Why now is the time to upgrade your NEC phone system - All Seven IT, Computers & Phone Systems

Organizations of all sizes are shifting from traditional PBX premise-based phone systems to advanced cloud-based solutions. This is exemplified by NEC’s recent announcement that they are moving away from on-premises phones and focusing solely on Cloud Phone System. It highlights the growing importance of cloud technology in modern business communications and how a phone system can be more than just a dial tone.

The shift to unified communication systems

Cloud-based unified communication systems offer a range of powerful tools that go beyond basic phone calls. These systems integrate various communication methods into one platform that includes voice, video, messaging, monitoring, analytics, and collaboration tools. With this powerful integration, there is a seamless customer and user experience since there is a single interface to manage all external communications across multiple channels, whether you are working at the office, from home, or a combination of both.

The important step you need to bridge your phones to the Cloud

While NEC will stop selling parts for its premise based SL2100 and SV9100 phone systems on December 31^st, 2024 support can be extended by upgrading to the NEC Univerge Blue Cloud Bridge phone system. This provides businesses with a migration roadmap to the cloud. Businesses can upgrade their premise system now by connecting it to the cloud. Once connected, all the new Univerge Blue Cloud Apps, Voicemail to Email Transcription, Chat, Meetings, and more will be available. This is why now is the time to upgrade your NEC phone system.

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Customers have come to know just how robust the NEC phone systems have been. I’ve heard people say the phones are built like a tank. The key is to upgrade the CPU, the chip in the phone system Appliance in the back room. By upgrading the CPU now, customers can get software and cyber security patches until the end of 2026 for the SL2100 and until the year 2030 for the SV9100 CP20 CPU. With this, you’ll really benefit from your investment. Combine the CPU upgrade with Univerge Blue’s Cloud Bridge and all the Cloud features, listed above, will activate.

Should the NEC phone system parts start to break, customers can fully move their phone system to the Cloud. This is done by installing Cloud enabled NEC Phones, as well as other 3^rd party phones.

The premise phone system market lives on

While some vendors are going fully Cloud, like NEC, others continue to service the premise market. Phone System manufacturers like E-Metrotel, a North American company, build phone systems that you own and are installed in your walls. E-Metrotel leads the industry in green migration.

Whether you have an Avaya, Mitel, Cisco, or Panasonic phone system E-Metrotel connects your old phone to their Appliance, benefiting your business through more return on your investment. They’re even testing the NEC phones to develop compatibility. While not every model phone is supported, this surely will help many businesses who want some Cloud features, without the monthly subscription.

Benefits of unified communications

Streamlined Operations: By unifying communication tasks, businesses can streamline their daily operations and remove the complexity of managing multiple platforms. Website chat? There’s an integration for that. Answering an incoming call face-to-face over video? There’s an integration for that too.

Better Customer Service: With all your communication channels integrated, your business can respond to customers efficiently.

Optimized Business Processes: Connect seamlessly with customers without the need for travel while supporting remote or hybrid employees by bridging the gap between in-office and remote partners or employees for a more connected and productive work environment.

Business Management: Reporting tools provide crucial insights into all activities, helping organizations make informed decisions and optimize operations for efficiency.

The bottom line

As organizations of all sizes continue to embrace cloud-based solutions, they unlock tools that drive growth. Unified communication systems not only enhance the user experience but also improve customer service. By adopting advanced technologies, businesses are well-positioned to thrive in a modern digital landscape. If you have an on-premises phone system and are interested in alternative solutions or are just ready to have a discussion, we are here for you.