Tag: Nextiva

  • Top Sales Management Tools & Software to Boost Team Performance in 2025

    In today’s competitive business landscape, effective sales management plays a pivotal role in driving success. The ability to influence how sales transactions occur greatly influences a venture’s success. This is where a sales management tool assumes paramount importance, guiding managers in steering their business trajectory. In the present landscape, a diverse range of sales management tools exists, offering comprehensive integrations and effective automation services that enhance sales and yield remarkable outcomes.

    To equip sales teams with the best resources, we’ve curated a list of the top sales management tools that every sales manager can consider employing to enhance their team’s productivity. From streamlining processes to enhancing productivity and boosting revenue, these tools have proven their worth in the world of sales. Join us as we delve into the features, benefits, and insights behind each tool, uncovering how they can elevate your sales strategies to new heights.

    How Sales Team Use Technology?

    Best Sales Management Software Tools

    With the growing technology and competition, every business activity needs certain tools for achieving the best possible performance. The following are the top sales management software tools that every sales manager needs:

    S. No. Tool Key Features Rating
    1 Pipedrive Sales pipeline management, customizable workflows, activity reminders ⭐⭐⭐⭐
    2 Clari Revenue forecasting, AI-driven insights, pipeline visibility ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
    3 Zendesk Sell Lead management, sales email tracking, mobile CRM ⭐⭐⭐⭐
    4 Freshsales AI-based lead scoring, 360° customer view, workflow automation ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
    5 HubSpot Sales Email tracking, meeting scheduler, CRM integration ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
    6 Keap CRM + marketing automation, lead capture, payments integration ⭐⭐⭐⭐
    7 Oracle NetSuite Enterprise CRM, sales forecasting, order & pipeline management ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
    8 Nextiva VoIP + CRM integration, team collaboration, customer engagement ⭐⭐⭐⭐
    9 Salesloft Sales engagement, call/email automation, analytics dashboards ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
    10 Workbooks Mid-market CRM, marketing automation, reporting & dashboards ⭐⭐⭐⭐
    11 Salesforce Market-leading CRM, advanced customization, AI-powered insights ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Pipedrive

    Website www.pipedrive.com
    Free Trial Available
    Platforms Supported Web, Android, iPhone/iPad
    Best For Small to medium-sized businesses looking for a user-friendly sales CRM with pipeline management and automation capabilities.
    Pipedrive - best sales management software
    Pipedrive – Top Sales Management Platform

    Pipedrive is a sales management tool that gives in-depth analytics that will guide businesses to have better control over their sales. Their simple dashboards are extremely user-friendly and let users prioritize deals. They have unique features like pipeline management, sales reporting, email integration, and sales forecasting among many others, which will help in aiding sales procedures.

    With the help of customizable pipelines, this tool helps to add more details to every different deal. By creating reliable records, relevant data charts, and tracking deals and activities, Pipedrive improves the productivity of businesses. They are also integrated with Zapier, MailChimp, and Google Maps.

    Ultimate Guide: Getting started with Pipedrive CRM

    Pipedrive Pricing Plans

    Plan Yearly Price Monthly Price
    Essential US$9.90/month US$11.90/month
    Advanced US$19.190/month US$24.90/month
    Professional US$39.90/month US$49.90/month
    Power US$49.90/month US$59.90/month
    Enterprise US$59.90/month US$74.90/month

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    Clari

    Website www.clari.com
    Free Trial Available
    Platforms Supported Web, Android, iPhone/iPad
    Best For Sales teams and leaders seeking AI-driven forecasting, opportunity management, and real-time visibility into sales data to optimize revenue growth.
    Clari - sales management tool
    Clari – Sales Team Management Tools

    Clari’s sales management tool aids the sales team by pointing out the areas of the business that need better focus. Clari identifies and eliminates any blind spots that can adversely affect the business and thereby improves the accuracy of sales pipeline inspection and forecasting. Clari, in that way, saves the team from giving unnecessary attention to irrelevant details while directing the entire team towards immediate areas of concern.

    The tool has integrated itself with Salesforce CRM, Oracle CRM, SAP CRM, and Microsoft Dynamics CRM, among several others. They also track the progress of individual deals and predict their closing. By prioritising these details on the dashboard, Clari facilitates the prioritisation of services for the sales team. They provide a free trial option for the users, after which they can consult the team for a service that best suits their business requirements.

    Clari Pricing Plans

    Clari offers custom pricing plans. Please contact vendors for pricing details.

    Zendesk Sell

    Website www.zendesk.com/in/sell
    Free Trial Available
    Platforms Supported Web, Android, iPhone/iPad
    Best For Businesses seeking a sales CRM with automation features, real-time insights, and customizable pipelines to manage and optimize sales processes.
    Zendesk Sell - Best Sales Management Software Tool
    Zendesk Sell – Best Sales Manager Software

    Zendesk Sell is a sales CRM (Customer Relationship Management) platform designed to help businesses effectively manage their sales processes and relationships with customers. Zendesk Sell offers a range of features aimed at streamlining sales operations, enhancing collaboration among sales teams, and providing insights to drive revenue growth.

    Zendesk Sell supplies the necessary tools for sales management and customer engagement. Zendesk Sell also acts as a storage space for all the synced calls, call records, and emails. These stored data can be accessed from any device. Their functionality has been efficiently automated, and the tool even assigns the leads to the appropriate sales personnel based on the information it has. The extensive integration it has with other platforms makes this tool even more attractive to prospective users. Their suite of tools is known for enhancing the sales team’s productivity.

    It’s suitable for businesses of different sizes and industries, helping them to enhance their sales efficiency, improve customer relationships, and achieve their revenue targets.

    Zendesk Sell Pricing Plans

    Plan Yearly Price Monthly Price
    Sell Team US $19/agent/month US $25/agent/month
    Sell Growth US $55/agent/month US $69/agent/month
    Sell Professional US $115/agent/month US $149/agent/month

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    Freshsales

    Website www.freshworks.com/crm/sales
    Free Trial Available
    Platforms Supported Web, Android, iPhone/iPad
    Best For Sales teams and businesses looking for a user-friendly CRM solution with lead management, email tracking, and AI-based insights to improve sales efficiency and customer relationships.
    Freshsales - best sales management software tool
    Freshsales – Top Software for Sales Managers

    Freshsales is a customer relationship management (CRM) software designed to help businesses effectively manage their sales processes and interactions with customers. Developed by Freshworks, Freshsales offers a range of tools and features aimed at enhancing sales productivity, optimizing lead management, and improving customer relationships.

    Key features of Freshsales include lead scoring, contact management, deal tracking, email tracking, and sales analytics. The platform allows sales teams to track leads, manage contacts, and monitor the progress of deals through customizable pipelines. It also provides automation capabilities to streamline repetitive tasks and workflows, helping sales professionals save time and focus on high-priority activities.

    It integrates with various communication tools and offers omnichannel communication options to facilitate seamless interactions with leads and customers.

    FreshSales CRM Tutorial in 2023

    Freshsales Pricing Plans

    Plan Yearly Price Monthly Price
    Free ₹0 ₹0
    Growth ₹999/user/month ₹1,199/user/month
    Pro ₹2799/user/month ₹3399/user/month
    Enterprise ₹4999/user/month ₹5,999/user/month

    HubSpot Sales

    Website www.hubspot.com/products/sales
    Free Trial Available
    Platforms Supported Web, Android, iPhone/iPad
    Best For Businesses of all sizes looking for an integrated CRM and sales platform offering email tracking, automation, analytics, and lead management to enhance sales performance.
    HubSpot Sales - Best Sales Management Tool
    HubSpot Sales Hub – Best Software for Sales Management

    Another popular sales management tool for sales managers on the list is HubSpot Sales Hub. It is designed to help businesses manage and optimize their sales processes, streamline interactions with leads and customers, and ultimately drive revenue growth. It is a great platform that allows sales managers to attract new clients as well as retain the existing ones. This sales management software allows you to attract the best leads by giving you insight into visitors visiting your company’s website. It offers features like contact management, email scheduling, deal pipeline, meeting scheduling, live chat, etc.

    HubSpot Sales Hub is suitable for businesses of all sizes, from startups to enterprises, looking to improve their sales processes, enhance customer relationships, and achieve their revenue goals.

