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5 Signs You Need a New Business Phone System

Posted on by Virendra Singh Jaitawat

Your business phone communication system can make or break your sales and customer support efforts. More specifically, a bad phone system can lead to miscommunication and ineffective communication which can result in a loss of valuable customers and leads. Here we look at 5 signs that scream “Your business needs a new business phone system!”

When to Start Looking for a New Business Phone System?

Since so much of your business’ success depends on good communication, it is important to find the right business phone service. Here are 5 signs you need a new business phone system. In other words, consider getting a new phone system if your current office communication system has any of the following:

1. Bad Pricing and Low Reliability

Are you struggling with paying the bill for your current phone system? Is the pricing not straightforward, leading to confusion and paying more than you originally signed up for? Your business phone system provider should be reliable and trustworthy. And you should be able to predict your monthly bill without any surprises for better accounting.

Switch to a business phone service provider that helps you understand what to expect from your monthly bill. As you sign up, you should have a clear idea of what you are paying for. This means no hidden fees or set-up/installation fees that just turn up out of nowhere. With a predictable monthly bill, your business can manage its communication-related finances better.

Related: How To Set Up a Business Phone System in your Office

2. Less Variety of Virtual Communication Features

With the advancements in telecommunications and technology available, businesses now have access to many opportunities and top-notch services and features. And so, if your current phone system is offering you the bare minimum, then you are missing out.

Advanced services such as global call forwarding, call recording, a variety of virtual numbers, and so on, can help with effective call management by providing your business with the right communication tools. These services can improve productivity and efficiency in your office which will lead to better customer service and more sales.

3. No International Call Forwarding

Any business with a goal for expanding globally must have international call forwarding. An international call forwarding service enables businesses to connect easily with their global customers. With this service, you can have incoming calls from different countries route to a destination of your choice. For example, your US-based company can receive international calls from customers in the UK, Asia, Australia, and more via virtual phone numbers. These calls are forwarded to your main office in the US or remote offices around the world via international call forwarding.

As such, call forwarding helps businesses maintain global connectivity by providing customers around the world with inexpensive ways to call for product inquiries or customer support. Even if your business is located outside the country, customers can call your local or toll free number and evade long-distance calling rates. This encourages customer calls and builds trust and credibility for your international business.

4. Limited Customer Support

Customer support is an essential tool for any business. And so, if you cannot reach customer service for help with your business phone system, especially during emergencies, then again, you stand a chance of losing out on customers. Unreachable or bad customer service can break a company.

Look for a business phone service provider that is available 24/7 and offers multichannel support. For example, United World Telecom offers 24/7 customer support via voice, live chat, email, and trouble tickets. We also have an online knowledge base with self-service information.

5. Long-Terms Contracts

Lastly, you want a business phone system that does not force you into long-term contracts. In case things change within your business, you should be able to scale up or down or switch to new services. A provider that locks you in with contracts or high cancellation fees can make it difficult to grow your business.

Why Should You Consider United World Telecom?

Since 1996, United World Telecom has been providing businesses around the world with cloud phone systems and virtual communication tools to boost sales, customer support, and international business. Advanced services and features we offer include:

  • International call forwarding
  • Outbound calling with customizable caller ID
  • Hosted call recording
  • Cloud IVR
  • Extensions and DID numbers, and more

United World Telecom’s plans are straightforward with no hidden fees or long-term contracts. We don’t force our customers into commitments as we know our service will speak for itself. We offer five different plans for businesses of every size and type; so you can choose the plan that works best for your communication needs.

Get a New Business Phone System Today!

We offer a variety of services that can help you create the ideal cloud phone system for your specific company. Get a VoIP business phone system today by calling us for more information or by signing up on our homepage!

Top 7 Benefits of Business VoIP

Posted on by Virendra Singh Jaitawat

Source: DepositPhotos.com - Lic#209723450 ID#27446420

At this point in time, most businesses are using business VoIP to create strong, reliable, and efficient business phone systems. Voice over IP technology has made it possible to make and answer calls via the internet instead of depending on physical phone lines. And by doing so, users can stay connected from any location and any device. So, why should you get business VoIP for your company?

Top 7 Advantages of Getting Business VoIP

From encouraging global expansion to providing easy scalability, VoIP technology gives businesses an opportunity to expand and grow with ease. If you are on the fence and are not sure about how VoIP can be useful to your company, here are 7 benefits to consider.

