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Virtual Phone System: What Is It and How Does It Work?

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With more dependence on cloud communications, it’s time for businesses to upgrade their phone systems to ones that can be accessed virtually. Cloud phone systems make it possible for companies to manage remote teams as well as expand their global coverage. Learn how a virtual phone system can improve the way your business communicates with customers locally and globally. In this post, we discuss virtual phone communication systems and their benefits.

Virtual Phone System: Definition

Virtual phone systems or cloud phone systems are becoming the new normal as businesses prepare for remote working possibilities. A virtual phone communication system or cloud-based phone system is a communications platform that allows users to make and receive business calls from anywhere through an internet connection.

How Do Virtual Telephone Systems Work?

More specifically, a virtual phone system uses virtual phone numbers and voice over IP (VoIP) to transmit calls over the internet. Because of this, users can make and receive calls from any location and any device (deskphone, softphone, app, smartphone, etc), as long as they are connected to the internet. VoIP phone systems convert voice signals into digital packets and move them from one user to the next. By doing so, VoIP calls use internet bandwidth to maintain high quality and speed.

While traditional phone systems work from one location, virtual phone communication systems can work from any location and can connect people from multiple locations. Companies that have multiple office locations or remote offices and teams can use a cloud phone system to stay connected and take advantage of virtual communication features for call management.

Benefits of a Virtual Communication System

There are many advantages of using a virtual phone communication system over a traditional phone system. These systems are cost-effective and can assist your business expansion plans. Furthermore, they can support your business’ call volumes by providing call management tools and features that can make the customer experience better.

1. Scalability
Need to add or remove certain users, locations, and lines? No problem! With virtual communication systems, you can control how big or small you want to go. Add new lines and users as needed, and make necessary adjustments without needing to change or update your entire system. You can scale up and down as needed — and pay only for what you use — nothing or less.

2. Cost-Effective
By switching to a virtual phone system, your business can cut down on costs when it comes to purchasing multiple phone lines, hardware, and equipment, and even long-distance and international calling rates. Your cloud phone system is equipped to add or remove phone lines as and when needed. Even your virtual phone numbers can be adjusted depending on need and usage. Calling internationally or enabling global customers to call your business becomes easier with virtual phone numbers. You can bypass international boundaries and cut down on international communication costs. Lastly, you won’t need to worry about purchasing and maintaining hardware for a virtual telephone system.

3. Access to Features
Virtual communication systems come packed with a variety of features and services to enhance connectivity, smoothen call management processes, and improve customer experience when they call your business. Top features that come with a virtual phone system are international call forwarding, call recording, customizable caller IDs, automated response systems (IVR), and more.

Why You Need a New Virtual Phone Communication System

So, why would your business need a new phone system? Evaluate your phone system and watch how it has been performing. Can you connect all necessary users (agents and employees) effectively? Are calls being forwarded seamlessly to the right department or location? Are you paying too much for minimum or basic services? These are some questions to consider when thinking about switching to a new system. Here are some important factors to include in your evaluation.

1. High Pricing, Low Reliability

Check what other providers are offering and what their plans include and cost. Are there providers offering more for lesser or similar rates? If your virtual phone system provider is not offering all the necessary features and charging you high rates, you may want to look for a new phone system. Similarly, if your provider is not reliable and the service quality is low, this can exponentially impact your customer service efforts.

2. Commitments Needed

Another thing to consider is being locked in long-term contracts or worrying about high cancellation fees. A reputable provider who knows their business’ worth won’t ask you to enter long-term contracts or charge high service and cancellation fees. Their service and its quality will speak for itself.

Related: 5 Signs You Need a New Business Phone System

3. Less Variety of Necessary Features

Are you missing specific features that can boost your communication system? Review what other providers offer, both their basic and advanced features and services. Additionally, if you need to expand or grow your service, can your current provider offer you what you need? Are these additional services reasonably priced?

4. Fewer Customer Service Options

Lastly, evaluate your provider’s customer service. Your cloud phone system connects you to your valuable customers. When your phone system fails or the quality drops, can you quickly reach out and connect with their customer service teams? For example, United World Telecom offers various customer support options such as phone, live chat, email, and trouble tickets. This way, we can cater to customers through their preferred mode of contact and resolve more issues and concerns.

Looking for a Change?

You can upgrade your virtual phone system when you get a virtual phone number from United World Telecom. We offer an array of features and services to give you the tools your need to build strong customer relationships. Speak with our representatives to find out how we can support your business needs today!

What Is SIP ALG and Why VoIP Users Should Disable It

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In this post, we discuss what SIP ALG is and how it can affect the quality of your VoIP phone calls. Disable SIP ALG to improve VoIP call quality and ensure there are fewer interruptions.

What is SIP ALG?

Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is an internet protocol with voice data packets that initiates, maintains, and terminates voice communication between two users. SIP is used for voice calling over LTE and VoIP phone systems.