    HubSpot Sales Hub Pricing Plans

    Plan Price
    Free $0
    Starter Starting at $45/month
    Professional Starting at $450/month
    Enterprise Starting at $1200/month

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    Keap

    Website Keap.com
    Free Trial Available
    Platforms Supported Web, Android, iPhone/iPad
    Best For Small businesses and solopreneurs seeking an all-in-one CRM and marketing automation solution to manage contacts, automate tasks, and nurture leads.
    Keap - Best Sales Management Software
    Keap – Best Sales Management Tools

    Keap, is a customer relationship management (CRM) and marketing automation software designed to assist businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, in managing their sales and marketing efforts. Keap offers a suite of tools that help streamline processes, enhance communication, and nurture leads throughout the sales cycle.

    Key features of Keap include contact management, lead scoring, email marketing, automation workflows, sales pipeline management, and mobile access. The platform is focused on helping businesses organize their contacts, automate tasks, and engage with leads and customers effectively.

    Get started with Keap – advanced campaign builder

    Keap Pricing Plans

    Plan Price
    Pro $159/month
    Max $229/month
    Max Classic Custom Pricing

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    Oracle NetSuite

    Website www.netsuite.com
    Free Trial Not Available
    Platforms Supported Web, Android, iPhone/iPad
    Best For Businesses looking for a comprehensive cloud-based ERP and CRM solution to manage financials, operations, customer relationships, and sales processes.
    Oracle NetSuite - Sales Management Software Tool
    Oracle NetSuite – Sales Management Ssoftwares

    Oracle NetSuite offers comprehensive assistance to prospects from the initial stages of lead management. Operating solely in the cloud, its core emphasis lies in providing a real-time view of customers. This involves closely monitoring buyer activity to provide timely updates on potential purchase timings and prospect dynamics, following predefined criteria. Its automated services enable efficient campaign creation, with the tool suggesting campaigns to focus on, enhancing campaign optimization. Furthermore, it supports joint-market campaigns and aids in sales forecasting, adding to its array of features.

    Oracle NetSuite Pricing Plans

    Oracle NetSuite offers custom pricing plans. Please contact vendors for pricing details.


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    Nextiva

    Website www.nextiva.com
    Free Trial Available
    Platforms Supported Web, Android, iPhone/iPad
    Best For Businesses seeking a comprehensive communication platform with VoIP phone systems, collaboration tools, CRM integration, and analytics for enhancing customer interactions and team productivity.
    Nextiva - Sales Management Tool
    Nextiva – Sales Management Systems

    Focusing on communication, Nextiva enables the user to manage the whole sales team through CRM, cloud phone service, and live chat. Through their well-laid-out interface, it empowers the user to handle a sales team containing a large number of people in a single platform. Since communication is a key part of making sales, Nextiva has continued to be one of the top tools used by most of the sales team for its efficient features. This provides all details of the caller and manages the pipeline immediately after every call starts. Nextiva is also popular because of its extensive integration and cost-effectiveness.

    Nextiva Pricing Plans

    Plan Yearly Price Monthly Price
    Essential $18.95/user/month $25.95/user/month
    Professional $22.95/user/month $30.95/user/month
    Enterprise $32.95/user/month $40.95/user/month

    Salesloft

    Website Salesloft.com
    Free Trial Not Available
    Platforms Supported Web
    Best For Sales teams looking for a sales engagement platform with email tracking, call automation, analytics, and personalized cadences to streamline outreach and improve sales effectiveness.
    Saleloft - sales management software
    Top Sales Manager Software – Saleloft

    SalesLoft is a dynamic sales engagement platform designed to empower sales teams with advanced tools for effective outreach and communication. The platform offers a comprehensive range of features such as email tracking and automation, call automation, cadence management, and more to enhance sales processes, optimize customer interactions, and drive better results.

    The state-of-the-art Modern Revenue Workspace offered by SalesLoft serves as a centralized hub for sellers to efficiently execute digital selling tasks, engage with buyers, gain clarity on their next steps, and access valuable coaching and insights for achieving success. SalesLoft is trusted by numerous high-performing sales teams globally, including renowned names like IBM, Shopify, Square, and Cisco, all of whom leverage its capabilities to drive increased revenue.

    Saleloft Pricing Plans

    Saleloft offers custom pricing plans. Please get in touch with vendors for pricing details.


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    Workbooks

    Website www.workbooks.com
    Free Trial Available
    Platforms Supported Web, Android, iPhone/iPad
    Best For Businesses seeking a comprehensive CRM and business management solution to streamline sales, marketing, and customer service processes, with tools for automation, analytics, and collaboration.
    Workbooks - Best Sales Management Tool
    Top Sales Manager Tools – Workbooks

    Workbooks’ sales management tool helps in improving the efficiency of sales representatives in a significant manner. Through this tool, managing the sales team becomes a lot more simple as it offers features like real-time reporting, activity tracking, opportunity identification, and so on. Features like activity training will ensure that each lead is paid close attention to and no lead is missed or overlooked at any cost.

    This also stores information about each prospect to later use for their targeted campaigning programs. Through its feature called Workbooks Enrich, it provides users with information regarding relevant prospects. This has a double-sided benefit as it helps both the user and the customer to have an exhaustive view of the nature of the business they are dealing with.

    Workbooks Pricing Plans

    Plan Price
    CRM $39 per user per month billed annually
    Business $79 per user per month billed annually

    Salesforce

    Website www.salesforce.com
    Free Trial Available
    Platforms Supported Web, Android, iPhone/iPad
    Best For Businesses of all sizes looking for a highly customizable and scalable CRM platform with advanced sales, marketing, customer service, and AI-powered analytics to drive growth and customer engagement.
    Top Sales Management Tools - Salesforce
    Top Sales Management Tools – Salesforce

    Salesforce is one of the biggest names in CRM, giving businesses everything they need to manage customers, sales, and marketing in one place. What makes it special are its powerful tools like advanced analytics, sales forecasting, and endless customization options, which are perfect for big and complex organizations. It’s highly scalable, so it grows with your business. With Salesforce, companies get a full 360-degree view of their customers, helping them track, capture, and nurture leads to close more deals successfully.

    Salesforce Pricing Plans:

    Plan Price (per user/month, billed annually)
    Starter $25
    Professional $80
    Enterprise $165
    Unlimited $330
    Unlimited+ $500

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    Conclusion

    The above-mentioned sale management tools have been in the market for a while now, leading businesses through paths of success. They have all helped in breaking the traditional walls of sales management by bringing automation and customization into the picture. The choice of the right tool is always the key factor in making the best out of these available services and making a positive impact on the business. It will depend on various factors like size, budget, and requirements of the company.

    FAQs

    What is sales management software?

    Sales management software is a solutions designed to assist sales teams in organizing, automating, and optimizing their sales processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

    What are the best tools for sales managers?

    The following are some of the popular tools for sales managers:

    • Pipedrive
    • Clari
    • Zendesk Sell
    • Freshsales
    • HubSpot Sales
    • Keap
    • Oracle NetSuite
    • Nextiva
    • Salesloft
    • Workbooks

    What is a sale strategy?

    It refers to a strategy used by the sales team to position and sell products or
    A sales strategy is a well-defined plan outlining the approach, tactics, and actions a business takes to achieve its sales goals and objectives.

    Why should businesses use sales management software?

    Sales management software streamline sales activities, improve customer interactions, and provide valuable insights, leading to increased productivity, better sales outcomes, and enhanced customer relationships.

    What is the role of sales management?

    Sales management refers to the planning, implementing, and controlling of sales of a company’s products or services. It also involves recruiting and training the sales team members.

    How do these tools help in managing leads?

    Sales management tools help in lead management by centralizing lead information, tracking interactions, assigning tasks, and nurturing leads through personalized communication and automated follow-ups.

    How do I choose the right sales management tool for my business?

    Consider factors like your business size, sales process complexity, integration needs, budget, and user-friendly interface when selecting a sales management tool.

  • 10 Best Call Center Software for Small Businesses 2023

    Exceptional customer service is paramount for any business to thrive, and the same is true for small businesses also. It is one of the most critical components to achieving growth and success. Call center software can help you manage customer inquiries and enhance customer satisfaction. Without proper call center software, you’ll always struggle to keep your customers happy and satisfied.

