The Move Towards Desktop and Mobile Clients Replacing the Hard Phone

Over the past few years, we have seen how the corporate business landscape is being completely remodeled and redesigned in terms of how businesses operate, develop strategies and connect with clients and suppliers. This is because of the constant changes and innovations to business technologies, especially within the communication sphere which has led to a new trend towards desktop and mobile clients as they take over the traditional communication technologies like the hard phones.

While it is true that hard phones, or wired desk phones have reigned over the workplace for decades, this is no longer the case as modern gadgets like smartphones, desktops, tablets, etc., have become the workplace norm. In fact, there has been an increasing number of employees who prefer to use mobile devices over traditional desk phones to conduct and manage day-to-day business operations. Because of the numerous benefits mobile devices have to offer to businesses – convenience being the most significant one – it comes as no great surprise when we say that business owners and stakeholders are ready to, if they haven’t yet, take the leap to advanced communication gadgets.

Mobile Devices: How Have They Come to Reign the Business Sector

Many people still find it surprising that mobile devices and desktops have come to dominate the business sector. After all, it was not quite long ago when landline phones were still the primary and singular source of communication in the workplace. However, despite being the dominant communication technology for a decade (and maybe longer), desk phones have now been rendered obsolete and outdated. But, how did this happen?

The principle reason behind the downfall of hard phones which then led to the superiority of desktop and mobile devices is the commencement of mainstream Internet, followed by a range of web services specifically designed for business corporations.

In today’s age of information, it is vital for businesses to combat and conquer new challenges. Thus, they need all sorts of help they can get to confront and crush these challenges. With mobile devices offering Internet connectivity and other web-based services, it has become easier for businesses to access information, keep up with the competition and most importantly connect with their clients at the speed of light. Thus, mobile devices have come to reign over the business sector because of the Internet connectivity they offer.

Why Businesses and Corporations Are Shifting to Mobile Devices 

As already mentioned, Internet and web-based services are the predominant reason businesses are shifting to mobile devices. However, to say that Internet is solely responsible for this change is a bit deceptive and misleading to some extent. There are various other factors associated with the shift to mobile devices. In fact, mobile devices signal the dawn of new age with the countless benefits it offers the businesses on so many levels.

Here are a few reasons why businesses are moving from hard phones towards mobile devices.

Cost Effective Alternative to Hard Phones

One reason people are considering ditching hard phones is because installation, operational and maintenance costs are quite expensive. These costs include the initial purchase of the phones themselves and any additional the hardware they require multiplied by the number of employees. By contrast, a softphone application which allows devices and gadgets like desktops and smartphones to send and receive calls through Internet connectivity is an extremely cost-effective alternative to hard phones.

It is a relatively inexpensive method of communication technology as it only requires a quick installation of the softphone application on your desktop or whichever device you want to. You can then accessorize your device with headphones and microphones to facilitate effective communication. Since one of the primary goals of a organization is to cut costs to enhance their profit margin, businesses can easily find headsets and other accessories that are inexpensive without compromising on quality.

Furthermore, if you have a business that runs global operations, you often need to connect with overseas customers and employees. Desk phones mean huge costs in terms of long distance call rates which are obscenely expensive. However, if you shift to mobile devices and communicate over the Internet, you will notice a drastic decrease in the charges.

Installation Process Is Simple and Effortless

Apart from the price advantage of mobile devices, one should also take into account that the installation process of softphone applications like VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is effortless when compared to setting up desk phones on each of your employees’ cubicles and desks.

Desk phones are bulky and take up space on the desktop. Further, installation of desk phones requires proper wiring and plug-ins which may require drilling through walls and running cables everywhere. Whereas, mobile devices require no such complicated procedures to enable communication. They are compact and don’t take up a lot of space. The majority of smartphones have built-in communication apps like email, instant messaging, Skype, Whatsapp, etc. that don’t require extra installation.

Offers Immense Convenience, Flexibility and Mobility

Convenience, accessibility and mobility is inherent to mobile communication technologies like tablets, laptops and smartphones. No matter where you are, mobile tech allows you to access information that you may need to connect with clients, suppliers, partners, etc. Unlike the desk phone, which restricts you, mobile tech offers unprecedented flexibility and mobility. For instance, if you are not at your desk, any potential calls from clients or vendors go to voicemail which may inadvertently cause you to lose business.

A smartphone operates more as a mini computer than an old phone with the singular purpose of simply sending and receiving calls. In addition, you can store valuable data on your smartphone such as a deal you wish to close, and be able to close the deal from anywhere as long as you have access to your phone or laptop.