1. Variety of Business Numbers

VoIP phone systems work alongside voice over IP numbers. VoIP providers like United World Telecom aim to offer companies a variety of business phone number types. For instance, United World Telecom offers numbers for more than 160 countries around the world. Additionally, we offer toll free, local, international toll free, universal toll free, national, and vanity numbers.

Want to enter local markets and encourage locals to connect with your business? Buy a local phone number. Want to offer free calling to customers within your target country? Get a toll free number. Want to attract public attention with a memorable and creative number? Get a vanity number. You can get a business number that suits your purposes in a target country and lets you expand your customer base.

2. International Call Forwarding

International call forwarding is a popular service of VoIP phone systems. With this service, you can have calls forwarded internationally from one country to another without paying high international calling fees. For example, your customers in Mexico can call your Mexico number for free or at local calling rates. And these calls are routed via international call forwarding to your main office in the US, the UK, Australia, or wherever you desire. You can even have calls forwarded to a satellite office or remote workers.

With call forwarding, you can manage your incoming calls better and make your business accessible no matter where you or your team is located.

3. VoIP for Remote Team Management

Voice over IP phone systems are ideal for remote teams or distributed teams. Business VoIP gives your team the tools they need to stay connected and accountable even with distance involved. Benefits for remote team management include:

  • All users are connected from any location or device through a stable internet connection.
  • Voice, SMS, and more can be transmitted through the system.
  • Users can use softphones or web phones on their devices to make and receive business-related calls.
  • Access to a variety of features such as call recording, DID numbers, call transfer, outbound calling, and more.
  • Call monitoring and analytics tools that help managers keep track of employee KPIs and performance.

By presenting voice over IP for remote team management, your business can stay active and accessible at all times.

4. Global Expansion Possibility

Businesses using VoIP services or phone systems have a chance of going beyond their immediate location and entering new markets. More importantly, they can do this without increasing their expenses.

For instance, when a business tries to target a new city or country, the general idea is to open a field office and create a local presence. However, with international toll free numbers available for multiple countries, your business can create a virtual presence without needing to be physically present.

You can use international call forwarding and routing options to stay connected overseas. You can have calls ring on multiple devices across the board. Or, you can have calls routed based on the time of day or the location of the caller. The bottom line is you have access to multiple tools for effective call management, making it easier to manage international business.

5. Higher Scalability

Need to scale up or down instantly? No worries. VoIP accounts need little to no work when it comes to adding or removing users and employees. As such, you can quickly expand your business when needed, especially during high traffic periods, and cut down as necessary without changing your phone system.

6. Low Costs and Better Voice Quality

Another reason why business VoIP is so popular among all types of businesses (start-ups to large enterprises) is that it is a cost-effective solution. You only pay what you subscribe to and have a fairly predictable bill every month. And with that plan, you can target new countries and regions, utilize call tracking, forward calls to as many devices you want, use an effective IVR system, and more. And so, you get a high-quality business phone system for exceptionally reasonable rates.

Related: How to Measure and Improve VoIP Call Quality

7. Mobility and Flexibility

Lastly, with business VoIP, you can take your business with you wherever you go. Need to move or travel for work? Want to employ remote customer service teams to provide better international coverage? Need to switch to remote work due to a global pandemic? Whatever the hurdle, your business can continue to work and remain reachable with a reliable VoIP service.

So, is Business VoIP Right for You?

The answer to this depends on what you want to achieve with your company’s communication system. Do you want to expand in a cost-effective manner? Would you like to offer remote work options? Do you want a unified platform for all communication? Then, VoIP is your answer. However, how exactly VoIP can benefit your business depends on what you need. Speak to our experts today to learn about custom solutions to see if business VoIP is a fit for you!

5 Benefits of Unified Communications for Remote Teams

Posted on by Virendra Singh Jaitawat

Source: DepositPhotos.com - Lic#86591198 ID#27446420

Struggling to manage your remote teams? Unified communications for remote teams or UCaaS can be the solution you need to increase visibility of remote teams while maintaining productivity.

Unified Communications for Remote Teams: 5 Benefits

Unified communications compiles all business communication and phone system tools together in one place. And so, you and your remote teams can access voice, video, email, and text messaging in one location, one platform.