    Investing in call center software can help you meet these growing expectations and stand out from your competitors. Features such as automatic call routing, call recording, and real-time analytics can improve your customer service, increase efficiency, and ultimately boost your bottom line.

    But with so many options available, finding the right call center software can be a daunting task. That’s why in this article, we have provided the list of the best call center software that is pocket-friendly and best suits your needs. So don’t let your small business fall behind – take advantage of the benefits of call center software today.

    What Is Call Center Software?
    Difference Between Call Center Software and Contact Center Software
    List of Best Call Center Software
    CallHippo
    Aircall
    Channels
    Nextiva
    Convoso
    Zendesk talk
    RingCentral
    Freshdesk
    Net2Phone
    Cloudtalk

    What Is Call Center Software?

    Call center software is a type of software that is designed to help businesses manage their incoming and outgoing customer phone calls efficiently. Call center software typically includes a range of features that enable agents to handle customer inquiries, complaints, and support requests quickly and effectively.

    The key features of call center software include automatic call distribution, which helps to route incoming calls to the right agents based on factors such as skill level or availability.

    Other features such as call recording, call monitoring, and call analytics, enable supervisors to track agent performance and identify areas for improvement. It also allows callers to interact with a computerized system and be directed to the appropriate agent or department based on their needs.

    Difference Between Call Center Software and Contact Center Software

    Both software names can be used interchangeably to represent the software that provides customer service. But there is some minor difference between this two software. Below are a few points that differentiate call center software from contact center software.

    • Contact center software is omnichannel in nature, which means users can connect with the customer care representative via a different mode of communication. This can be a voice call, email, live chat, SMS, and social media messaging. While on the other hand Call center software provides interaction via voice calls only.
    • Call center software provides some additional features like interactive voice response, call recording, call monitoring, call analytics, and call routing. It becomes easier to transfer calls to different agents when you use call center software.
    • Call center software is mainly used by telemarketing companies or companies who want to promote their products or services. While contact center software is used by the service-based company to resolve customer queries and provide the proper solutions.
    A survey of top preferred channels used by customers looking for customer support as of 2020 data
    A survey of top preferred channels used by customers looking for customer support as of 2020 data

    List of Best Call Center Software

    Call center software typically includes features such as automatic call distribution, interactive voice response systems, call recording, analytics, and reporting tools. These solutions can be tailored to meet the specific needs of businesses.

    CallHippo

    Rating 4.3/5
    Website www.callhippo.com

    CallHippo - Call Center Software
    CallHippo – Call Center Software

    CallHippo is a telephony service provider that provides you with a virtual phone system that allows you to communicate with your customers over the internet. It is trusted by leading companies such as Amazon, Wipro, Byjus, Shopify, and more. The system includes features such as call routing, call recording, voicemail, IVR, call conferencing, and more.

    You can set up virtual phone numbers in various countries, which can be used to make and receive calls. It helps you to establish a local presence in different regions without having to physically operate there. CallHippo also integrates with various CRM systems and enables businesses to manage their customer interactions more efficiently.

    Features of CallHippo

    • The platform is accessible through a web browser or mobile app, which makes it easy for teams to stay connected on the go.
    • AI-based call routing feature helps to route the call via the best telephony provider to give the best customer experience.
    • It automatically switches your number to the country-specific number to increase credibility and trust.
    • It provides insights into each conversation that happens with the customers.
    • The call queuing feature allows customers to wait until the next customer care representative receives the call.

    Pros

    • Live chat customer support
    • Reasonable pricing
    • Easy-to-use UI
    • Wide range of CRM and other integration
    • Knowledge base articles and blogs
    • Robust analytics and reporting
    • A free trial is available

    Cons

    • Call recording has a separate cost in the bronze plan
    • The per-minute charge for outgoing calls

    Pricing

    Plan Pricing
    Basic Free
    Bronze $20/user/month
    Silver $30/user/month
    Platinum $50/user/month

    Aircall

    Rating 4.3/5
    Website www.aircall.io

    Aircall - Call Center Software
    Aircall – Call Center Software

    Aircall is a call center software to make, receive, and manage phone calls from anywhere, using a web or mobile app. It supports multiple phone numbers, to empower small businesses to easily manage their communications across different channels. Trusted by more than 15,000+ companies, it is consistently delivering top-notch service to its users.

    By using Aircall, you can enhance your customer service, improve your response times, and streamline your communications. This can help you save time and money while improving overall productivity and customer satisfaction. Additionally, it provides affordable pricing plans and excellent customer support to make it an ideal choice for small businesses looking for a reliable and cost-effective phone system solution.

    Features of Aircall

    • Power dialer feature that boosts the speed of calling in one click.
    • It provides brief information about the ongoing conversation before forwarding the call to the next agent using the warm transfer feature.
    • Customizable voicemail greetings and the ability to send voicemail messages directly to email.
    • Businesses can record calls for training purposes or to ensure compliance with industry regulations.
    • You can set up call queues to handle high volumes of incoming calls and ensure that no call goes unanswered.

    Pros

    • International numbers in 100+ countries
    • User-friendly interface
    • Integration with popular CRM, e-commerce, and helpdesk software
    • Knowledge base articles
    • Wide option for support
    • A free trial is available

    Cons

    • Call routing to mobile is a little bit clunky
    • Poor customer support

    Pricing

    Plan Pricing
    Essential $30/user/month
    Professional $50/user/month
    Custom Contact sales

    Channels

    Rating 4.5/5
    Website www.channels.app

    Channels - Call Center Software
    Channels – Call Center Software

    Channels is an affordable and user-friendly call center software solution that can help small businesses streamline their customer service operations. It empowers you with the ability to track important metrics such as call volume, wait time, and call duration. You can make data-driven decisions that can help improve customer service.

    With Channels, you can easily set up and customize your call center to suit your specific needs. The software integrates with popular business tools such as Salesforce, HubSpot, and Zendesk. This makes it easy to manage customer interactions across multiple channels.

    Features of Channels

    • It provides insights into the customer details whenever you receive any calls from customers.
    • You can record all incoming and outgoing calls, which can be used for quality assurance and training purposes.
    • It allows callers to navigate through a menu of options using their phone’s keypad which reduces call wait time.
    • Easy to customize the call button on the website to empower users to call with one click.
    • Unlimited outbound calling to US and Canada at no additional cost.

    Pros

    • The first phone number is free
    • 7-day free trial
    • Intuitive interface
    • Live chat support
    • The mobile app is available
    • Chrome extension is available

    Cons

    • Limited call history storage
    • No ticketing system

    Pricing

    Plan Per Month Pricing Per Year Pricing
    Plus $29/month $24/month
    Advanced $75/month $62/month

    Nextiva

    Rating 4.4/5
    Website www.nextiva.com

    Nextiva - Call Center Software
    Nextiva – Call Center Software

    Nextiva is a communication solution designed to streamline call management. Small businesses benefit from Nextiva Call Center Software in several ways. Firstly, it helps them handle high volumes of incoming calls efficiently, which can improve customer satisfaction and reduce wait times. The software provides valuable insights through advanced reporting.

    You can analyze call data and make informed decisions to improve customer service. One of the main advantages of Nextiva Call Center is its flexibility. It allows small businesses to scale up or down their call center operations as needed. It is user-friendly and requires no specialized training or IT support to get started.

    Features of Nextiva

    • Screen pop-up is enriched with valuable customer insights based on past interactions when anyone calls you.
    • It holds callers in a queue until the next available agent is ready to take their call.
    • IVR feature that guides callers to the information or service they need, without the need for human intervention.
    • Smart call routing feature that routes incoming calls to the most appropriate agent or department based on predefined rules.
    • The platform is easily accessible via web and mobile devices to manage call center operations.

    Pros

    • Automatic call distribution
    • Built-in CRM
    • Robust call analytics
    • Customer Satisfaction survey
    • Easy-to-use interface
    • Smart call routing

    Cons

    • Limited to inbound calling

    Pricing

    Plan Per Month Pricing Annual Pricing
    Business Communication Essential $30.95/user/month $27.71/user/month
    Business Communication Professional $35.95/user/month $25.46/user/month
    Business Communication Enterprise $45.95/user/month $32.96/user/month

    Convoso

    Rating 4.6/5
    Website www.convoso.com

    Convoso - Call Center Software
    Convoso – Call Center Software

    Convoso is designed to help small businesses improve their sales and marketing operations. It offers a range of features such as predictive dialing, automated lead distribution, call recording, and real-time analytics. It helps businesses streamline their outbound calling efforts and increase productivity.

