Value in voice

Now that I've been back in the voice game for a couple of years I've had a chance to reformulate my opinions about this market.  I've been working with all different sizes of customers on voice solutions.  More specifically VOIP (Voice Over IP) phone systems and the connections to the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network).

You'd never guess but..........nothing has really changed.  Sure the way that the phone call is getting from one place to another has changed.  The types of devices we are talking on has changed.  The way we interact with each other has changed.  What has not changed?  The need for value.  The need for excellent service providers. The need for a true consultative approach.  I guess I'm kind of predictable and I'm sorry for that.  I've seen product after product in the technology market become a "commodity".  Then I've watched as countless companies go to consume these products only to find out that nothing works quite like "they" said it would.  You can go online and search for VOIP providers and find all sorts of low cost options.  If your office is small and not growing these may serve you well.  Depending on your business model.  When your business grows to a point of true reliance on the VOIP solution you will expose it's weaknesses.

Don't get me wrong.  I get that startups have limited dollars to work with and will have to make sacrifices.  I support that.  I did that with my first business.  I'm speaking more to the established businesses that have established budgets to work with.

I'm seeing that even though VOIP is effective its not simple.  Long term perspective is required to make the right choices with your technology dollar.  It's important to consider the overall impact on the IT resources and network.  What happens if the internet goes down?  If the firewall crashes?  If someone gets a virus?

What I've seen is that some companies in the market are taking a commodity approach to selling these products "turnem and burnem"  others still know they are building long term relationships.  They are working to become the trusted advisor.  The second approach is the one I support.

Thanks for reading ~pz