on your business from wherever you are located. We offer Mexico toll free numbers and Mexico local numbers for different locations within the country.

Mexico toll free numbers let local Mexican residents contact your business for free while local Mexico numbers charge callers local calling rates. You can have these calls forwarded to any number or location of your choice. This way, even before you open field offices in Mexico, you can start communicating with locals through these numbers by having calls forwarded to your office or smartphone wherever you are located.

6. Start Advertising & Marketing

Finally, once you have your business registered, you can start advertising and promoting your business and its products and services. You can use international SEO, paid advertising, social media advertising, as well as promoting your business in local directories, etc.

Get Mexico Numbers with Global Call Forwarding

We offer business phone numbers for companies looking to expand locally and globally. Our plans come with advanced virtual communication features that help with call management and improve productivity within the office. To learn more, speak with one of our experts today!

8 Key Points That Any Bring Your Own Device Policy Must Have

17th August 2020 Learn, Sales

The rise and comfort of remote working have led to employers considering the different ways to allow remote working without losing employee productivity. In this post, we will look at Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Policy and what important elements to include when creating one.

Building an Effective BYOD Policy: 8 Key Points

A Bring Your Own Device or BYOD policy refers to the work policy of allowing employees to use their own devices instead of company-sponsored ones. This policy is known to make employees more productive and efficient as they would be using devices and applications they are familiar with. Furthermore, such a policy paves the way for an easy switch to remote working, if need be. Lastly, it can also help companies save on yearly costs that would otherwise be spent on purchasing and maintaining equipment.

Here are some important elements and rules to keep in mind when creating your own Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy, as suggested by IBM Security:

1. Create Policy First: Then Purchase Technology

The first step is to start creating your BYOD policy before purchasing any technology, even mobile device management or MDM tech. BYOD policies affect almost every team or department in the office: IT, HR, legal, security, and employees using the devices. Therefore, rules of use should be determined beforehand.

The Most Important BYOD Policy Factors to Consider:

When creating your BYOD policy, consider the following factors:

  • What devices will be supported and accepted for use? Who determines device use, employer or employee?
  • Who will pay for data usage? Will there be a stipend or will the employee be responsible for expenses?
  • What security measures will be implemented?
  • What apps will be allowed and which ones forbidden?
  • What resources and services can employees access on their devices?
  • What data will be collected from the employee’s device?
  • What will your Acceptable Usage Agreement (AUA) consist of?

2. Plan to Keep Personal Info Private and Separate from Company Data

Since a BYOD policy allows employees to use their own devices and apps, it is important to pay attention to privacy. Big data is so large that it’s raising privacy and ethical issues for major corporations around the world. In this case, keeping personal information private and separate from the company’s data is necessary.

Make your privacy laws easily accessible and help your employees and users understand what data will and will not be collected from them. For example, personal emails, contacts, text messages, call history, etc. Furthermore, help them understand why you are collecting what you are collecting and how it benefits them.

The next step is to keep personal and professional data separate. Important and valuable corporate data, documents, and other files must be protected by your IT team. This is helpful in the case of an employee leaving the company; IT can quickly wipe information from the employee’s devices and keep company data safe.

3. Decide How to Manage Data Usage

Whether or not you are paying for the plan, you will want the managers or the users to be able to track how much data they are using. Furthermore, you will want to be upfront about in-network and roaming charges while also tracking them or providing warnings for excessive use.

Make sure users understand how the data plan works and how to effectively use data. There should be a system of checks and balances. Use data to elevate employees, not penalize them. Help them understand the importance of WiFi and to use it whenever available.

4. Make Enrollment Simple

Use technology that is user-friendly, simple, and does not involve complex procedures. Include instructions and troubleshooting advice in your emails or text messages. Also, let them know who they can connect with in case they encounter an issue.

Make the enrolling of devices and users secure and easy to follow. For example, users may receive an email or text link. When they click on this link, they will be led to a webpage where they can register their MDM profile for a device. Here, they will also be able to read and accept the user agreement.

You want to be able to quickly enroll devices — even in bulk — while providing users the ability to enroll themselves. You can add a layer of security by enabling a basic one-click authentication method.

5. Offer Self-Serving Options

One of the main advantages of a BYOD policy is the ability to reduce the time spent on troubleshooting or contacting the help desk. For this, you want to help your employees or users help themselves. Easy passcode recovery, geo-locating for locating lost devices, being able to quickly wipe a device to protect corporate data, and so on, are a few ways to help employees as well as your business while ensuring efficiency throughout the processes.

6. Enable Easy Configuration

An important part of successfully running a BYOD policy is being able to configure devices quickly and easily. The best solution is configuring devices over-the-air for optimization. Your platform or system should give the employee everything they need such as access to email, contacts, WiFi, VPN, relevant documents, apps, virtual phone numbers, etc. You may even make a note of applications that are unacceptable or include data usage warnings.

