If you’ve been exploring a move to a cloud based phone system and decommissioning your old PBX then you know it’s not as simple as it seems. Below are five simple steps to analyze your voice environment and plan your implementation.

1. Telephone count – You’ll need to analyze how many devices you have and where they’re located. This is the first step that can be improved if you also figure out and log how each phone is actually used by its rightful owner. Contact us to help perform your audit.
2. Connectivity – The day of POTS lines and PRIs is done. It’s all SIP in the core. Each phone uses between 88kbps and 200kbps for HD calls. You’ll want to account for that on top of the bandwidth you’ll need for any other external applications. Don’t forget to block Netflix at your office!
3. Decommissioning old equipment – A lot of top UCaaS providers are giving rebates for old telephone equipment so you should certainly take advantage. You’ll also want to either sell your old PBX for parts or have it destroyed by a third party.
4. Training – Who are your end users? Now is where step one’s additional information will come I handy. You’ll want to plan your training for end-users around their use habits and learning style. Not everyone can just watch a YouTube video and get it. They may need additional hand holding, especially if they’re working the reception console. We can help your users get up to speed. Click here
5. Save the date – You’ll want to pick a date after hours to install your new system, test, and rip out your old equipment. Weekends are ideal but you don’t always have that luxury, especially if you have a large call center environment.

Decommissioning your old PBX can save you tons on monthly telco and power charges. You can really reduce your data center footprint while improving the security and functionality of your voice ecosystem. It’s just so much easier to manage.

Shoretel’s dock is a great addition to a voice ecosystem, adding redundancy with cellular connectivity through your mobile carrier and allowing for a cool, distributed work force. It literally turns your iPad into a phone system!  Contact us for more information.