Routers used to connect to the internet also segment the provider and your internal network through Network Address Translation (NAT). This is to add an additional layer of security through a firewall allowing only authorized systems access as they connect with a network’s computers and devices.

The main purpose of SIP ALG — Application Layer Gateway — is to prevent problems caused by a router’s firewall. ALG prevents these issues by keeping an eye on the VoIP traffic (voice data packets mentioned earlier) and modifying them, when necessary. ALG works as a proxy to rewrite the destination for these packets. By doing this, ALG can improve connectivity.

Why VoIP Users Should Disable SIP ALG

Many routers have the SIP ALG feature turned on by default. With this feature on, VoIP traffic (voice data packets) can get lost due to router firewalls when transferred between the phone and the VoIP provider.

And because of this, it can lead to multiple VoIP problems, including:

  • One-way audio
  • Phones not ringing on incoming calls
  • Calls sent directly to voicemail, especially when not set to do so
  • Dropped calls, even after connecting

This is why one of the best ways to improve VoIP call quality, among others, is to disable the SIP ALG feature.

SIP ALG phones
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How to Disable SIP ALG in your VoIP System

Disabling SIP ALG is quick and easy, and depends on the type of modem your business uses. For most routers, you will need to:

  • Log into your router’s control panel.
  • Navigate to Advanced or Security settings.
  • Locate SIP, ALG, or Firewall settings (depends on your router’s set-up).
  • Uncheck the SIP or ALG box.
  • Save and reboot/restart your router.

If your router’s settings are not as clear, you can always reach out to your provider and ask for specific instructions.

Protect and Maintain VoIP Call Quality

Disabling SIP ALG is a common way of troubleshooting VoIP issues. However, there are other VoIP call quality issues such as jitter, packet loss, and latency that can affect the way your business communicates with its customers. Most of these issues stem from low-quality internet or insufficient bandwidth. Speak with our representatives today to learn how your internet bandwidth can affect your VoIP phone system. Call us at 1 (877) 898 8646 or chat with us online today.

What is an Auto-Attendant and 3 Benefits of Using One

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Need an automated telephony service to help you manage business calls? Learn how an auto-attendant works and how your business can use one effectively.

What is an Auto-Attendant?

Auto-attendant refers to a telephony service wherein a voice menu system answers incoming calls and transfers callers to the appropriate extension without the help of an operator or receptionist. Other terms for auto-attendant include automated attendant, digital receptionist, and interactive voice response (IVR).

How Does an Auto-Attendant Work?

The automated attendant can be understood as an automated call answering system that helps transfer incoming calls while providing callers with general information about the company and its services. But the main point of an auto-attendant is to manage incoming calls effectively so callers are not left confused or arrive at the wrong agent or department. An auto-attendant may have the following features to ensure better call management:

  • Greeting messages
  • Business information (office hours, location, list of services, etc.)
  • Automated company directory (with extensions for users and employees)
  • Call transfer and routing options
  • Menu prompts such as Repeat, Exit, Speak to Representative, Operator

Auto-Attendant vs IVR: What is the Difference?

The terms auto-attendant and IVR are often used interchangeably. However, there are a few differences between these services. The main difference is that the interactive voice response system is a more advanced system with additional features.

Auto-attendants route and transfer incoming calls so customers don’t wait in queue for long. And if waiting is required, then hold music is played. IVR systems include more smart features. For instance, IVR systems have voice recognition that enables callers to speak or say what they need instead of pressing a button on their keypad. This way, callers are not limited to the set menu available and can explain the reason for their call better.

Additionally, the IVR system can collect information about the customer and route calls accordingly or inform the agent beforehand. This includes account numbers, customer IDs, and so on. As such, the IVR can prepare the appropriate agent before they proceed to assist the customer. Furthermore, the IVR’s self-help menu allows for callers to complete certain actions and tasks without needing an agent. For example, the IVR can assist callers in paying bills, checking one’s account balance information, scheduling appointments, and so on.

3 Benefits of Using an Auto-Attendant

So, what does an auto-attendant do and how can your business benefit from such a service? Automated attendants or IVR systems have countless benefits that support call management and improve caller experience. Here are some of the top benefits of using an auto-attendant:

1. Effective Call Management

Since calls can be automatically distributed based on set rules, callers reach the appropriate department or agent quickly and accurately. This is especially useful for businesses that have large call volumes and struggle with answering calls effectively.

2. Increased Productivity and Efficiency

You can study your customers’ needs and preferences and customize your auto-attendant to provide them with more useful options and reduce wait times. Additionally, you will also reduce the number of times agents receive calls that are not related to their department, increasing efficiency and productivity.

3. Cost Savings

With smart call routing, you will not need a secretary or receptionist working to manage your calls. Your company can save on hiring extra staff and place more emphasis on improving customer experience.

Where Can I Get an Auto-Attendant?

You can get an auto-attendant from virtual phone number providers like United World Telecom. Speak with our experts to learn more; call us at 1 (877) 898 8646 to get started today!