UCaaS focuses on internal communication. As such, it benefits remote team collaboration and connectivity. This is why unified communication is growing more and more popular as a communication solution for remote teams. So, how exactly can your remote and distributed teams benefit from this service?

1. Mobility: Make Remote Working a Possibility with UCaaS & VoIP

Voice over IP (VoIP) is a communication service that enables business communication such as audio, video, and SMS transmission via the internet. With VoIP technology, users can make and receive calls from any location and any device as long as they are connected to a stable internet connection.

This means you can improve connectivity with your remote workers by giving them the ability to stay connected no matter where they are. And so, they remain accessible not only to the rest of your team but also to customers and business contacts. With call forwarding, customers won’t even realize that the business number they dialed is being forwarded to another location. They can still receive timely and efficient customer service even when your teams are distributed.

2. Easy-to-Use Softphone Solutions

Most VoIP providers will offer you easy-to-use softphone solutions that help users transform their devices into business communication tools. Softphones or webphones come in a variety of forms. You can get a software application, web dialer, or web/Chrome extension. A web phone has many advantages such as:

  • Making outbound calls to anywhere in the world using a dynamic caller ID feature to match the location being called
  • Access to contacts and customer history
  • Call logs and records
  • Quick and easy call transfer within your network
  • Free in-network calls to other team members
  • Access to voicemail

Having this tool can help your users stay up-to-date on calls and contact history which paves the way to better internal and external communication.

3. Flexibility: Use Any Device

Whether or not your business implements a BYOD policy, unified communications for remote teams will let users use devices they are comfortable and familiar with. This gives them the opportunity to use tools and apps that can improve their efficiency while not having to panic when a device fails. They simply log in through another device.

4. Plenty of Communications Tools to Use

The best part of UCaaS and VoIP working together is that your team gains access to advanced communications features such as:

  • Call monitoring
  • Call recording
  • Outbound calling
  • Call transfer and extensions
  • SIP trunking
  • Creative routing strategies
  • SMS, voicemail, and fax forwarding
  • IVR

These tools and features are designed to boost your workforce for optimum results. In addition to these tools, you can also invest in an online client portal so that employees can effectively handle customer queries and communication in a centralized platform. By equipping them with the right tools and software, they can do their job effectively, even when working remotely.

5. Maintain Productivity & Efficiency

The biggest issue businesses face when switching to a remote working system is accountability and lower productivity rates. But unified communications for remote teams can help fix this issue by making your remote teams more visible and transparent. You can continue to maintain productivity and the desired results by reducing the space between you and your teams through virtual communication.

Remote Working Made Easy with UCaaS & VoIP

Because of COVID-19, remote working as a trend has grown popular and will continue to be a desired workplace policy. And so, businesses should prepare for remote teams to ensure there is no drop in efficiency and business growth. Speak with one of our experts today to see how unified communications and VoIP can support your company!

What is Click-to-Call? Definition, Benefits, and How to Set It Up

Posted on by Luke Genoyer

Source: DepositPhotos.com - Lic#33421127 ID#27446420

A click-to-call feature can help increase productivity and efficiency in your office by speeding up calling processes with accuracy. Here is an in-depth post detailing the different types of click-to-call features and the benefits of using them.

Click-to-Call: Explained

A click-to-call service is a business communication tool that enables phone calls through a VoIP connection. Other names include click-to-dial, one-click calling, and click-calling. There are a few types of click-to-call features in the industry. Among these are:

  1. Dialer extensions or CTI enabling agents to call contacts by clicking on their computers instead of manually inputting phone numbers.
  2. Wrapping website phone numbers in hyperlinks with the tel: schema so website visitors can easily click to call.
  3. ‘Click to call me’ lets interested prospects input their contact information through a web form, which instantly triggers a callback from your business.

The first type of click-to-dial feature lets you place calls without having to dial or type a number in. You simply click on the lead or customer’s name or a call icon and instantly place the call. Originally a call center feature meant to support outbound calls without human error or misdialing, now businesses everywhere can use click-to-call to make outgoing calls swift, easy, and accurate.

The second type of click-calling feature lets you insert a linkable phone number on your website. This way, when customers visit your website and need to call you, they simply click the link. They are then sent to their phone app and upon confirmation, the call is placed.

The third type is a call page. This is a widget or webpage that can be placed on your website and lets web visitors provide their name and phone number to receive an immediate callback. This way, you can connect with these interested prospects while they are still learning about your product.

clikc to call process

Benefits of Click-to-Call

Call centers have used click-to-dial functionality to effectively measure and enhance workforce efficiency. The benefits are not just limited to the ability to quickly dial phone numbers. It enables call center agents to optimize their inside sales efforts, leading to improved outcomes. By incorporating a call center CRM with a click-to-dial feature the following key benefits can be achieved:

  1. Speed up workflow — call leads and clients quickly, speed up callbacks, and reduce human error.
  2. Encourage web visitors to call your business — allow website visitors to easily connect with your company.
  3. Implement call tracking — learn more about where your calls are being sourced.
  4. Improve conversion rates — finally, give your team the right tool to engage customers over the phone.

How to Set up Click-to-Call

You can get click-to-call to make calls through your control panel when you sign up for an account with us. Within the panel, you can add and manage contacts and then use the click-to-dial feature to quickly and efficiently place calls without having to type the number in each time.

Additionally, you can also get a ‘call now’ button for your website easily by embedding a snippet of HTML code to the website. Once the code is in, the button will appear on your website and visitors can use it to receive a free callback from your business.

Get the Right Communication Tools for Your Business Today!

The click-to-dial feature can come in very handy for businesses dealing with large call volumes. By taking out the ‘dial the right number’ process, more time is spent having conversations. To learn more about our click-to-dial solution, call us today!

Toll Versus Toll Free: What’s the Difference?

Posted on by Miguel Isabal

Source: DepositPhotos.com - Lic#50391053 ID#27446420

When purchasing a new phone number for your business, you will be able to choose between different number types.

In this post, we will explain the differences between toll numbers and toll free numbers.

Understanding the Difference Between Toll and Toll Free Numbers

A phone number is either toll or toll free. The difference between the two number types is the concept of a “toll,” which refers to a fee or tariff. Calls to a toll number incur a charge, while calls are free to a toll free number.

What are Toll Numbers?

Toll numbers are your regular telephone numbers where the caller is charged per minute for calling. This is not an official number type. It is referred to as a toll number because it charges a toll for calling. Therefore, if you are charged a local calling rate when calling a number, then it would be considered a toll number. Toll numbers usually consist of home phone numbers, local numbers, and so on.

Premium Rate Numbers

Premium rate numbers are a type of toll number, specifically 1-900 numbers, that use a pay-per-call model to provide services via calls and charge higher than normal rates. Unlike a regular call, part of the charges for these calls is paid to the business using the number. This way, businesses could be funded via these calls. For example, a caller would call a business (e.g, psychic services) and pay for the minutes and time spent on the call as part of the service itself. These numbers were commonly used for tech support, chat services, directory questions, weather forecasts, televoting, consulting, and so on.

toll free numbers

Toll Free Numbers

Toll free numbers are the opposite of toll numbers in that these numbers are toll-free. In other words, callers do not incur a charge for calling these numbers. The format for these numbers is very distinct and different from regular phone numbers. They usually begin with a special prefix such as 1-800, 888, 877, 833, and so on, followed by a subscriber number.

However, there are certain rules. For example, calls to a country’s toll free number are free only when called from within the country. A US toll free number is free to call by locals and businesses within the US.

Benefits of a Toll Free Number

TFNs are generally used by well-established businesses as a way of making it easier for customers to receive support. A local customer does not have to worry about calling fees when dialing a toll free number. This, therefore, encourages them to place calls to inquire about a product or speak with customer service.

Additionally, since TFNs have been traditionally used by large corporations, getting such a number for your business can build trust. Customers will appreciate your efforts to make your business accessible and easily reachable.

Reasons to Consider an International TFN

Furthermore, you can even use an international toll free number to extend operations to different countries around the world. How this works is you get an ITFS number for a country and callers within the country can call your number for free. These incoming calls get forwarded to a destination number of your choice in your specified country. For example, your UK business can get Singapore and Australia toll free numbers through a service provider like United World Telecom. Then, callers in Singapore and Australia can call their respective numbers for free, and you can have those calls routed to your UK office. ITFS numbers help businesses expand globally without moving physically.