    When you use this tool, you can efficiently manage your outbound call campaigns, automate repetitive tasks, and improve call quality by recording and analyzing customer interactions. The software also provides real-time reporting and analytics to help businesses track performance and make data-driven decisions.

    Features of Convoso

    • Preview dialer feature that allows agents to view a preview of customer information before reaching out.
    • It helps to streamline the inbound calling workflow by transferring calls to the best-suited agents with the feature of a predictive dialer.
    • The voice broadcasting feature allows you to promote your new product or service to your leads efficiently.
    • You can create automated responses that allow the virtual agent to interact with customers without the need for a live agent.
    • You can monitor live calls and provide feedback to agents through a whisper feature that only the agent can hear.

    Pros

    • Live chat support
    • Automated call distribution
    • Customizable dashboard
    • Powerful reporting
    • Easy-to-use interface
    • Demo is available

    Cons

    • Pricing is not disclosed

    Pricing

    Contact Sales

    Zendesk talk

    Rating 4.3/5
    Website www.zendesk.com

    Zendesk Talk - Call Center Software
    Zendesk Talk – Call Center Software

    Zendesk Talk is a valuable tool for small businesses looking to improve their customer service and support over the phone. Its user-friendly interface, robust features, and integration capabilities make it an excellent choice for businesses.

    The main benefit of Zendesk Talk for small businesses is that it enables them to provide personalized and efficient support to their customers. The software comes with features like call routing and automatic call distribution, which ensure that calls are directed to the right agent with the appropriate skills and knowledge. This helps small businesses save time and resources, as they can avoid transferring calls or putting customers on hold for extended periods.

    Features of Zendesk talk

    • It allows adding a call button on the website and app so that customers can contact you without any effort.
    • It seamlessly integrates with other Zendesk products.
    • You can set a maximum waiting time for your callers and allow them to request a callback.
    • Real-time analytics to measure the success and performance of your team.
    • You can monitor calls in real-time and record conversations with customers.
    • Calls are automatically directed to the right agent with the appropriate skills and knowledge to handle the customer’s issue.

    Pros

    • 90+ telephony providers
    • Live chat support
    • Simple and intuitive interface
    • Customer Satisfaction Survey
    • A free trial is available
    • Smart integration with other Zendesk products

    Cons

    • The call transfer process is cumbersome
    • Slow update

    Pricing

    Plan Per Month Pricing Per Year Pricing
    Suite Team $59/agent/month $49/agent/month
    Suite Growth $99/agent/month $79/agent/month
    Suite Professional $125/agent/month $99/agent/month
    Suite Enterprise $199/agent/month $150/agent/month

    RingCentral

    Rating 3.9/5
    Website www.ringcentral.com

    RingCentral - Call Center Software
    RingCentral – Call Center Software

    RingCentral software is a way small businesses can streamline their communication processes. It enhances customer service and increases productivity. With its flexible and scalable solution, RingCentral is a cost-effective and reliable choice for small businesses looking to improve their inbound and outbound calling capabilities.

    The all-in-one plan of RingCentral includes messaging, video, and phone also known as RingCentral MVP. It also provides a separate plan only for the phone facility but pricing is not disclosed.

    However, RingCentral’s outbound calling feature enables small businesses to make calls to customers or prospects using their business phone number, even when they are working remotely. This ensures that calls are made from a professional phone line, which helps to build trust and credibility with customers.

    Features of RingCentral

    • Give insights into your call activity, such as call volume and call duration, to help you optimize your communication strategy.
    • It helps to route calls to the appropriate team member or department based on the rules you set up.
    • You can record inbound and outbound calls for training purposes or to keep a record of important conversations.
    • IVR feature to reduce the workload on your employee by answering repetitive queries via recorded voice.
    • It allows you to send and receive text messages from your business phone number.

    Pros

    • Easy to set up
    • Device-independent
    • Built-in analytics
    • Multilingual IVR
    • Live chat support
    • A free trial is available

    Cons

    • Price is not disclosed for phone only plan
    • Some users reported call drops sometimes
    • Poor customer service

    Pricing

    Plan Per Month Pricing Per Year Pricing
    Essential $32.99/user/month $19.99/user/month
    Standard $40.99/user/month $27.99/user/month
    Premium $47.99/user/month $34.99/user/month
    Ultimate $62.99/user/month $49.99/user/month


    Best Business Phone Services in India
    Business telephone systems can be used by companies of all sizes to manage internal and external calls.


    Freshdesk

    Rating 4.0/5
    Website www.freshdesk.com

    Freshdesk - Call Center Software
    Freshdesk – Call Center Software

    Freshdesk is a customer support software that includes a call center feature to help businesses manage their incoming and outgoing calls. With Freshdesk, small businesses can set up a virtual phone system. It allows them to route calls to different departments or agents. You can also record calls for quality assurance, and create custom IVR menus to provide callers with self-service options.

    Freshdesk’s pricing plans are affordable for small businesses which makes it a cost-effective solution for managing customer support operations. Freshdesk is loaded with all the features which basic call software provides, plus some additional useful features.

    Features of Freshdesk

    • Call masking feature that hides your existing phone number with a different phone number.
    • Multi-level IVR that allows customers for self-service and helps to route the call to the right agents and department.
    • It helps you to connect with your customer on the go using the robust mobile app.
    • Customers will know their position in the queue while contacting the representative.
    • Call block feature blocks spam calls based on their location.
    • It can effectively distribute the call queue load to provide satisfaction to customers.

    Pros

    • Numbers available for 90+ countries
    • Live chat support
    • Seamless integration with other Freshworks products
    • Live call monitoring
    • Service level monitoring
    • Warm transfer feature

    Cons

    • Call flows are not too customizable

    Pricing

    Plan Per Month Pricing Per Year Pricing
    Free Rs0/user/month Rs0/user/month
    Growth Rs1199/user/month Rs999/user/month
    Pro Rs3399/user/month Rs2799/user/month
    Enterprise Rs5999/user/month Rs4999/user/month

    Net2Phone

    Rating 4.6/5
    Website www.net2phone.com

    Net2Phone - Call Center Software
    Net2Phone – Call Center Software

    The Net2phone uses VoIP technology, which means that calls are transmitted over the internet rather than traditional phone lines. This can significantly reduce long-distance and international calling costs. It is easy to set up and doesn’t require any hardware or software installation.

    The system can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. This makes it an ideal solution for small businesses that don’t have the resources or expertise to manage their own call center. Net2phone also offers advanced features such as speech recognition and artificial intelligence, which can help businesses improve their customer service.

    Features of Net2Phone

    • Provides seamless integration with other tools such as Slack, Zapier, Microsoft Teams, Salesforce, and more.
    • The auto attendant feature routes the call automatically to the right agents and departments.
    • You can easily create a welcome menu to greet your customers and provide a great experience.
    • It blocks spam calls to save your agents time and effort.
    • Gamification feature that helps to motivate the agents by providing badges and recognition based on their performance.

    Pros

    • Chrome extension is available
    • Unlimited international calling in 40+ countries
    • A free trial is available
    • Advanced reporting and analytics
    • The mobile app is available
    • API integration

    Cons

    • Poor setup and training process
    • Steep learning curve

    Pricing

    Plan Pricing
    Office $24.99/user/month
    Office Pro $26.99/user/month
    Office Power $29.99/user/month

    Cloudtalk

    Rating 4.3/5
    Website www.cloudtalk.io

    Cloudtalk - Call Center Software
    Cloudtalk – Call Center Software

    CloudTalk is a flexible and scalable solution for the calling needs of businesses. It allows you to make and receive calls from anywhere, using any device connected to the internet. You can easily handle high volumes of calls by placing them in a queue and notifying users when it’s their turn to take the call.‌‌

    You can configure the platform to meet your specific calling requirements, such as setting up call forwarding, voicemail, and call recording. As a business, you can easily add or remove users as needed, without having to worry about managing hardware or software installations. All this makes Cloudtalk an ideal solution for businesses with fluctuating call volumes or those that are growing quickly.