PRI Explained: What is a Primary Rate Interface?

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Choosing a business phone system for your company is a necessary part of creating the perfect communication system. With advancements in technology, there are many different systems available for businesses to choose from. Here we will discuss primary rate interface (PRI) and the advantages and disadvantages of this phone system.

What is PRI?

A primary rate interface or PRI is a communication system that is provider-free. This system allows businesses (users) to send and receive voice, data, and video files through a copper wire network. PRI systems or lines constitute two pairs of copper wires. This feature of primary rate interface networks provides secure data transmission. You can get two types of PRI systems:

  • Basic rate interface solutions (BRI) for personal and small business use
  • PRI for large enterprises and corporations.

Features of Primary Rate Interface

To understand how these communication systems work, it is first crucial to be aware of their features. Key features of a PRI system include:

  1. Lines are made of two pairs of copper wires connecting the provider and the user.
  2. You can have 23 B-channels on a single telephone line. And by doing so, it enables businesses to have multiple extensions and telephone numbers via one connection.
  3. Each channel has 64 kbps for data transmission.
  4. Can connect two private branch exchange or PBX systems together and can also work with an IP PBX system.

Advantages of a PRI Phone System

There are different ways a primary rate interface phone system benefits businesses. However, whether or not your business needs this system depends on what you hope to achieve through your business communication system. Let’s look at how PRI systems boost business communication:

1. Extensions and DID numbers:

Direct inward dialing refers to direct numbers assigned to individuals within a business. This means that callers from outside can dial this number and reach a contact directly. Extensions work in a similar way with an additional code attached to a number to let callers reach an individual or department directly.

With PRI, SIP trunking, or virtual phone systems, you do not need additional lines for each number or extension. For PRI, specifically, you can have up to 23 conversations happening simultaneously on one line. That means you can have up to 23 users using the system. And that is considering everyone uses it at the same time. If you need simultaneous communication, you can add more users to these existing lines and they can use it as and when needed.

2. Scalability and expansion:

As your business traffic grows and communication needs increase, you will want to scale and expand. And a primary rate interface will allow you to do that. If more users are needed, you can simply get another PRI line and add it to your existing system, giving 23 more users the ability to communicate.

PRI vs hosted voip

PRI Drawbacks

While a primary rate interface system changed the way businesses communicated over the years, phones have come a long way since. Advancements in telecom technology have given rise to more modern and user-friendly systems.

The biggest drawback that PRI systems have is the ability to expand in bundles of 23. This means that if you have just one or two extra employees and all channels are used constantly, then you will need to buy 23 more channels for those extra employees. You will end up paying more than you need.

On the other hand, if you run a large corporation with 100-150+ employees, then you will need multiple PRI lines to work efficiently. Additionally, it gets more complicated if you need to add multiple locations or remote workers.

To combat these issues, you have a few alternatives to consider: Hosted VoIP and SIP trunking.

PRI vs Hosted VoIP vs SIP Trunking

Most businesses today have adopted a cloud VoIP or hosted VoIP solution. Hosted VoIP means that your service provider hosts your phone solution and takes care of all your software needs and maintenance. All you do is use the service. You do not have to worry about purchasing hardware and software, maintaining it with a professional IT team, and so on. This helps your business save on communication and IT-related costs.

SIP trunking is a session initiation protocol (SIP) feature that enables transmission of voice communication over a data network. SIP trunking works similarly to POTS except that the phone lines are virtual instead of standard copper lines. And your phone system connects to your provider via your internet connection. SIP trunking has often been used as an alternative to POTS and PRI systems.

PRI, unlike VoIP and SIP trunking, does not rely on internet bandwidth for transmission, and therefore does not suffer from jitter or packet loss. However, there are limitations in terms of scaling upwards, mobility, and features available.

Here’s a table to demonstrate the differences between these business phone systems:

PRI SIP trunking Hosted VoIP
1. Upfront costs Medium-High High Low
2. Maintenance costs Medium-High Medium-High Low-High
3. Connectivity Physical Virtual Virtual
4. Service quality Low; calls may experience muffled or distant quality, frequency range is limited High; good bandwidth required, low bandwidth can lead to jitter, packet loss High; good bandwidth required for VoIP, low bandwidth can lead to jitter, packet loss
5. Scalability Low High; very scalable High; scalable
6. Mobility None; no routing ability Medium; calls can be transferred to predetermined locations Very high; can be used anywhere and through any device

Choosing the Right Phone System for Your Business

The phone system that is ideal for your business purposes depends on what you want to accomplish with it and what your budget can include. Speak with our experts today to see if VoIP or SIP trunking is a good fit for you!

5 Ways to Reduce Contact Center Costs

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Running a contact center comes with many overhead costs, leading you to charge more from your customers than needed to sustain your business. Thankfully, there are many different ways you can reduce contact center costs and optimize your spending.

Let’s first identify where you can save costs and then go over the different ways to cut down.

How to Save Money on Your Contact Center?

From needing office space to using various software, contact center costs can quickly rise up. This is especially true if you run an in-house or on-premise contact center and offer customers an array of solutions. You will need advanced technology and software to offer those solutions, and those costs can slowly creep up. So, what is your contact center spending on the most?

Contact Center Costs

Before you identify ways to cut down on costs, you need to review where your contact center is spending its money. This may be different for different types of contact centers (on-premise, in-house, or cloud contact centers) but generally speaking, here is where most contact center costs lie:

  • Office space,
  • Office equipment and hardware — desks, chairs, computers, desk phones, headsets, and so on,
  • Contact center software,
  • CRM and customer service solutions,
  • Salaries, benefits, and hiring costs.

Now, you pin down areas where you can reduce contact center costs. For instance, you need to hire quality customer services and sales representatives, so that may not be the best place to get stingy. However, you can cut down the amount of office equipment and software needed by finding providers that offer packages and combined services.

For example, you might find a phone service provider that lets you make and receive business calls from a computer, removing the need for a desk phone. Similarly, if you hire remote agents, then you can cut down on the need for more office space and computers by having these employees use remote phone systems.

Reduce Contact Center Costs in 5 Ways

So, what can you do to save money on your contact center? The solutions listed below are suggestions for new processes and technologies. Not all of these solutions will work for your exact business needs. Evaluate your current options and make a decision accordingly.

Here are 5 ways to reduce contact center costs without compromising on the quality of service:

1. Take Your Contact Center to the Cloud with VoIP

If you run an in-house or premise contact center, the first step to reducing costs is moving to the cloud. Switching to a cloud VoIP communication system can drastically bring down the amount your center spends on core telephony services.

Cloud VoIP services have monthly subscriptions that can easily be scaled or canceled as needed. Additionally, these subscriptions come packed with features, services, and integrations that let you expand your offerings without needing to purchase additional services.

One such example is the softphone offered by United World Telecom. This softphone can be downloaded on computers and smartphones as an app or web browsers as an extension. By doing so, users can make and receive calls through the business phone number from any device. This cuts down the need to purchase high-quality and feature-filled desk phones.

2. Consider BYOC & SIP Trunking Services

Bring your own carrier (BYOC) enables organizations to add their own carrier or SIP trunking provider to their communication or CCaaS system. SIP trunking is a bundled telephony solution that gives you access to multiple cloud phone lines in one trunk.

BYOC and SIP trunking, together, make a quality cloud-based contact center solution that brings more flexibility, scalability, and control over your communication system. By mixing your suppliers and choosing ones that you want, you can:

    • Add new markets by choosing providers that have access to global regions and countries.
    • Customize and control call routing and forwarding.
    • Avoid regulatory and quality issues.
    • Reduce costs spent on high-priced carriers that offer little-to-no flexibility and control.

Related: The Complete Guide to Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS)

3. Hire Remote Agents

Next, you want to consider hiring remote and distributed teams. Remote employees can stay connected and do their jobs effectively through your cloud communication solution and cloud-based CRM. By doing so, you can save on office space and equipment costs.

With advanced call center software, you can monitor agents on call and even join these calls silently. This way, remote agents don’t work in isolation, and you can track their progress through reports and metrics.

Additionally, with remote agents and international call routing, you can offer 24/7 support for customers who call outside the 9-5 workday. This way, you don’t pay your regular employees overtime or have employees work in shifts. You just forward incoming calls to the few remote agents working outside of office hours. This way, your contact center continues to offer services even when most businesses are closed.

4. Consolidate Services into One Platform

Another benefit of using a cloud communication service is bringing all your services to one platform. With Unified Communications (UCaaS), you can access your contact center’s communications, data, reports, and management systems, all in one place. By consolidating services into one platform, your contact center can have:

    • Improved collaboration and business continuity.
    • Low communication- and IT-related costs.
    • Easy management of remote teams.
    • Improved customer and caller experience.

Want to learn more about unified communications? Check out our UCaaS guide for business.

5. Utilize Automation and APIs

Communication and customer service automation can help you reduce contact center costs quite dramatically. Using APIs and automation features, you can save time and money on manually completing tasks and moving processes along.

One example is to use an automated voice response system (IVR) to answer common questions asked by callers. This reduces the number of calls coming to agents and gives them space to work on more complex calls. Similarly, you can even have the auto-attendant route calls to the right department based on caller input, saving costs on hiring an operator or receptionist.

Reduce Contact Center Costs Try United World Telecom’s Cloud Phone Service

With United World Telecom’s phone service solution, contact centers have access to a full suite of business phone services for reasonable prices. We offer five different plans so that you can choose one that works best for your contact center. Additionally, you do not need to get into long-term contracts with us. Use your service on a month-to-month basis and cancel whenever you need to. Give us a try! Speak with a representative to learn more about what we offer and how we can help your contact center save money!

LNP Explained: What is Local Number Portability?

Looking to change your phone service provider to one that has better quality and prices but you don’t want to change your current phone number? Local number portability (LNP) makes this possible with little to no work on your part. Here is an in-depth post explaining how LNP works and how you can switch phone service providers without losing your number.

Local Number Portability (LNP): Definition

Local number portability (LNP) or number porting enables users to port or “move” their phone number from one service to the other while keeping the number intact. In other words, with number porting, you can switch providers but keep your local number the same. This is a feature offered by telecom service providers.

Originally, changing your phone service provider meant getting a new phone number. Users would then have to go through the hassle of providing their contacts with a new number. Businesses, on the other hand, would have to start advertising their new number and may still miss out on valuable customers that call the old number instead.

To ease this issue, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 mandated that local exchange carriers make this feature available for users in large metropolitan markets. LNP is regulated by the Number Portability Administration Center appointed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). In 2003, the FCC required all wireless providers to offer wireless number portability. This allows mobile users to retain their numbers when switching mobile providers.

How Does LNP Work?

Local Number Portability works through the Location Routing Number (LRN) feature. With this feature, users can switch service providers or even physical locations and still retain their phone number. When customers switch providers, a new LRN is assigned to their phone number (instead of a new phone number being provided).

Every local exchange carrier and long-distance carrier must know what LRN this phone number has attached. This way, when someone calls this number, the carriers can route the call to that LRN. The NPAC logs, updates, and monitors all LRNs in the Local Service Management System (LSMS) databases and distributes the information among carriers.

Local Number Portability Rules for Carriers

To use LNP, you must contact your new carrier and they will begin the process of porting your number by contacting your current carrier. Users may have to provide identification such as a recent bill with their name and address registered in the current carrier’s database. According to the FCC rules, carriers:

  • Must port a number upon receiving a valid request
  • May not refuse to port a number
  • Are allowed to charge for porting services
  • Are allowed to charge an early termination fee, especially for long-term customers
  • May refuse to port if the customer has not paid for porting

Benefits of LNP

So, why should you change phone service providers? And why should you port your number? There are many reasons why a personal or business user will want to port their number to a new provider. Reasons to change your phone service provider include:

  • Changing physical locations or relocating
  • Low voice quality and high monthly bills
  • Limited access to advanced virtual communication features
  • Stuck in long-term commitments
  • Lack of reliable customer support

By using local number portability, you can easily port your current phone number to a new provider to get better and cheaper service and access to more features. Additionally, you can even retain your number when you move to a new location within the country.

How Can I Port My Number?

Porting your number is easy but requires a few steps, most on the part of the carriers. In fact, the FCC has a comprehensive number portability checklist that interested users can check out.

To port your number to a new service, you can simply submit a request on the new carrier’s website or get in touch with their customer service/ sales team. A representative will contact you and let you know the next steps; these include:

  • The old service provider confirms the user’s identity and notifies the new provider.
  • The new provider notifies NPAC.
  • NPAC creates a pending port and notifies the old provider to concur.
  • The new provider asks NPAC to activate the port.
  • Upon activation, the port is broadcasted to the telecom industry network.
  • Your new service will be activated.

Port Your Number With Us!

To port your number to United World Telecom, simply fill and submit this porting request form. Our customer service team will get in touch with you to get the process started as soon as possible. To learn more about our local number portability service, speak with our representatives today!

7 Advantages of Using Automatic Call Distribution

Businesses the world over have been using an Automatic Call Distribution (ACD) system for better call management and to enhance caller experience. Let’s review the top 7 ACD advantages to understand how your business can use an ACD system to improve customer service.

7 Automatic Call Distribution Benefits

An ACD system is a telephony service that automatically routes incoming calls based on rules input previously by the account manager. These rules are based on various factors such as the time of the call, location of the caller, agent skills, agent history, and more. By routing calls automatically, the ACD system assists businesses by sending callers to the right agent or department for customer support or sales.

Read on to learn about the top 7 ACD advantages.

1. Automatic Call Routing

The most attractive benefit of an ACD system is its ability to route calls automatically and intelligently. The calls are routed based on predetermined rules and algorithms. Some ways to use ACD for call routing include:

    • The caller or customer’s information and history with the company
    • The caller’s area code or location
    • The time of the call
    • Agent availability
    • Agent skill such as language or area of expertise
    • Voice menu configurations

By using these call routing strategies, your business can save on missed or dropped calls, wrong transfers, and wasted time. Instead, callers will reach the right agent or department quickly, leading to better customer service and call resolution.

2. Quick Response to Calls

By transferring calls immediately to the right department and the right agent, your employees can answer customer calls quickly, almost instantly. Furthermore, you can even provide users the ability to leave a voicemail or offer a callback option during high call traffic periods. This ensures that callers will not abandon their call before speaking with an agent.

Furthermore, some ACD systems even offer a service to identify VIP customers and instantly route them to the appropriate agents. All of this makes it possible for businesses to quickly respond to calls and better manage your call handling process.

3. Better Agent Productivity

By routing calls effectively, your agents are better equipped to handle incoming calls. They won’t be overburdened or under-burdened as calls will be distributed equally. Additionally, less time will be spent on transferring callers to the right department or figuring out how to help a customer beyond one’s training or experience.

4. Increased Cost Savings

One of the most attractive ACD benefits is the system’s cost-effectiveness. An ACD transfers calls automatically, reducing the need for a receptionist or for employees to transfer calls back and forth. By doing this instantly, the ACD system makes it possible for the right agent to answer the call quickly, increasing first call resolution rates. Your business can improve customer service this way as callers don’t need to wait to be transferred to the right agent who knows their history or language, and so on.

Furthermore, you can subscribe to a cloud-based ACD system which is hosted by the provider. This reduces costs that would have been spent on installation and maintenance. All your business does is use the ACD service and improve call management.

5. Benefits of Cloud-Based Phone Systems

As mentioned above, cloud-based phone numbers do not need installation or purchase of new hardware. Additionally, you do not need an experienced IT team to maintain, manage, or update this hardware or software. All your business needs is a high-speed internet connection and you can use the service without interruption.

By going virtual, your business can connect agents and employees from any location through your ACD system. This makes remote working possible as your agents can work from any location as long as they have an internet connection.

6. Streamlined Business Processes

ACD systems can easily be integrated with a business’ CRM, helpdesks, social media platforms, live chat, and lead generation tools. By doing so, agents can get a wholesome understanding of each customer’s needs, preferences, and their previous interactions with the business. Through voice over IP integration, all customer information can be viewed and tracked in one interface instead of bouncing between multiple apps and software. As such, ACD systems can streamline business processes and make it easier for agents to perform efficiently in their jobs.

7. Increased Office Efficiency

All of the above automatic call distribution benefits indicate that such an automated system can vastly improve office efficiency and agent productivity. By having calls automatically routed to the right destination, no time is wasted on providing customers with assistance and support. And by creating a comfortable and integrated workplace, employees can stay up to date in regards to their callers and collaborate better with their fellow teammates.

Using ACD in Your Business

ACD systems can greatly impact the way your business interacts with its customers and enhance caller experience. Customers do not have to wait in long lines or deal with being transferred from one person to another. You can even use interactive voice response — a component of ACD systems — to have your phone system interact with callers and provide them with multiple options and assistance. To learn more about ACD and IVR systems, speak with our cloud communication specialists at 1 (877) 898 8646 today.

SIP Response Codes: A Complete Guide

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Learn about SIP response codes, how they function, and the different types of response codes available. Understanding SIP codes can help you identify issues within your communication system.

What are SIP Response Codes?

Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is a signaling protocol used to facilitate and control communication sessions. As such, SIP lets users make and receive calls over the internet instead of traditional phone lines. This paves way for unified communications by enabling the transmission and sharing of voice, video, and other files.

A SIP session is based on a request/response transaction. Therefore, each session consists of a SIP request and at least one SIP response. Response codes indicate the status of the SIP request when making a connection between two or more parties.

How Do SIP Response Codes Work?

SIP responses use a 3-digit response code to outline or detail the status of a SIP request. For example, was the SIP request accepted, was it a bad request, and so on. These codes are divided into 6 broad categories, namely:

  1. Informational/Provisional
  2. Success
  3. Redirection
  4. Client error/Request failures
  5. Server error
  6. Global failure/error

These codes also contain a “reason phrase” which can be varied to provide additional information or in a different language.

Different Types of SIP Response Codes

So, what are the different types of SIP response codes and what do they indicate? Important abbreviations to be aware of:

  • User Agent Client (UAC) – initiates the requests
  • User Agent Server (UAS) – responds to the requests
  • Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) – a string of characters that unambiguously identify a particular resource

Here we will look at each response code in each category in detail:

1xx = Informational SIP Responses

1xx SIP response codes are sent at any time when a connection between two parties is being created. Common 1xx codes are:

100 – Trying: The request was received and an extended search or unspecified action is being performed.

180 – Ringing: The user agent has received an INVITE (SIP request code) and is alerting the user.

181 – Call is Being Forwarded: The call is being forwarded to another destination, receiver, endpoint.

182 – Queued: Indicates that the destination is temporarily unavailable and the server has placed the call in queue.

183 – Session Progress: Provides information about the progress of the call.

199 – Early Dialog Terminated: Indicates that an early dialogue has been terminated. Usually sent by the User Agent Server.

2xx = Success Responses

2xx codes indicate that the SIP request was received, understood, and accepted. Common 2xx codes are:

200 – OK: Indicates that the request was successful.

202 – Accepted: Indicates that UAS has received and accepted the request, but it has not been authorized or processed by the server yet.

204 – No Notification: Indicates that the request was successful. However, no response will be received.