Speak with an Expert About Toll Versus Toll Free Numbers

If toll or toll free numbers are what your business needs, then we can help! You can buy global phone numbers for more than 160 countries around the globe. And so, whether you want to offer free calling within your country or for other countries, we’ve got you covered. Sign up on our homepage today or call us to learn more!

What is a SIP Proxy and How Does a SIP Server Work?

Posted on by Luke Genoyer

Source: DepositPhotos.com - Lic#10446710 ID#27446420

We write a lot about SIP. That’s because we have been a leading SIP trunk provider for over twenty years. Read on to learn more about SIP servers and how they work.

What is a SIP Server?

A SIP server or SIP proxy processes session initiation protocol (SIP) requests. This server is the main element of an IP private branch exchange. SIP is an internet protocol used to initiate and receive voice and video communication by transmitting data packets across an internet connection. This enables the quick and easy transmission of SIP calling between 2 or more parties.

How Does a SIP Server Work?

A SIP server works alongside a voice over IP or VoIP phone system. Both systems together make cloud communications possible. A SIP proxy can:

  • Set up a session between 2 or more endpoints; such as audio or video conferencing between 2 or more parties
  • Replace one endpoint for another; during call transfer or routing
  • Negotiate and adjust media parameters and specs during a session; such as putting a call on hold
  • Terminating a session

It is important to note that the SIP server does not actually transmit media. Media transmission is performed by a media server using the RTP protocol. Within an IP-PBX, the SIP server and media server are present on the same machine. However, a high-volume SIP server like a VoIP provider may separate the two servers on different machines and balance the load.

Additionally, there is no fee or charge to get a SIP address for your server. These addresses connect to unique phone numbers. This enables each user on a SIP network to have a direct inward dialing number to place calls. Furthermore, companies can use these systems in a package such as a hosted PBX.

SIP Proxies: Modes of Operation

A SIP server generally operates in one of two modes: Stateless or Stateful.

1. Stateless SIP Proxy: This type of SIP proxy receives and transmits messages but does not keep any record of the transmission. A stateless SIP proxy works this way: Send > Receive > Delete. This server works at a faster speed because of its limited functionality. Additionally, this simplicity in functioning makes it desirable to small businesses as they can easily scale and upgrade their SIP system.

2. Stateful SIP Proxy: This type of SIP server transmits as well as stores messages and information to access later. Because of this functionality, it can pick up a request message and try again. Or, it can reroute the message through another aspect of the network. A stateful SIP proxy works this way: Send > Receive > Save. An example of this is Time of Day Routing that routes incoming calls based on the time of day and predetermined rules. For example, calls made to a business after hours can be forwarded to a different office location or remote agent.

What Does SIP Trunking Do?

SIP trunking is a service that enables your PBX system to send VoIP and SIP calls over the internet. This service works with virtual telephone lines and sends and receives messages through bandwidth data. You can get multiple SIP trunks and cover various geographic areas. SIP trunking makes it possible for your business to expand operations beyond your immediate location.

An image of a SIP proxy and server.

Benefits of a SIP Proxy and SIP Trunking

SIP servers and SIP trunking have become increasingly popular with businesses of every size. Here are the top benefits of switching to SIP:

1) Enable Unified Communications
SIP trunking enables voice, video, and text messaging from one platform. There’s no need to invest in different services to keep your communications stable. You can make and receive high-quality calls, audio and video conferencing, and texting from SIP trunking.

2) Forward Calls
With a SIP server, you can quickly and easily forward or direct incoming calls to several SIP and VoIP devices. This is helpful for any office with a busy call volume. Plus, with a stateful SIP proxy, you can save and access calls or messages that didn’t go through the first time and try again later.

3) Cut Communication Costs
VoIP and SIP are in demand because it not only offers high-quality communication but also a comfortable price. Sending and receiving voice, video, and text over a SIP server costs almost nothing to users.

4) Network Security
Secure VoIP is a necessity within any business. A SIP server protects your communication system from hackers by disconnecting calls and users without credit or authorization.

5) Access to VoIP Features
With SIP trunking, you can gain access to useful voice over IP features that can help organize calls and provide a professional image to your business. Features include, but are not limited to;

  • Call forwarding and routing options
  • Automated greetings
  • Analytics and reports
  • Unlimited extension, and so many more

Where Can I Get SIP Trunking?