    Features of Cloudtalk

    • Provides local numbers in more than 160 countries for international calling.
    • The toll-free number benefits your customers to call you at no cost or nominal cost.
    • 3-way calling feature to allow any third person to join a call when required.
    • Automated outbound caller id that hides your agent’s private number and provides a country-specific local number.
    • Group ring feature that rings the phone of all agents so that no calls get answered.

    Pros

    • The mobile app is available
    • Call monitoring
    • Live chat support
    • A free trial is available
    • Workflow automation
    • Unlimited history logging

    Cons

    • Free inbound calling is not available when you choose certain high-cost country numbers.

    Pricing

    Plan Pricing
    Starter $25/user/month
    Essential $30/user/month
    Expert $50/user/month
    Custom Contact Sales

    Conclusion

    As companies continue to prioritize customer experience, the demand for efficient call center software is only expected to grow. Call center software providers are continually innovating and improving their offerings. This makes it easier for businesses to implement and benefit from the latest advancements in technology.

    In short, call center software has become an indispensable tool for modern businesses looking to enhance their customer service and drive growth. So choose the right tool from the above-mentioned tools and give thrust to your business.

    FAQs

    What is the best call center software?

    Some of the best call center software are Cloudtalk, CallHippo, Aircall, Channels, Nextiva, Convoso, Zendesk Talk, RingCentral, Freshdesk, and Net2Phone.

    What CRM tools are used in a call center?

    CRM tools in call centers stand for the tools used by call centers to enhance their customer experience in order to increase their efficiency. Some of the common CRM tools used are Salesmate, Pipedrive, Freshworks, etc.

    What is the difference between a call center and CRM?

    Call center software helps companies to enable the service of sending, managing, and tracking messages/calls to their customers. On the other hand, CRM helps businesses to keep a digital record of their customer interaction. Call center software is used in managing the flow of business and CRM helps in improving customer relations.

  • Best Cloud Phone Systems of 2023

    The foundation of a successful business thrives upon a good business-customer relationship. A company providing poor customer support doesn’t run without a limp for long. In this hyper-competitive modern world, reaching customers become vital for a company’s growth.  Not only does a company need to provide a good medium that could channel support, but that medium must be fast and smooth too. This is where cloud-based phone systems come to the rescue. Not only is this cost-effective, but it also has a greater reach too. But with so many cloud-based phone system companies in the market, choosing the right one could feel a bit scary. We understand your concern.

    In this article, we’ll reveal to you 10 excellent cloud phone systems to consider in 2023.

    RingCentral
    Grasshopper
    Nextiva
    Vonage
    8×8
    MagicJack
    Dialpad
    Mitel MiCloud Connect
    Cisco Webex Calling
    GoTo Connect

    RingCentral

    Website Ringcentral.com
    Rating 3.9 out of 5
    Best For All businesses looking for a Unified Communication (UC) system

    RingCentral - Best Cloud Phone System
    A Screenshot from the RingCentral Dashboard

    Founded in the year 1999, RingCentral has been providing cloud-based communication services since then. Although it offers a wide range of services, its forte has always hovered around cloud-based business communication. They provide four plans in the MVP sector and their pricing is based on a per-user basis. Here are the pros and cons to look for:

    Pros:

    • Provides call recording for later documentation and analysis
    • High-quality noise-free calls; they claim their system to be available 99.99% of the time
    • Provides free trial to build trust

    Cons:

    • Billing terms can see changes even after the contract
    • It might be a little expensive
    • Sluggish customer service
    RingCentral: Simpler Communications

    Pricing:

    Have a look at the pricing details of RingCentral. Note that taking plans for more users will come with a discount.

    Plan Pricing
    Essentials $19.99 per user/month
    Standard $27.99 per user/month
    Premium $34.99 per user/month
    Ultimate $49.99 per user/month

    Grasshopper

    Website Grasshopper.com
    Rating 4.1 out of 5
    Best For Small to medium businesses that need to respond in case the call is not answered

    Grasshopper- Best Cloud Phone System
    A screenshot from the Grasshopper Dashboard

    Considering the rise of the internet and the needs of the modern world, the duo of David and Siamak founded Grasshopper, a VOIP service provider, back in 2003. So far, it has served over 400,000 happy customers and is on its way to serving a million more. Here are the pros and cons to look for if you want to choose Grasshopper as your cloud-based communication provider:

    Pros:

    • Automatic responses to customers if the line is not picked
    • Noise-free calls
    • Can handle simultaneous calls

    Cons:

    • Is not so cheap
    • You might face troubles while canceling accounts
    • Has been questioned for selling client data

    Pricing:

    Have a look at the pricing details of Grasshopper. You can save up to $75 on a yearly plan.

    Plan Pricing
    Solo $28 per month (1 line)
    Partner $46 per month (3 lines)
    Small Business $80 per month (5 lines)

    Nextiva

    Website Nextiva.com
    Rating 4.4 out of 5
    Best For For businesses that are growing and need to scale themselves

    Nextiva - Best Cloud Phone System
    A screenshot from the Nextiva Dashboard

    Nextiva is another VOIP service-providing company that was founded in the year 2006. Within six years it had gathered a workforce of 120 people working with. It provides excellent internet communication services that help businesses grow at a tremendous pace. It recently recorded a revenue of over 200 million USD. Here are the pros and cons to consider before choosing Nextiva as your communication company:

    Pros:

    • Provides a screen-sharing option, which has become necessary considering the present work culture
    • Excellent customer support
    • Has a good record in enhancing communication within the remote work culture
    • Is cheaper than RingCentral

    Cons:

    • Customers have sometimes reported noise during the calls
    • The flow of their service is a bit unreliable

    Pricing:

    Below mentioned pricing is for a user base of 1-4 and is billed monthly. Taking yearly plans for a higher number of users yield an extra discount.

    Plan Pricing
    Essential $30.95 per user/month
    Professional $35.95 per user/month
    Enterprise $45.95 per user/month

    Vonage

    Website Vonage.com
    Rating 4.3 out of 5
    Best For Businesses that have industry-specific communication needs

    Nextiva - Best Cloud Phone System
    A screenshot from the Nextiva Dashboard

    Because different businesses have different structures, they have different communication needs too. For example, a healthcare company cannot run on the communication flow that serves the finance sector. This is where Vonage comes in. It offers specially crafted unified communication that tries to serve a business to its satisfaction and growth. Here are the pros and cons to consider before you choose Vonage:

    Pros:

    • Industry-specific plans and solutions
    • Offers mobile app
    • Flexible pricing
    • Good track record with an experience of over 25 years
    • Clear call quality

    Cons:

    • Issues with texts and voicemails reported
    • Questionable customer service

    Pricing:

    Have a look at the pricing offered by Vonage.

    Plan Pricing
    Mobile $19.99 per user/month
    Premium $29.99 per user/month
    Advanced $39.99 per user/month

    8×8

    Website 8×8.com
    Rating 4.1 out of 5
    Best For Businesses that deal with customers through many mediums like chat, video, call, etc.

    8x8 - Best Cloud Phone System
    A screenshot from the 8×8 Dashboard

    With an over 2 million user base, 8×8 has been hailed as one of the best companies in the field of VOIP. It was also awarded the Best Value Business Phone of 2021 by US News and World Report. What more? It offers services in different field that enhances business communication. Here are things to consider before buying plans from 8×8:

    Pros:

    • The pricing is cheaper than its competitors
    • Provided call monitoring for training purposes
    • International calling can be done
    • Has a good track record with users like Acer, FredLoya, Live Oak Bank, etc.

    Cons:

    • Their customer services have been questioned by many
    • You might face problems canceling their plans

    Pricing:

    Have a look at the pricing offered by 8×8.

