SMB’s need a comprehensive but inexpensive functionality to enable their employees to access all of the new communications capabilities on their smartphones. Comcast has an answer – and it is a good one! Larry Hettick in Network World on September 20,2013 reported that Comcast’s cloud-based Business VoiceEdge’s portfolio included such needed features as a mobile app for either iOS or Android phones, teleworker options, a softphone, and HD video calling. Comcast’s network covers 20 of the top 25 markets across 39 states.
Business VoiceEdge‘s enhancements to the mobile app include an interface to manage voicemail and “Be Anywhere” features. When installed in a teleworker’s home, he or she enjoys all of the same functionality as if they were in the office. Their softphone application is used with either a Mac or a PC and affords the worker the ability to make and receive calls from their computer using their business work number. If a video camera is installed the calls may include video conferencing. The video calls support either an installed camera or an external one and supports the video quality of HD.
“As organizations continue to integrate cloud computing and bring your own device (BYOD) into the workplace, there is an increasing need for mobile solutions that will deliver unified communications across today’s agile workforce,” Diane Myers, principal analyst for VoIP, UC, and IMS at Infonetics Research, said in a statement. “Implementing a mobile work environment will enable today’s distributed workforce to communicate, collaborate and deliver better customer service, and in turn provide organizations with increased productivity, reduced costs, and improved business processes.”
Voice over IP, or VoIP as it is known, has steadily improved in reliability and quality and is certainly not only a good alternative to copper line connectivity but a clear preference for many instances. These unified communication functions give road warriors and teleworkers the clear advantage in access to all of the features that office workers have and add the ability to access them from anywhere and anytime. As reported in the South Florida Business Journal on September 23, 2013, by Kevin Gale, ” the company (Comcast) is actually the largest North American company when it comes to voice over IP (VoIP), according to Infonetics Research.” He goes on to say, “Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA) has been aggressively pursuing business that traditionally might be handled by legacy phone companies such as AT&T (NYSE: T), which took over what used to be BellSouth in South Florida. A recent analysis of Comcast on the SeekingAlpha website says Comcast Cable, is the largest U.S. provider of video, high-speed Internet and voice services to residential customers under the XFINITY brand.”
A business seeking to enhance their worker’s functionality should consider the market leader who is implementing cost-effective and innovative solutions! Clarus Communications is just that. We are a national leader that specializes in providing over 45 telecommunication and technology provider solutions to businesses suited to their needs. Visit Clarus Communications here or call us at 855-801-6700 to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff.