Navigating the Changing Face of Telecommunications

In the not so distant past, business telephony was relatively simple. There were not a lot of choices and very few options. While a company could choose from a variety of different telephone equipment providers, telephone service options were very limited. Most companies did not have a choice of local service providers and a handful of choices for long distance providers. Things are no longer that simple. In today's high tech world, there are not only more options available to the consumer, but there are far more choices to make. Telephony has gone beyond the handset and the telephone line. There are cellular options as well as VoIP and integrated computer telecomm options.

In the good old days, the business owner could handle choosing and managing a company's telephone needs. Today, that task is literally a fulltime job. Today, companies need an IT department to help manage telecommunications. Not only to maintain the telephony of the business, but to keep on top of the rapidly growing technology that becomes available on a regular basis. Many companies are not big enough to employ fulltime IT staff. These companies often utilize a telephone consultant. By using such companies, a business is able to outsource information technology.

A telephone consultant can be a company's most valuable asset. A consultant gives you access to an expert in telecommunications. In addition to being on top of the latest trends in telecomm, a good consultant has knowledge engineering, communication sales, and management. These individuals provide a company with a broad knowledge of carrier services and equipment. Using a consultant allows companies to see the big picture as well as the little details. Knowing the ins and outs of carriers, vendors, and manufacturers is an invaluable trait that any business can benefit from.

Consultants often times will work free of charge for a company. These individuals make money on commissions that they receive by telecomm providers. In these instances, a business receives the benefits of an IT department for no out of pocket expense. While many find this relationship ideal, others feel hiring consultants on commission is a mistake. The risk in doing this is that such consultants may make decisions based on what is best for their bottom line as opposed to what is best for the client.

Whether a company chooses a consultant, or hires an IT professional, a business owner can no longer navigate the complex world of telephony without help. As technology continues to evolve, the need for consultants, IT professionals and telecommunication experts will grow in leaps and bounds.