3xx = Redirection Responses

3xx response codes inform the UAC about redirections and further action is needed to complete the request or reach the UAS.

300 – Multiple Choices: The request address returned several choices with different locations. The UA can select one of several options of endpoints to redirect the request.

301 – Moved Permanently: The user is no longer at the address used in the request. The original request URI is no longer valid. A new address will be provided in the Contact header field. This address should be saved and used in the future.

302 – Moved Temporarily: A new address will be provided in the Contact header field. The UAC should try the new address. This address should not be saved for the future.

305 – Use Proxy: To access the destination and address, a proxy is required. The proxy will be displayed in the Contact field.

380 – Alternative Service: The call failed, but alternatives are noted in the message body.

4xx = Request Failures/Client Error

4xx response codes indicate that the message was not processed due to an error. The request may include bad syntax and therefore cannot be fulfilled at this server

400 – Bad Request: Indicates that the request could not be understood.

401 – Not Authorized/Unauthorized: Indicates that the request requires user authentication.

403 – Forbidden: Indicates that the server is refusing to fulfill the request, even though it has understood it.

404 – Not Found: The user does not exist in that particular domain.

405 – Method Not Allowed: The method specified in the Request-Line is understood, however, it is not allowed.

406 – Not Acceptable: The resource can only generate responses with unacceptable content.

407 – Proxy Authentication Required: Similar to the 401 code, the request requires user authentication.

408 – Request Timeout: The server couldn’t find the user within a suitable time frame.

409 – Conflict: User already registered (deprecated).

410 – Gone: The user is not available here anymore.

411 – Length Required: The server needs a valid content length before accepting the request.

412 – Conditional Request Failed: The given precondition has not been met.

413 – Request Entity Too Large: Indicates that the request message body is too large.

414 – Request URI Too Long: The server refuses to accept the request. This is because the request URI is longer than the server can interpret or understand.

415 – Unsupported Media Type: Requested message body is in a format that is not supported by the server.

416 – Unsupported URI Scheme: The request URI is unknown to the server or not supported by the server.

417 – Unknown Resource-Priority: Indicates that a resource-priority option tag was present, but without a Resource-Priority header.

420 – Bad Extension: Bad SIP Extension was used. The SIP extension is not understood by the server.

421 – Extension Required: The server requires a specific SIP extension that is not listed in the supported header.

422 – Session Interval Too Small: The request contains a Session-Expires header field with a duration or interval that is too small or below the minimum.

423 – Interval Too Brief: Similar to 422, the expiration time of the resource is too short.

424 – Bad Location Information: The request’s location content was unsatisfactory or “bad.”

428 – Use Identity Header: An Identity header field is required by the server policy and one has not been provided.

429 – Provide Referrer Identity: The server has not received a valid Referred-By token on the request.

430 – Flow Failed: A specific “flow” that was sent to a user agent has failed. However, other flows may succeed.

433 – Anonymity Disallowed: The request was rejected since it was anonymous.

436 – Bad Identity Info: The request has an Identity-Info header filed and the URI contained cannot be identified.

437 – Unsupported Certificate: The server could not validate a certificate for the domain that signed or sent out the request.

438 – Invalid Identity Header: Server obtained a valid certificate used to sign a request. However, the server could not verify the signature.

439 – First Hop Lacks Outbound Support: The first outbound proxy doesn’t support the “outbound” feature.

440 – Max-Breadth Exceeded: A client that received a 440 response can interpret that its request did not reach all possible destinations.

469 – Bad Info Package: A 469 response indicates that the receiver is not willing to accept this Info Package.

470 – Consent Needed: The source of the request did not have the recipient’s permission to make such a request.

480 – Temporarily Unavailable: The recipient is currently unavailable.

481 – Call/Transaction Does Not Exist: The server received a request that does not match any dialogue or transaction.

482 – Loop Detected: Server has detected a loop.

483 – Too Many Hops: Max-Forwards header has reached the value ‘0.’

484 – Address Incomplete: The requested URI is incomplete.

485 – Ambiguous: The request-URI is ambiguous.

486 – Busy Here: The recipient is busy.

487 – Request Terminated: Request has terminated or canceled.

488 – Not Acceptable Here: Parts of the session description of the request URI are not acceptable.

489 – Bad Event: The server could not understand an event package specified in an Event header field.

491 – Request Pending: Server has some pending requests from the same dialogue.

493 – Undecipherable: The request contains an encrypted MIME body, which the recipient can not decrypt.

494 – Security Agreement Required: The server has received a request that needs a negotiated security agreement.

5xx = Server Errors

5xx response codes indicate that there’s an issue with the server and it has, therefore, failed to fulfill a valid request.

500 – Server Internal Error: The request could not be fulfilled due to some unexpected condition.

501 – Not Implemented: The SIP request method is not implemented here.

502 – Bad Gateway: An invalid response was received from a downstream server while trying to fulfill a request.