    Plan Pricing
    Express $15 per user/month
    X2 $24 per user/month
    X4 $44 per user/month

    MagicJack

    Website Magicjack.com
    Rating 3.3 out of 5
    Best For Small businesses and individuals

    MagicJack - Best Cloud Phone System
    A screenshot from the MagicJack Dashboard

    Founded in the year 2007, this company has been a name among small businesses looking for a cheaper communication environment. It offers a mobile app and a small USB device. As a business just starting up MagicJack can help you handle communication at a cheaper price. Here are the pros and cons to look for:

    Pros:

    • Simple plan that is easy to understand
    • Conference calling, call blocking, and call holding
    • Call hold music
    • Voicemail and call forwarding are also provided

    Cons:

    • Poor customer support has been an issue
    • Call dropping has been reported by its users
    • No unlimited international calling

    Pricing:

    MagicJack is one of the cheapest cloud phone systems. Have a look at its pricing.

    Plan Pricing
    1 Year $43
    2 Year $79
    3 Year $109

    Dialpad

    Website Dialpad.com
    Rating 4.4 out of 5
    Best For Small to medium businesses

    Dialpad - Best Cloud Phone System
    A screenshot from the Dialpad Dashboard

    With call and SMS support in over 50 countries, Dialpad has been rising in the cloud phone system sector. Founded in the year 2011, this company offers industry-specific solutions to serve different communication demands. So far, it has served over 25,000 customers. Here are the pros and cons to look for:

    Pros:

    • Unlimited international calling to over 50 supported countries
    • Supports a remote culture
    • Affordable and beneficial for startups and small-scale businesses

    Cons:

    • Poor call quality has been reported
    • Call drops

    Pricing:

    Have a look at the pricing details of Dialpad.

    Plan Pricing
    Standard $21.50 user/month
    Pro $27 user/month
    Enterprise Contact Sales

    Mitel MiCloud Connect

    Website Mitel.com
    Rating 3.8 out of 5
    Best For All businesses

    Mitel MiCloud Connect- Best Cloud Phone System
    A screenshot from the Mitel MiCloud Connect Dashboard

    MiTel, a company owned by Searchlight Capitals, provides companies with its cloud business communication services. Back in the years, it had sold a few of its technologies to RingCentral, which is another VOIP service-providing company. Apart from services, it also offers communication devices that help businesses reach their maximum potential. Here are the pros and cons to look for:

    Pros:

    • Easy-to-use interface that helps non-technical users
    • No setup fee
    • Great call and chat quality
    • Helps set up an excellent remote work culture

    Cons:

    • Doesn’t provide a free trial
    • Consulting charges are there
    • Poor UI on iPhones

    Pricing:

    Contact sales support for business-specific quotations.

    Cisco Webex Calling

    Website Cisco.com
    Rating 4.4 out of 5
    Best For All businesses

    Cisco Webex Calling - Best Cloud Phone System
    A screenshot from the Cisco Webex Calling Dashboard

    Cisco is one of the most experienced companies in the field of cloud communications. Founded in the year 1995, Cisco offers business solutions for all types of communications like video conferencing, voice calling, screen share, webinars, etc. If you are a large-scale business looking to set up a unified cloud communication, here are the pros and cons to look before:

    Pros:

    • Easy to use
    • Free trial available
    • Screen-sharing and other cloud communication features
    • Online meeting and collaboration environment setup
    • Provides quality communication

    Cons:

    • Poor quality file transfer
    • Technical user interface
    • Audio jitters have been reported

    Pricing:

    Have a look at the pricing details of Cisco Webex Calling.

    Plan Pricing
    Basic Free
    Starter $14.50/license/month
    Business $20.30/license/month
    Enterprise Contact sales

    GoTo Connect

    Website App.goto.com
    Rating 4.4 out of 5
    Best For Businesses looking for specific communication needs

    GoTo Connect - Best Cloud Phone System
    A screenshot from the GoTo Connect Dashboard

    Based in Boston, this company was founded in the year 2003 as a remote access and screen-sharing company. Today, it has reported over $1.3 billion in revenue, 10 million users, and 3,500 employees. This SaaS company has been helping big businesses connect no matter where they are. Here are the pros and cons to look for:

    Pros:

    • Excellent user interface
    • Good integration with Salesforce, Slack, etc.
    • Quality calls and customer support

    Cons:

    • Chat function might see some issues sometimes
    • The mobile app user interface needs to be improved
    • Some calls might fail to get through

    Pricing:

    Have a look at the pricing details of GoTo Connect.

    Plan Pricing
    Basic $27.00/user/month
    Standard $32.00 /user /month
    Premium $43.00 /user /month

    Conclusion

    As a business trying to tackle competition and thrive in the modern world, having an excellent communication system becomes important. A slight delay in communication could mean a big chunk of customers wincing away. The cloud phone system is an excellent solution that provides remote communication using different mediums like voice, chat, screen-share, etc. If you are a small-scale business looking for a cheaper communication setup, you may go for 8×8 or MagicJack. If you have specific demands, you may go for GoTo, Vonage, Dialpad, MiTel, etc. Cisco can be trusted for its experience and deep history. Before choosing a cloud-based phone system, always make a list of what your requirements are; it’ll help you narrow down your search and select the company that best suits your business structure.

    FAQs

    What is a cloud phone?

    A cloud phone system is a phone service that allows users to make and receive calls over the internet, instead of relying on traditional phone lines.

    What are the benefits of a cloud-based phone system?

    Key benefits of a cloud-based phone system are:

    • Easy implementation
    • Cost efficiency
    • Advanced call features
    • Increased productivity
    • Reliability and security

    How does the voice quality of a cloud-based phone system compare to a traditional phone line?

    Depending on factors such as internet speed and network reliability, the voice quality of a cloud-based phone system can be similar to or better than that of a traditional phone line.

    Can a cloud-based phone system be used by businesses of all sizes?

    Yes, a cloud-based phone system can be used by businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises.

    How secure is a cloud-based phone system?

    The security of a cloud-based phone system depends on the measures put in place by the provider and the user.

  • 10 Best Automated Answering Systems in 2023

    When working outside of normal business hours, your office may receive a large volume of phone calls from clients and potential clients. Even if you have a receptionist on duty, it may be inadequate if the volume of calls exceeds a certain limit. However, not every business requires a receptionist. An automated answering service can effectively route calls to the appropriate operator and can be customized to suit the specific needs and requirements of your business.

    In the business world, second chances are rare. Missing a call can cost you a potential lead, client, or significant business opportunity. But with automated answering services at your disposal, you can ensure that you don’t miss any opportunities.

    All answering service portals are user-friendly, so you don’t need a technical expert to set them up. To choose the best-answering service for your business, consider your current business needs and align them with your vision. This will help you make the right and most effective decision.

    What Is an Automated Answering Service?
    Factors to Consider While Choosing an Automated Answering System
    Top 10 Best Automated Answering Systems

    1. Nextiva
    2. Answer First
    3. PATlive
    4. Voice Nation
    5. Grasshopper
    6. Ooma
    7. Phone.com
    8. Vonage
    9. 8×8
    10. Aircall

    What Is an Automated Answering Service?

    Some companies use live operators to handle phone calls and take customer messages, but they also use automated answering services to take care of calls when the operators are busy with other tasks. Automated answering services are also useful for individuals who receive important calls but can’t answer every call themselves.

    In simple terms, an automated answering service is a type of virtual receptionist that handles customer requests and inquiries without making them wait on hold. It’s important to note that an automated answering service is different from an automated calling service, as it primarily manages incoming calls rather than outgoing calls. Additionally, an automated answering service typically includes a self-service option that uses advanced AI technology to answer customer questions.

    An automated answering service generally works in three different ways

    • Answer the calls on your behalf using your existing phone number
    • Play a pre-recorded greeting message that is tailored to your business requirements
    • Guide customers through a series of menus and ask them for their intent and gather all relevant information

    An automated answering service collects information from the caller and routes them to the appropriate department. It can also use call deflection to handle the high call volume.

    Factors to Consider While Choosing an Automated Answering System

    With the information provided about the top 10 automated answering systems for 2023, there are also other considerations to keep in mind when choosing an automated answering system. By taking these factors into account, you can make a more informed and efficient decision.

    Multi-Level Call Attending

    Automated answering systems route your client’s call directly to the specified operators by guiding the client through a simple menu. However, in case of multi-level call attending, this service goes up a notch by creating custom paths that allow for multiple callers.
    For example, one path might be reserved solely for accounting whereas another might go for technical support.