7. Monitor Devices for Usage

Now that you know how much data will be allowed and the stipend or budget allotted for usage, monitor your employees’ usage to ensure they do not go beyond the allocated amount. Furthermore, monitor how they are using their data. Some circumstances to watch for:

  • Attempting to disable management
  • Attempting to jailbreak or root a phone to get paid apps for free
  • Not complying with the security policy
  • Using apps that are not allowed or unaccepted within the policy

Some ways to battle devices that do not comply with your BYOD policy is to use your MDM solution to selectively to wipe their devices or to send warning messages. You may also choose to make additional adjustments based on what you are seeing.

8. Using Call Forwarding for Communication

Lastly, BYOD policies work very well along with call forwarding. A call forwarding service allows users to use their devices to make and receive business calls. You can use call forwarding to keep your team or office connected even when they are working from home or traveling. This way, your employees are reachable through inexpensive communication while continuing to be productive.

Create Your BYOD Policy Now

Keeping the above points in mind, take time and consideration when creating a Bring Your Own Device policy for your workplace. For call forwarding services or to learn how call forwarding can support BYOD, call us or chat with our experts today!

BYOD: What is Bring Your Own Device?

3rd August 2020 Learn

Interested in creating a more productive and employee-friendly office environment? You may want to consider adopting a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy. Here we will explain what a BYOD policy is and how to create one.

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD): Definition

BYOD or Bring Your Own Device is an IT policy that encourages employees to use their own devices such as laptops and smartphones for work. Other terms for such a policy include Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT), Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP), or Bring Your Own PC (BYOPC). With this policy, employees can use their personal devices to access office-related items such as email, documents, etc.

A BYOD policy generally entails access to the following 4 options:

  • Personal devices
  • Personal devices, apps, and data, but with IT control
  • Non-sensitive information and data
  • Personal devices with limited or no ability for local storage of data

A Bring Your Own Device policy should be implemented carefully while understanding the risks involved.

Why is a Bring Your Own Device Policy Important?

The Covid-19 pandemic led to a rise in remote working. And because of this, it is becoming increasingly important for businesses to consider BYOD as a work practice. The main reasons to adopt such a policy include:

  • Cost-savings for the business
  • Increasing employee productivity and efficiency
  • Growing remote working trends

Forbes put together some important BYOD-related stats:

  • About 61% of Gen Y and 50% of workers over 30 years of age find that their personal tech tools can help increase work-life productivity.
  • Approximately 60% of workers use their smartphones or tablets for work-related tasks.
  • BYOD-friendly businesses save about $350 per year, per employee annually.

Keeping these statistics in mind, one can see the appeal for a comfortable working environment where employees can use tools and apps they are familiar with. Additionally, businesses adopting a BYOD policy can reduce costs while still ensuring employees continue to do quality work.

How to Build an Effective BYOD Policy

An effective BYOD policy looks at and includes a few different and necessary factors and elements. When building your BYOD policy, consider these useful tips outlined by IBM:

  1. Keep enrollment simple and secure.
  2. Offer self-service options such as PINs, passwords, etc.
  3. Help them keep personal information private by explaining privacy policies and providing functions to protect their information.
  4. Use a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution to keep personal and professional data separate.
  5. Define parameters for technology use and consider important factors such as — what devices will be accepted and supported? Who will be responsible for the payment? What will be included in the privacy policy?
  6. To maintain professionalism and productivity, monitor devices that are non-compliant.
  7. Invest in technology that will make communication easy such as a cloud phone system, management, and storage systems.

Related: 8 Key Points That Any Bring Your Own Device Policy Must Have

BYOD and VoIP: Benefits

Remote working is gaining popularity due to the coronavirus forcing millions to work from home. But what does that mean for businesses that need to maintain business-related communications such as collaborating between teams, generating new leads and sales, and more? The answer is simple: a BYOD with VoIP policy. So, how does BYOD work with VoIP? It lets your employees connect from any device and any location. This allows them to use their own devices for work-related processes such as:

  • Checking email
  • Communicating with teammates
  • Communicating with business contacts, clients, customers, vendors, and leads
  • Accessing work-related documents

But how does BYOD work with a VoIP phone system? A voice over IP business phone system lets users connect through any device from any location. This location could be the main office, home offices, remote locations, and so on. And so, a BYOD VoIP policy lets users connect from their devices irrespective of their location. This way, remote workers or traveling agents can still complete their work and stay connected with the rest of their team.

Here are the top 5 benefits of having a BYOD VoIP policy:

1. Stay Connected Always

Remote working trends are on the rise as many employers and employees are realizing the benefits of working from home during the pandemic. The Covid-19 pandemic demonstrated that working from home or remotely is not a far-fetched possibility. However, not all businesses were able to easily switch to remote working.