United World Telecom can help! You can buy SIP trunks directly from our website or contact one of our experts to learn more.

Opening a Business in the UAE [2024]

Posted on by Ilsa Morales

Source: Stockphoto.com O#23559 – ID#100195243380

Are you planning to open a business in the UAE or expand your current business there? To enter this Middle Eastern market smoothly, one must consider and be mindful of a few important factors. For example, what is the best way to enter the market? What regulations does your business need to follow? What resources do you have available? Here, we highlight important contacts, business etiquette, and resources to do business in the UAE successfully—from getting UAE virtual phone numbers to business etiquette, and more.

How to Do Business in the UAE?

The UAE is a constantly developing economy bringing new opportunities for investments regularly. There are a few different reasons, according to a PWC report, to want to do business in the UAE. Among these are:

  • One of the most liberal trade regimes
  • Opportunities in trade, banking, tourism, real estate, etc.
  • Strong infrastructure
  • Reliable banking system
  • A tax-favorable environment, and more

Starting a business in this Middle Eastern country is quick and easy! So, what do you need to keep in mind to successfully do business in the UAE?

Related: Middle East Virtual Phone Numbers

1. Important Contacts

From free trade zones to government organizations, here is a list of important contacts to be aware of when doing business here:

2. Where to Get Business Numbers?

To build business relationships in the UAE, you will need UAE virtual numbers. Virtual phone numbers help you establish contact with local residents and businesses even if you are located in a different country. Calls made to your UAE virtual business number will be forwarded to a location or number of your choice. This could be your main office, smartphone, etc.

United World Telecom offers a variety of UAE business phone numbers:

  • UAE toll free numbers — Local residents and business contacts can call these numbers for free
  • UAE geographic or local numbers for Dubai and Abu Dhabi — These are business numbers with local area codes. Locals pay regular calling rates and your business will be perceived as a local one.

Whether you are traveling or simply want to test the UAE market before making an investment, UAE phone numbers create communication channels without the need to be physically present in the country. You can then start to offer sales and customer support services.

3. Business Etiquette in the UAE

When working in a new country, respecting the country’s culture and norms is essential. Here are key notes on UAE business etiquette:

  • Be aware of UAE public holidays; avoid holding meetings during prayer times and holidays.
  • Exchange business cards with both hands after introductions, during meetings; don’t offer anything with the left hand.
  • Personal relationships are important; invest in face-to-face meetings.
  • Plan and schedule meetings in advance with extra time.
  • The workweek in the UAE runs from Sunday to Thursday; Friday and Saturday are rest days.
  • Don’t forget your manners and be courteous.
  • When interacting with a group, greet the senior-most person first.
  • Be patient, especially during meetings.
  • Hospitality is important; meetings occur over lunches or dinners and sometimes tea and coffee.
  • Dress conservatively.

4. Helpful Resources

Additional resources to assist you in starting your new company:

Doing Business in the UAE

The UAE is based adjacent to the Arabian Peninsula on the eastern coast. It is a federation of seven emirates, the largest of which is Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi also accounts for a majority of the oil industry and the wealth of the nation. The next largest emirate is Dubai, which is a famous port city that has grown into a booming commercial center for multinational corporations. The smaller emirates include Sharjah, Ajmān, Umm al-Qaywayn, Raʾs al-Khaymah, and Al-Fujayrah. Although the official language for the UAE is Arabic, many people speak English as well, especially in the business world.

The UAE has become extremely attractive to business owners for a plethora of reasons. If you are interested in starting your own business in the UAE, now is the time to do it. We usually recommend local phone numbers or toll free numbers for UAE businesses. Read on to find out how easy it is to open up your own business and make considerable profits in the UAE.

An Open Economy

Yes, the UAE has an open economy. It is one of the most accessible countries to trade within the Gulf and it has a very high per capita income. Many countries have already made their way to the UAE, and in so doing have helped to increase the economy even more with their foreign capital. The previously established nation has become even more wealthy with the influx of offshore companies and money. The UAE is already a cozy home to several multi-million dollar corporations and small start-up companies.

Foreign Investment-Friendly

The government of the United Arab Emirates caught on quickly that foreign investment would lead to a skyrocketing economy and therefore made it easier than ever for foreign companies to bring their businesses overseas. Foreign nationals get their own set of rules and regulations to follow, which includes fast-tracked legal procedures.