503 – Service Unavailable: The server is in maintenance or temporarily overloaded. Therefore, cannot process the request.

504 – Server Time-out: The server tried to access another server while attempting to process a request. However, there was no timely response.

505 – Version Not Supported: The SIP protocol version in the request is not supported by the server.

513 – Message Too Large: The length of the request message is longer than the server can process.

555 – Push Notification Service Not Supported: The server does not support the push notification specified in the SIP URI parameter.

580 – Precondition Failure: The server is unable or unwilling to meet the constraints specified in the request.

6xx = Global Failures/ Global Error

The request cannot be completed at any server.

600 – Busy Everywhere: All possible destinations are busy.

603 – Decline: Destination cannot participate in the call and there are no alternative destinations.

604 – Does Not Exist Anywhere: The requested user does not exist anywhere.

606 – Not Acceptable: The user’s agent was contacted successfully. However, certain aspects of the session description are not acceptable.

607 – Unwanted: The call is unwanted by the recipient. Future attempts are likely to be similarly rejected.

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IVR versus ACD: What is the Difference?

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Both interactive voice response (IVR) and automatic call distribution (ACD) can help your business deal with high call volume more effectively. Both automated systems can direct callers to the right employee and also ensure a proper distribution of calls. You must understand the differences between IVR and ACD in order to choose the right solution for your business.

Read on for a detailed comparison of IVR and ACD.

IVR Versus ACD: Definitions

Interactive voice response and automatic call distribution are telephony automation tools that facilitate efficient call management. Both IVR and ACD can answer calls, distribute calls, and assist the callers. Both systems also provide assistance to employees and agents to help boost productivity.

Let’s discuss how these systems work and how they differ from each other.

how does ivr work

How Does IVR Work?

Many businesses use IVR to streamline their business calls and facilitate effective call management. Interactive voice response is a voice menu that automatically answers incoming calls and assists callers. More specifically, an IVR welcomes the caller and offers menu options to identify the purpose of their call. For example, Welcome to [company name], Press 1 for Customer Support, Press 2 for Sales, and so on.

Callers select the option by either entering a number through the dial pad. Then, the IVR directs them to another set of options or transfers them to the right department or agent. In fact, some advanced IVR menus may even allow callers to complete predetermined actions such as:

  • Activate a service or account
  • Process payments
  • Send callers to voicemail
  • Record a complaint
  • Provide company and product info

The IVR system ensures that callers reach the right department or can resolve issues by themselves. In fact, some callers may not even need to interact with an agent or employee. This frees employees up to work on more complicated issues and concerns. It can also help businesses save money on hiring staff as customers can resolve most issues on their own through the voice response system. Lastly, advanced IVR systems can even record and deliver real-time stats needed for tracking and studying important KPIs.

What is ACD?

ACD works similarly to IVR. However, automatic call distribution routes calls to the right agent or department based on pre-determined rules. These rules can be based on a variety of parameters such as area code or location of the call, the time the call comes in, skills required, and so on.

An ACD distributes calls based on rules input by the account manager. These rules and conditions determine how the calls will be routed. Some common routing strategies include:

  • Round robin: Distributes calls equally among agents so no one is over- or under-burdened.
  • Least-occupied agent: Sends calls to the least-occupied agent to ensure everyone is putting in the same amount of work.
  • Simultaneous ring: Routes incoming calls to simultaneously ring multiple phone numbers within a hunt group to ensure no call goes unanswered.
  • Programmed distribution: Routes calls based on specific rules such as location of caller, time of call, customer-agent history, language skills, etc.

IVR versus ACD: Difference

The terms IVR and ACD have often been used interchangeably as if they are the same systems. However, they are not. More specifically, IVR is a part of ACD and can conduct a variety of tasks within the system. So, how do they differ?

Interactive Voice Response Automatic Call Distribution
This technology allows users to receive information from the phone system. Users need to input preferences. This technology automatically routes calls to employees, agents, or departments based on predetermined rules.
Upon receiving a call, the IVR provides the caller with options and menus. Upon receiving a call, the ACD system uses the Dialed Number (DNIS) system to check the rules for processing the call.
This system can perform a variety of application functions such as activating services, customer info look-up, etc. The IVR system works within the ACD system.
Interaction with employees is not needed. If interaction with an employee is needed, then the ACD kicks in to transfer the call to the right employee.
Offered by phone service providers as well as virtual phone service providers. Offered by phone service providers as well as virtual phone service providers.
Available as a hosted service as well. Available as a hosted service as well.

Which Do You Need?

More than their differences, IVR and ACD systems complement each other. Together, both systems can provide a robust business phone solution. They can help you manage calls and high call traffic while ensuring you do not lose valuable clients. After all, a well-managed phone system can help you provide prompt and efficient customer service. A cloud or virtual call center software can help you utilize both IVR and ACD within your office phone system. Call us today to learn how you can use a cloud IVR system to offer better customer service!