The Mitel Makeover Guide – Part 3: Migrate to a Mitel Cloud Solution
Upgrading or replacing your Mitel phone system doesn’t need to be stressful. In this series, we’re comparing three options so you can make the best decision for your business. Part 1 covered key decision factors. Part 2 discussed upgrading your on-premise solution.
Here are key details about the second option: migrating to a Mitel cloud solution.
Advantages to migrating to a Mitel cloud solution
Migrating from a traditional on-premise PBX system to a Mitel cloud solution offers expanded communications capabilities with the continuity of remaining in the Mitel ecosystem. This solution transforms telecommunications from a large capital expense to a fixed operating expense and saves money by eliminating the need for a self-hosted server and dedicated IT staff.
Expand communication and integration capabilities
Mitel cloud solutions offer advanced capabilities that foster critical customer touch points, increase operational efficiency and integrate with third-party apps for enhanced productivity.
Instant messaging, chat and video chat
Collaboration tools such as file sharing, screen sharing and conferencing
App and CRM integration, including Salesforce, Microsoft 365 and ACT!
Cloud-hosted contact management software, accessible from anywhere
Soft phones and mobility that supports remote workers across many devices
Preserve your call and contact history
Since you’ll remain in the Mitel ecosystem, you can preserve your call and contact history to retain important forecasting capabilities.
Reuse or eliminate your existing infrastructure
The Mitel cloud works with Mitel phones, so it’s possible you can reuse much of your existing infrastructure – including some of your handsets. Cloud-based phone systems require little or even no on-site equipment, which significantly reduces your infrastructure complications and overhead. By migrating to the cloud, you can escape the dreaded phone closet and its maintenance expense.
Familiarity minimizes training
Though you’ll likely need to train employees on new cloud-based features, you won’t need to invest time in training them on basic system functionality since they’re already familiar with the Mitel ecosystem.
Security and redundancy
Mitel cloud solutions are built on Google Cloud, a highly secure platform that offers multiple data centers for redundancy.
In addition, Mitel offers both private and public cloud solutions. Public solutions are ideal for budget-minded small businesses and large businesses that need expanded telecommunications networks. Private solutions essentially replicate your existing on-premise solution in the cloud, offering an additional layer of security that’s ideal for enterprises and government organizations.
Many large organizations opt for a hybrid solution that combines the enhanced security of a private cloud with the accessibility of a public cloud.
Increase flexibility for remote employees
A cloud-based system untethers your businesses, since employees do not need to be in-office to use it. Mobility features such as mobile apps and DECT phones allow employees to securely log in and make calls from their cell phones, tablets and home laptops – replicating the productive hive of a physical office anywhere in the world.
The Internet is nearly universal, essentially offering “free” infrastructure to conduct business from anywhere, anytime, so it’s smart business to take advantage of this resource to reduce phone system costs.
Save money by migrating to the cloud
Anyone working in IT or office management knows how costly and time consuming it can be when an old phone system becomes obsolete, requiring hardware and system upgrades, but a cloud-based system removes the risk of technology obsolescence.
With a cloud-based system, you don’t need to pay to keep your phone systems up-to-date; there is little to no software kept on user devices and all upgrades are made centrally by the cloud provider with little or no action required from your company.
Large cloud providers invest at scale and pass those savings along to their customers, building in a level of redundancy and survivability into their architecture that would be cost-prohibitive to implement on a local level.
Potential disadvantages to Mitel cloud migration
Though migrating to a Mitel cloud solution offers key benefits, there are some considerations you should make before choosing this option.
Resistance to change: Your employees are familiar with Mitel, but not the cloud, so you might face some resistance to change
Training: You won’t need to train employees on existing processes, but they will need trained to use the new cloud features
On-premise upgrades: Though might be able to reuse or eliminate some of your existing infrastructure, you might also need to make upgrades to support cloud technology. For example, if you have digital phones, you’ll need to upgrade to IP phones
Typical Mitel cloud migration investment
Here’s what you can typically expect to invest in a cloud-based Mitel solution:
Cloud service, support and maintenance: $20 to $75 per user per month
New handsets, if needed, can be added as an incremental monthly cost
Does Mitel cloud migration make sense for your business?
Migrating to a Mitel cloud solution might make sense for your business if you:
Want all the capabilities of a modern, cloud-hosted phone solution
Want an improved cost structure with simplified, per-user budgeting
Anticipate remote work and the need for mobility
Want to remain in the Mitel ecosystem
Want to transition your phone systems to an operational expense with a low upfront investment, fixed monthly costs and predictable budgeting for additional users
Next steps: compare other options
Before you commit to any solution, it’s a good idea to evaluate all your options. Keep reading this series to compare the advantages and disadvantages of upgrading your existing on-premise solution to moving to the Mitel cloud and replacing your system with a different cloud solution.
When you’re ready to learn more, consult an expert who can help you evaluate your needs and tailor a strategy that fits your budget.
Cady Business Technologies is proud to be a Mitel Gold Partner.
Our strong relationship with Mitel over many years allows us to offer the reliability and expertise your Mitel solution requires.