    Account and Call Monitoring

    When choosing an automated answering service, it is important to consider the call analytics feature. Many businesses use a dashboard to track customer interactions and this feature is activated every time a customer calls. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the dashboard is user-friendly, and up-to-date, and allows for easy management of users, permissions and various aspects of phone calls.

    Live Call Answering Feature

    While automated answering services can be helpful, having a live person available to answer calls can also be beneficial. Some clients prefer talking to an actual person rather than having a machine answer their query. Having a live person on the line can provide customers with better satisfaction as they have direct access to someone who can assist them with their inquiries or concern.

    A live call answering feature is a valuable addition to a phone plan. Therefore, it’s important to check if the automated answering service you are considering has this option available.

    VoIP Market Size By Region

    Flexible Hours

    Many businesses operate 24/7 and require answering services that can work continuously. On the other hand, some businesses only require automated answering services during regular working hours. Therefore, it’s important to select a company that offers flexible operating patterns that align with your business hours and requirements.

    In addition to the factors mentioned previously, here are some additional features to consider when choosing an automated answering service:

    • Web/Mobile Chat
    • Post-Call Surveys
    • Conference Calling
    • Voicemail Transcription
    • Call Recording
    • CRM Integration
    • IVR

    Top 10 Best Automated Answering Systems

    Selecting an automated answering system is a significant change for businesses of all sizes. When making this decision, it’s important to consider how the system will improve and streamline operations for your business.

    In order to make the best choice, you need to have the most suitable automated answering system. With many options available, it can be challenging to make a decision. That’s why we have compiled a list of the top 10 best automated answering systems for the year.

    Nextiva

    Rating 4.4/5
    Best For Small Businesses

    Nextiva is a full-service VOIP phone system designed for businesses, but it can also function effectively as an automated answering service. It comes with several features that enable you to create a personalized greeting and set answering rules based on your business hours.

    Nextiva

    With these features, you can route calls based on factors such as area code, time zone, and other factors that dictate your call-handling process. Nextiva acts as a virtual receptionist, eliminating the need for a physical receptionist to answer calls before, during or after business hours.

    Nextiva’s user-friendly administrative portal makes it ideal for small businesses and can be accessed from a computer or the company’s mobile app, allowing you to manage the entire admin portal. Additionally, Nextiva offers scalable features as your business grows, including advanced customer contact features, VoIP, video chat services, virtual voicemail, and more. It also has plans available that include a multi-level auto-attendant for more complex call routing.

    AnswerFirst

    Rating 4.2/5
    Best For 24/7 Customer Handling

    Answer First provides businesses with a professional digital presence 24/7 by giving access to features such as message taking and response, appointment scheduling, and assistance with purchasing and ordering. The company has a certified and dedicated customer service team, made up of professionals who have been connecting people with answers since 1998.

    AnswerFirst

    Here are some of the services that are available to you when you sign up with Answer First: 24/7 Dispatching, Systems and Security Management, Live Transfer, Message Taking, Scheduling and Reservations, Virtual Receptionist, and Voice Mail Services.

    Answer First is an advanced automated answering service that offers exceptional customer service to all clients. It offers a wide range of third-party integrations and customizable pricing plans tailored to your specific needs and requirements. With Answer First, you can ensure that you never miss a potential lead, client, or business opportunity, and can always make a positive impression on your customers. The service’s 24/7 availability, live transfer, and message taking feature, scheduling and reservations, virtual receptionist, and voicemail service ensure that you are always reachable and able to provide professional and efficient customer service.

    PATlive

    Rating 3.9/5
    Best For All types of businesses and Customer Experience Management

    As a business owner, you are constantly seeking out solutions that can meet all of your business needs, including 24/7 coverage. PATlive’s digital receptionists provide professional customer service around the clock, which can significantly improve your customer relations and strengthen your relationships with current clients. With their help, you can make sure that your customers have a positive experience with your company at all times, even when you are unavailable.

    PATlive

    Additionally, the digital receptionist service guarantees that you never miss a potential lead or business opportunity, which can help you grow your business. PATlive offers a 14-day free trial feature that allows you to gain a comprehensive understanding of the product before making a decision. Additionally, the bilingual service feature enables you to communicate effectively with people speaking a language different from yours.

    With PATlive’s digital agents, you can easily book, manage, and keep track of your appointments using the software’s web-based calendaring service. This feature allows you to schedule, reschedule, and cancel appointments, as well as view upcoming appointments in a calendar format. This functionality can help you to manage your time more efficiently and productively.

    Voice Nation

    Rating 4.3/5
    Best For Live Call and Chat Answering

    Voice Nation offers top-quality automated answering services that are available 24/7 for your convenience. By signing up with Voice Nation, you gain access to a bilingual virtual receptionist that will answer your calls and respond to texts on your behalf. This feature ensures that you never miss an important call or message and can provide professional and efficient customer service to your clients.

    VoiceNation

    Additionally, when you sign up with Voice Nation, you also gain access to additional services such as order processing, message delivery, detailed reports, and a dedicated account manager that is included in each plan. With this automated answering service, you never have to send your customers to voicemail again, as you can personally attend to each customer at any time of the day. This can help you improve customer service and strengthen your relationships with your clients.

    With Voice Nation, you can customize your call script to match the type of business and clients you have. The service also offers a mobile application that is compatible with both iOS and Android devices, providing you with flexibility and convenience.

    Grasshopper

    Rating 4.5/5
    Best For Solo Enterpreneurs

    Every business has a unique selling proposition (USP) that sets it apart from the competition, and it’s important to effectively communicate that USP to customers. Grasshopper’s software includes an auto-attendant feature that allows you to use pre-recorded scripts from the software’s database.

    Grasshopper

    You can assign different scripts for different client paths to help answer your incoming calls more professionally. For an additional fee, the software also offers a professional voice studio. Grasshopper’s software allows you to switch between live operators and digital receptionists depending on your preference, giving you the flexibility to choose who handles your calls. Grasshopper offers an easy 4-step process to add a business number and integrate your smartphone with a virtual phone system, allowing you to never miss a call and present a professional image to your customers.

    Ooma

    Rating 4/5
    Best For Small Businesses without IT Departments

    Ooma is specifically designed for small businesses and includes an auto-attendant feature when setting up an account. It has a text-to-speech enabled feature and callers are greeted by a virtual assistant every time they call. You can select and assign a customized greeting which will be read out by a computer-generated voice to the caller. Additionally, the software’s dashboard includes a control panel that enables you to record audio files, which is a useful option if you are considering a virtual receptionist.

    Ooma

    Ooma is loaded with numerous features such as HD Audio, low international calling rates, a virtual fax system, mobile app integration, a complimentary toll-free number and free local phone numbers. These features are intended to enhance customer service, boost productivity, and improve overall business communication.

    This automated answering service also offers a mobile application compatible with both Android and iOS, allowing you to check voicemails on your phone anytime and anywhere. As a small business owner, cost-effectiveness is a priority, and Ooma offers smart plans for every user. As your business grows, Ooma will ensure that your phone bill remains low. Therefore, not only does your business advance, but you also have the opportunity to make significant savings on your phone bill.

    Phone.com

    Rating 3.9/5
    Best For Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs

    If you are looking for a solution to manage your metered subscriptions, phone.com is an automated answering service specifically designed for businesses with lower or fluctuating call volume. The software offers both metered and non-metered subscription plans. This allows you to customize and integrate your plans based on your specific needs and requirements. Additionally, phone.com provides access to various additional features such as live receptionist, international numbering and dialling.

    Phone.com

    The global numbers and international calling feature will be particularly beneficial for businesses with multiple marketing campaigns. Additionally, phone.com offers a wide range of features such as voice, video, text, call management, and other collaboration features commonly found in enterprise phone systems.

    Furthermore, this answering service is highly versatile and can seamlessly switch between computer and phone. It offers a variety of options such as local, toll-free, and vanity numbers.

    Vonage

    Rating 3.5/5
    Best For All Businesses including Micro Businesses

    Irrespective of the type and size of your business, it is important to have a flexible and cost-effective business plan that can help your business to grow without incurring high phone bills. An ideal plan would provide you with the necessary communication tools while keeping costs low.