Thus, without a doubt, mobile tech has made it immensely convenient for businesses to access and connect with customers, suppliers as well as the employees irrespective of where you are — at workplace or on vacation.

Offers Exceptional Level of Connectivity

Mobile technology has resulted in a frenzy of communication gadgets and services which not only fulfill the purpose of effective communication among managers, employees, vendors and customers, but they do so on an unprecedented and exceptional level.

No longer are you restricted to audio calls. Mobile tech has introduced video conferencing calls which gives a feeling of virtual meetings and provides a highly effective and efficient alternative to actual face-to-face meetings when you are unable to make it to the office. Web-based applications and services like Skype, Facetime etc. allows for a virtual meeting with partners or potential clients.

Further, mobile tech has taken connectivity to the next level with applications like Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+ where you can connect with customers on a social platform. These applications also facilitate direct interaction between you and your customer.

Productive and Profitable

As mentioned earlier, mobile devices provide immense flexibility and mobility allowing you and your employees to multitask and save valuable time, which in turn leads to productivity and development.

The interactive nature of mobile technology inspires managers and employees to share information with customers in a way that guarantees instant and positive feedback. Further, you can interact with your employees or colleagues through emails even when travelling. All of this ensures productivity and development for business.

Offers Web-based Communication System

Advancements in communication technology have resulted in variations in communication tools which are now more centered around web-based services as opposed to traditional services which restricted communication to office premises due to the immobility of concerned hardware. However, ever since business communication shifted to mobile devices, businesses can now access a wide range of web-based communication platforms which are extremely convenient – both in terms of cost and accessibility. These communication systems are hosted by VoIP and only require a web browser and internet connectivity for users to gain access.

Moreover, the rise of WebRTC ( Web Real-Time Communication) services for business communication is another major reason for the shift to mobile devices. WebRTC allows for a rich and enhanced level of communication that is embedded in apps and websites and doesn’t require hardware and plug-ins. To top it off, WebRTC provides enterprises secure and uninterrupted communication with customers.

A Shift From Regular Communication Methods

Today, we have observed a shift in business communication methods because of increasing use and convenience of mobile devices. Regular methods like emails that were prevalent not long ago are no longer the chosen method to connect with vendors, partners, employees, customers etc.  This is not to say that communication through emails is no longer carried out because it still is a dominant communication tool, rather it is not the preferred method especially when one is looking for the quickest and most efficient way to communicate. Relatively new methods like text messages, video conferencing, screen sharing are taken up by individuals in the corporate sector to communicate as they promise instant reply and more efficient communication. Thus, another reason businesses are looking forward to adopt mobile devices.

Mobile Solutions for You

Constant advancements in technology have lead to a wide variety of communication mediums to from which to choose. While it is indeed quite a daunting task to choose a few communication tools from such an extensive variety, it is even more difficult and challenging to select the tools that are best suited for your business model based on productivity and cost effectiveness.

However, you don’t need to worry about this as we at Teleogiks completely understand the importance of business communication tools and have a thorough knowledge about the technology involved. Keeping the productivity and business development in mind, we would like to share some of the best mobile solutions you can adopt.

Smartphone Apps

Smartphones are perhaps the most powerful and influential communication tool to date. In fact, many surveys and studies conducted indicate that smartphones will eventually conquer antiquated communication mediums. The popularity of 3G, LTE, WiFi, etc. have only furthered the claim. The central idea of the smartphone as a communication medium is one that will bring overall efficiency to many business interactions.

Tablet Apps

While similar to smartphones on majority of levels, tablets differ in the sense that they have a much larger screen size compared to cell phones. The numerous applications allow you to turn your tablet into a portable office.

PC and Mac Clients

While it is true that smartphones and tablets have completely revolutionized the business communication platform, many enterprises still prefer desktops and laptops. They come in all shapes and sizes and need to be chosen based upon the nature of computing and communication you require. By installing a softphone application, it will serve the business communication purpose thoroughly.

Browser Based Services

As mentioned above WebRTC is the new trend among the communication technologies which allows for unified communications. To benefit from it, you simply need a web browser that supports and is in compliance with WebRTC.

The popular usage of the Internet in this information age is the driving force behind the evolution in mobile technology. It is safe to say that mobile devices will soon reign in the area of business communications for at least the next decade. So, if you haven’t already cut ties with the desk phones and moved on to desktop and mobile clients, it is about time that you seriously consider acting on it.