With a BYOD VoIP policy, you can easily transition to work from home or other remote locations. No time or money is wasted. Employees simply use their own devices to log into the business’ VoIP system and continue to work as usual.

2. Save Communication-Related Costs

VoIP services are growing popular with businesses that spend a lot of time and money on inbound and outbound calling. With a Bring Your Own Device and VoIP phone system set-up, you will reduce your monthly phone bill while still offering services professionally. This way, you will be able to save on phone costs.

In addition, employees will be able to make outgoing calls while masking their caller ID and showing your business phone number instead. This helps employees safeguard personal information while unifying your outbound calling efforts through a business phone number.

3. No Need for Additional Equipment

Furthermore, to use BYOD VoIP, you do not need any additional equipment. Users can access their VoIP services with their own devices without worrying about installing or maintaining new hardware. Most providers will offer you a VoIP service that is compatible with the most commonly-used SIP-ready devices. This lets you save on hardware and IT costs.

Related: The Ultimate List of BYOD Policy Pros and Cons

4. Increase Employee Satisfaction and Productivity

Since employees get to use their own devices and applications, they are more likely to use those that improve their productivity. BYOD gives them the opportunity to use tools, apps, and services that keep them organized and thereby increase efficiency.

5. Hire Internationally

Finally, you can expand your reach and hire remote workers in different locations. Yes, even in different countries. This lets you provide customer support in local time zones and languages, helping your business gain more international recognition.

So, is BYOD for VoIP Right for You?

Remote and virtual office set-ups are becoming more and more common. Employees appreciate the option to work from home and not having that option can deter some away from your business. Here’s an opportunity to maintain communication over different devices. With the ease and convenience of work from home, it is a smart decision to prepare for circumstances where your employees may need to work remotely. Therefore, considering BYOD for VoIP may open up new opportunities for your business and its employees. Call us today to find out how our VoIP service works!

5 Top International Call Forwarding Benefits

29th July 2020 International Business, Learn

International call forwarding is used by tens of thousands of businesses worldwide, as there are many associated benefits. Here we outline the top 5 business call forwarding benefits that an international or remote call forwarding service brings to any business.

5 Benefits of International Call Forwarding for Small Business

International call forwarding helps your company do business internationally, by forwarding or rerouting calls made to a virtual phone number to a destination number, or multiple destinations anywhere in the world.

For example, calls made to your virtual number can be forwarded to your smartphone, remote employees, or office PBX system. This makes it possible to receive free phone calls from any location in the world. It also gives your business credibility. So how can international call forwarding benefit your small business?

Related: How International Call Forwarding Works

1. Make Your Business Reachable

With international call forwarding and toll free numbers, your business can provide international and long-distance customers and contacts a free way to connect with your business. Customers in different countries can call your international toll free number for that country for free and get the support they need. Meanwhile, you can forward incoming calls to any device or line that is convenient for you.

Making your business reachable and accessible is an important part of doing business internationally. Customers trust a company that responds and resolves issues quickly. If they struggle to get a hold of you, then your customers will take their business elsewhere.

2. More Global Coverage

One of the most popular business call forwarding benefits is the ability to improve a business’ global reach. If global expansion is on your company’s list of goals, then you need to find the right tools to help you enter the global market without dramatically increasing the cost of operation. Global Call Forwarding, for instance, offers virtual phone numbers such as local, mobile, and international toll free numbers for more than 160 countries across the globe.

You can use these numbers from your country of origin, without needing to relocate or open field offices. Then, test how your product/service is doing and how customers are responding to it. Based on how well the market test goes, you can choose to open a field office or hire remote customer service agents or employees in the vicinity. This way, you can add customers from various countries to your customer base.

3. Increase Local and International Presence

Virtual numbers help you create a local presence within countries, states, and cities across the world. This is because you can get a local or toll free number assigned to that area and callers can contact your business as a local business while you receive calls instantly in your home country through the international call forwarding service. And so, even if you are not physically present within a region or country, you have a virtual presence. However, customers are not privy to this information. Globalization is at a critical juncture, and call forwarding services enable businesses to stay connected to customers on a global scale.

4. Reduce Use of Voicemail

With international call forwarding, you can have calls forwarded to your smartphone or home office during the evenings or the weekend. This way, when callers contact you outside of business hours, they can still get a hold of your services instead of leaving a voicemail. This can help build customer loyalty during this age of continuous connection, as customers appreciate talking to someone instantly.

5. Offer After-Hours Customer Service

Being able to provide uninterrupted service is another one of the top business call forwarding benefits. Additionally, you can aim to offer 24/7 customer support. Do this by forwarding calls to your home office or remote employees located in different time zones. This not only makes your business more reachable but more likely to improve customer experience and satisfaction.

Get International Call Forwarding Today

Get an international call forwarding service from Global Call Forwarding. Upgrade your business phone system so you can offer sales and customer support to interested prospects around the world. Want to learn more? Call or chat with us today!