They want you in the UAE and the government won’t make you wait as they only require a minimal amount of paperwork. They have also set up registration and licensing to be fast and easy to understand.

UAE Free Zones

Foreign companies can apply to be tax-exempt under the free zone economy. This means that international businesses do not need to pay a corporate tax nor an income tax. All of your profits are just that, profits. There are free zones in Ajman, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. When researching where you should take your company, those three areas should top your list. Keep in mind, however, that voice over IP is prohibited in the UAE. Direct inward dialing is still allowed and many businesses in the free zone utilize sophisticated PBX phone systems.

Access To An Elite Labor Pool

The UAE attracts a strong workforce to its largest cities. There is an abundance of skilled and unskilled workers that flock to the UAE from places such as India. It is such an attractive place for employees and employers alike because of its low tax structure and very high wages. UAE residents are also very well-taken care of. 92% of people are literate, and health insurance is mandatory. They have an established education structure, and international universities have been set up in the UAE including NYU and MIT.

Solid Foundations to Build Upon

Whatever your business needs, the UAE has made sure that they already have it set up for you. When you bring your business to the UAE, you will have easy access to transportation, business parks, warehousing, and office spaces. There is no need to start from scratch.

Great Location

The UAE offers easy access to its fast-growing and well-established neighbors, including its major trade partner, the European Union. It is also close to China and India and has excellent trade relations with both countries. Plus, it is a safe place to work with a relatively low crime rate.

One of the Best Locations for International Expansion

The UAE caters to its foreign investors, and because of its location, safety, workforce, and infrastructure, it easily attracts many foreign companies looking for an excellent location for expansion. If you’re looking to start your own business, then the UAE is a great country to start in because it has all the tools necessary to set you up for success.

Ready to Do Business in the UAE?

Use these resources and the accompanying contact information to start doing business in the UAE. Our global specialists can get you set up with virtual communication tools and business phone numbers, if you are curious about the specific options available to you. Contact us and find out how today!

What is Telecommuting and What Are the Benefits?

Posted on by Miguel Isabal

Source: DepositPhotos.com - Lic#104357894 ID#27446420

Do you want to offer your employees a telecommuting option? After COVID-19, many businesses switched to telecommuting and have seen the benefits of adopting this employee-work arrangement.

What is Telecommuting?

Telecommuting is an employment arrangement that enables employees to work outside of the office. This means employees can work from home, in co-working environments, near coffee shops and libraries, and so on. Telecommuting is also referred to as remote working, e-commuting, work-from-home, and teleworking.

When employees telecommute, they work outside of the office in a location they choose and communicate with the rest of their team via technology. Now, this is the dream for most employees whose work is solely confined to a laptop and a reliable internet connection. However, for the longest time, businesses have been reluctant to enable such a workplace arrangement.

What Are the Benefits of Telecommuting?

Then entered the COVID-19 crisis. With this pandemic, many businesses enforced work-from-home policies. Businesses in sales, publishing, call centers, software development, and other industries now offer remote working as an option. So, how can telecommuting benefit your employees and your business?

1. Be Prepared for Pandemic-Like Crises

Many businesses that strictly denied work-from-home didn’t plan for a situation where telecommuting would become necessary. Now, your business does not need to switch to an all-remote-work business but keeping telecommuting as an option can help you and your employees easily switch to work-from-home during pandemic-like crises.

This means investing in cloud computing and cloud communication solutions that help your teams stay connected no matter where they are located. This way, all employees are reachable via email, phone, and video interactions. At the same time, all projects and documents can be easily accessed and updated online.

Related: 5 Benefits of Unified Communications for Remote Teams

2. Adopt a BOYD Policy (Decrease Workplace Costs)

Another benefit of telecommuting is the opportunity to implement a BYOD policy. A bring your own device or BYOD policy lets employees bring and use their own devices instead of the business purchasing equipment for them to use. This lets employees use their own devices which they are comfortable and familiar with. It also helps businesses reduce their expenses as they do not need to supply devices to employees.

Similarly, since employees work outside the office, businesses can save on other office supplies and costs. From running the office to paying for utilities, your business can greatly reduce costs. On the other hand, employees can save time and money on commuting to and fro.

