Is the red ocean where we live? Not me. Not SimpleSignal. Sure, telecom has always been a commodity but now there is new opportunity for differentiation and innovation like never before in history. So who is really doing that? Who has the makings of creating the Starbucks of Telecom? What business hosted VoIP provider is it? Alex Balashov suggests that it is ”Ifbyphone, Callfire, and various niche call center and dialer vendors.” Certainly these companies offer a value add on in a niche way. However, who is providing the dial-tone to the enterprise while delivering a communications experience? (SimpleSignal is!). Peter went on to name quite a list of stuff I think makes a truly remarkable hosted IP PBX system. The list is always changing because of our commitment to innovation but this is what we have to sell now:
- HD Voice
- Easy FMC access on smartphone
- Easy transfer to/from mobile/desktop (Call Swap)
- Video capability
- Email to Voicemail mailbox
- Voicemail to text
- UM (unified messaging)
- Simultaneous ring
- User portal
- Click to call
- and more business changing features
Alex thinks that VoIP service providers are getting better at delivering IP PBX phone systems. I think that most still suck at it and it is costing them a fortune because of their high acquisition cost and failed installations. Add to that a fortune more in brand deterioration when people get frustrated with the experience.
There are very few “Purple Cows” (Seth Godin’s book about truly remarkable products) in our industry. And if you think you are one, I suggest you talk to your customers. Why? Because while you may think you deliver a great service, your competitors are taking your customers and winning them over.
You’re absolutely right Alex – there are very few value-add hosted voip provider that are delivering dial-tone to the enterprise and voice as a feature rather than the traditional voice as a service. Discover true voice 2.0 at simplesignal.com. Please feel free to contact me directly at dave@simplesignal.com
