Would you be interested if I offered a potion that could make you run as fast as a cheetah, strong as an elephant, and live as long as a tortoise? My guess is that most of you would say "yes!" (I know I would). Alas, no such magical elixir exists, at least not for humans.
There is, however, a solution that could transform a small business into one that is more efficient, more productive, and better prepared for the challenges in front of them - it's called unified communications (UC). UC unifies systems, devices and applications to provide seamless ability to communicate wherever you are, whenever you want.
More on that in a moment - first a quick question: what percentage of the total businesses worldwide are considered "SME" (less than 100 employees)?
If you answered 50%, you'd be wrong. If you answered 80%, you'd STILL be wrong. If you answered 99%, then give yourself a hand - SMEs overwhelmingly make up the majority of global businesses. They also contribute about 50% of the global GDP, so they are critical to driving world economies.
What's even more amazing, 90% of all SMEs have less than 20 employees! These range from the "Mom and Pop" retail shop to doctor's offices, law firms, and auto dealers. With that many businesses competing for commerce, these "sub-20" firms need ways to serve their customers better and adapt to rapidly changing conditions. In many cases, they simply aren't aware that technologies exist that can make them work smarter and more productive.
Yet, a solution does exist - as I already mentioned, it's called UC. Unfortunately, most SMEs don't really know the term "unified communications", so it doesn't resonate with them. They do, however, understand the value that UC brings to their business. Take a plumber, or real estate agent for example. These are people that frequently work on-site with clients, away from their office (and likely nowhere near their telephone). If a customer calls a plumber or real estate agent looking for assistance, and they aren't there, that could be a lost revenue opportunity. To secure that revenue opportunity, there must be a solution that allows incoming calls to ring on a mobile device, so the plumber or real estate agent can respond to their customer's needs in real-time.
With Avaya IP Office Release 6.0, we've made UC more accessible for the sub-20 SME. Through a consolidation interfaces, and reducing the amount of equipment and software licenses needed to configure a system, IP Office can be priced up to 30% less than before! IP Office lets users control office communications using an IP phone, cell phone or laptop. Users can receive all their messages--voice, email, and fax--in a single inbox, and are automatically notified when they are received, no matter where they are.
For sub-20 SMEs already using Avaya's PARTNER® Advanced Communications System, IP Office running Essential Edition - PARTNER® Version software allows them to leverage their investment in the phones, which can represent up to 70% of the total cost of a new system. Additionally, Essential Edition - PARTNER Version retains the PARTNER user experience, which minimizes the need to re-train staff, and allows for a quick transition to the IP Office platform.
Avaya IP Office was designed specifically for small and medium-size businesses, and delivers the communications capabilities big businesses are used to--with the elegant simplicity and ease of use small businesses require. This helps SMEs - including those with less than 20 employees - differentiate themselves from competitors through enhanced employee productivity, lower costs, and improved customer service.
I invite you to learn more at www.avaya.com/small.
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