3. Improve EX Metrics and Employee Productivity

Telecommuting has a positive impact on employee productivity and employee experience (EX). The 2017 State of Work Productivity Report claims that about 65% of in-office workers say they would be more productive if they worked remotely. Remote workers can work from the comfort of their homes, have more flexibility, and save on commuting expenses. They can optimize their workday to the fullest without worrying about traveling or missing a day because they are sick.

4. Better Results and Lower Employee Turnover

Flexibility allows your employees to keep a work-life balance and enjoy their free time by going for a walk, watching a TikTok live, listening to music, and resting whenever they need. Improving their EX leads to improved wellness of your employees. And this, in turn, will increase their productivity and efficiency. Happy and productive employees are less likely to leave, lowering turnover rates.

Furthermore, happy employees lead to happy customers. Employees that are not stressed and overwhelmed are more likely to love their jobs and perform well. This will lead to desirable results that push your business towards success.

5. Provide Opportunities for Older Employees to Continue Working

Lastly, by offering work-related flexibility, you can appeal to valuable employees such as the older generation. Instead of retiring early, older employees can continue to work from home, if they so desire. Additionally, you will also be providing opportunities to parents of young children, caretakers of sick individuals, etc., to bring their expertise to your company.

Is Telecommuting Right for Your Business?

Telecommuting does not need to be the ultimate workplace arrangement for your business. However, being open to it is a must since post-COVID-19, employees know that remote working is possible and will desire opportunities to work from home. In fact, according to the 2019 State of Work Report, 38% of employees believe telecommuting will be commonplace within the next 5 years and so, businesses should start laying the foundation for such a transition. Therefore, invest in the right technology so your business will be ready and your employees will be satisfied.

Check out our Guide to Remote Team Management if you’re interested in learning more!

Cloud PBX vs On-Premises PBX: Which is Right for Your Business?

Posted on by Beny Mouen

Source: DepositPhotos.com - Lic#318928734 ID#27446420

When evaluating your options for a private branch exchange, you will often come across the terms: cloud PBX and on-premise PBX. What is the difference between the two services and how do you decide which one you need?

Getting the Right PBX System for Your Business

A PBX, or private branch exchange, is a private telephone network. A PBX system makes internal call management easy and ensures smooth collaboration between different teams and departments within a business.

There are two common types of private branch exchange systems: Cloud-Hosted and On-Premise. And choosing between these two systems depends on a few factors:

  • What do you need from your phone system?
  • Do you want to connect multiple office locations through the system?
  • What communication features do you need?
  • What is your budget?
  • Do you have or need to hire an IT team?
  • The answers to these questions can help you determine which phone system is right for you.

What is a Cloud Hosted PBX?

A cloud PBX is what it sounds like: a private phone exchange that works over the cloud. This means that it does not need a physical space in your office. The host will take care of the maintenance of the system and all you need to do is use it.

You will not have to worry about installing any hardware, saving office space for the system, or high maintenance costs. You won’t even need an on-premise IT team to handle all of it. However, you might not have as much control as with an on-premise system.

How Does an On-Premises PBX Work?

An on-premise PBX system is installed on company premises. This type of phone system is installed, run, and maintained by your company. You might need an experienced IT team to handle such a system.

Choosing Between Cloud PBX vs On-Premises PBX

The bottom line is that if you want a system that is wholly controlled and managed by your in-house IT team, then an on-premises PBX is the choice for you. However, if you don’t want to worry about the hassle of running and maintaining your phone system, then go with the system that’s hosted in the cloud.

Here are the other main differences between the two:

 

Cloud Hosted PBX On-Premises
Hosted by your provider Operated on-site by you
Little to no control over how it operates Controlled and managed fully by you
No physical space needed Physical space needed
No installation or maintenance needed Needs to be installed and maintained regularly
No professional IT experience needed Needs an experienced IT team to operate the system
Uses VoIP tech; Needs a broadband connection May use VoIP tech
Low monthly costs; No installation costs Low monthly costs; High installation costs
Variety of virtual calling features Limited calling features
Scalable as needed Limited scalability
Recommended for small to medium-sized businesses Recommended for large corporations

United World Telecom Knows About PBX Systems

United World Telecom has the PBX solutions you need for your business. You can also choose to set up your own IP-PBX system. This way you can take full advantage of SIP to place calls over the internet. Doing so results in better international calling rates at higher scale.