    Vonage

    This can include features such as virtual phone numbers, call forwarding, voicemail, and auto-attendant, all of which can help to improve your customer service and increase your productivity. Additionally, many business communication solutions offer affordable pricing plans with different features, so you can choose the one that best fits your business needs and budget.

    Vonage offers a variety of flexible options, including over 50 phone features with the ability to add advanced features at an additional cost. The basic plan includes 18 standard features such as call recording, internet fax, conference bridge, virtual numbers and more.

    Additionally, a self-service mobile application that is compatible with both Android and iOS is available, enabling you to deploy third-party apps without needing professional services. Vonage offers a wide range of services such as contact centres, customer engagement, mobility, remote work, and more.

    8×8

    Rating 4.1/5
    Best For Unified Business Communication

    8×8 is an automated phone attendant service that operates in over 48 countries and is ideal for companies with a large number of international clients. Additionally, the software has an economical subscription plan that allows you to save money on international calls.

    8×8

    The auto-attendant software has phone number support flexibility in over 100 countries, allowing your business to expand virtually in areas where you do not have a physical presence. However, the software’s collaboration features are currently limited to file sharing and video meetings.

    Furthermore, the software utilizes AI to assist you in monitoring and managing your voice interactions, helping your team leaders and managers. The software also has an app that is compatible with both Android and iOS, allowing you to access all your business communication such as chat, video messages, voice calls, and more.

    Aircall

    Rating 4.3/5
    Best For Integration with CRM and Helpdesk Tools

    Aircall is a cloud-based auto-attendant software that is perfect for e-commerce companies, enabling them to make their call centre more remote and efficient. It is an IT-approved, cloud-based solution that is ideal for sales and marketing teams.

    aircall

    This software is also easy to set up and enables you to communicate with anyone, anywhere in the world. Aircall also comes equipped with CRM features, helpdesk solutions, and other essential apps that provide all the necessary information to clients when they call.

    Aircall allows you to manage and monitor your work, analyze calls, and measure your call metrics to make measurable improvements. It also includes features such as a cloud-based IVR menu, skill-based routing options, and more.

    Conclusion

    Regardless of the type of business you run, an automated answering service can greatly benefit your business and contribute to its growth. An automated answering service allows you to customize it to provide all necessary information to your callers. By doing so, you can greatly reduce operating costs, time and staff resources. High-quality customer service is heavily dependent on your telephone system, and customer satisfaction improves when exceptional customer service is provided.

    FAQ

    What is the best phone system for business?

    The best Business Phone Systems are as follows

    • PATlive
    • Nextiva
    • VoiceNation
    • Grasshopper
    • 8×8
    • Vonage
    • Aircall

    What is the automated phone answering system called?

    Interactive voice response (IVR) is an automated telephony system that interacts with callers, gathers information and routes calls to the appropriate recipients.

    What is an IVR dialer?

    An IVR Dialer is an automated dialer that dials numbers from a given database and plays IVR (Interactive Voice Response) messages when connected.

    What are the limitations of telephone answering machines?

    The Disadvantages of Using an Automated Phone Answering System

    • Automated Phone Systems Can Alienate Customers.
    • Automated Phone Systems Can Confuse Customers.
    • Automated Phone Systems can Malfunction
    • Automated Phone Systems can be Inefficient
  • How to Record VoIP Calls Effectively?

    As per the report published by Persistence market research, the global VoIP market is estimated to achieve the mark of $194.5 billion in revenue by the end of 2024. Almost every small business to the big giant company is using VoIP for communication and at the same time using VoIP call recording to ensure accountability.

    Since VoIP is an advanced technology that comes with amazing features at a low price compared to traditional ones, the recording of calls is also different. Some VoIP service providers offer a call recording feature in their plans, but some offer this feature as an add-on at additional costs.

    Here in this article, you will get to know the procedure to record a VoIP call.

    What Is VoIP?
    Why Do Companies Need to Record VoIP Calls?
    Steps to Record VoIP Calls

    What Is VoIP?

    Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a technology that enables seamless transmission of audio and video conversation over the internet. Using this technology one can easily avail the benefit of communicating with people using the internet connection. The audio or video data is converted into digital data in small data packets, then it is transmitted to the destination using the Internet network. The receiver receives this data packet combined to listen to the conversation.

    It provides the ability to make business calls from any location from any device through an internet connection. Unlike the traditional phone system, it saves a lot of money on normal calls and also on Long distance International calls.

    Not only voice calls but other mediums like video, chats, sending or receiving images, videos, and documents everything is possible because of VoIP technology. There is no boundation to stick with only one tool for communications but one can easily switch to their smartphone and make or receive a business call on it.

    Why Do Companies Need to Record VoIP Calls?

    VoIP is widely used by today’s businesses because of its flexibility and low-cost infrastructure. But while running business communication on VoIP, companies strongly need to record their every call. There are certain reasons companies do record the calls and some of the most prominent reasons are the following.

    • To prevent the business from future misunderstandings with clients. Sometimes when clients refuse their words, your call recording works as strong evidence.
    • Businesses also use call recordings for quality assurance. As a business owner, you always want your customers to be happy with your service. So it helps to ensure, no of your employees misbehaves with your customer.
    • Call recordings are also used by the companies for the training of the recruit. You might have heard the voice ” your call may be recorded for quality and training purposes” while communicating with any company.
    • It helps to reduce the legal risk if you have proof of any verbal commitment as a recording.
    • While working on a project for a client, sometimes you might require clarification from the previous conversation, and automatic call recording acts as a miracle at that time.
    Mobile VoIP Market size by Region

    Steps to Record VoIP Calls

    Coming back to the topic, below is the step-by-step process to help you to record VoIP calls. Since you can choose different software for your VoIP call recording but more or less the procedure is the same.

    Step 1: Choose the Right Software

    Choosing the right software to record calls is the first and most prominent step in our list. There could be many VoIP service providers available that are offering VoIP call recording features. Some include it in their plan while some offer it as an add-on. Here is a list of a few software providers who provide the call-recording feature.

    • RingCentral
    • 8×8
    • Nextiva
    • Vonage

    Choose any of the providers which suit your needs the best.

    Step 2: Configuration of Basic Settings

    Once you are done selecting the provider, the next step is configuring the basic call recording setting. To provide you with the context of how to use the call recording feature, we have taken the example of Nextiva.‌ Let us discuss how to record a call on Nextiva.

    Homepage

    ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌Once you are on the homepage dashboard of the software, you need to click on the manage option under the user’s tab.‌

    User Overview Page

    ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌After clicking on the user’s tab you’ll enter the user’s dashboard. Here you’ll see all your users and various options to configure. Just select the desired user for whom you want to record the call.‌‌



    Click here to get Nextiva


    User Manager Page

    ‌‌‌‌Once you click on any user, you’ll find the monitoring section, under this section there is an option for call recording. Just enable this call recording option for the user.

    You’ll find this option in different places based on your service provider.

    Step 3: Configure Call Recording Policies

    After completing all of the above steps, you need to choose your desired call recording policy from the dropdown menu. Below I’ve explained these policies in brief.

    Call Recording Options

    Always On

    When this option is selected, every call for that user will automatically start recording. The user will have no control over the recordings to start, stop, pause or resume. You can select this option if you want to record all the calls without giving control to the user.

    Always on With Pause and Resume

    This option also records all the calls automatically as soon as the calls start, but this option empowers the user to pause and resume the call recording whenever he/she wants. You can select this option if you want to give some control to the user.

    Users can pause the call recording by dialling *48 and resume the paused call recording by dialling *49.

    On-demand

    As the name suggests On-demand, which means VoIP call recording will start as soon as the user initiates the call but it will automatically get deleted if the user does not place the call on hold and dial *44.

    It means if the user wants to save this call recording, then he/she needs to put the call on hold and has to dial the feature code *44. This option will give much more flexibility to users.

    On-Demand With User-Initiated Call

    When this option is enabled, calls will not start recording automatically. In order to start the call recording, the user has to put the call on hold and dial *44. Another alternative is also available, user can dial this code before making the outbound Call to record the call.

    Never

    This option doesn’t allow the user to record any of the calls. Even the user can’t record any call using any of the feature codes like*44.

    Step 4: Good to Go

    After selecting your recording policy for the user, you can select the other option which is easy to configure. Like if you want to make the announcement that the call recording is being started or stopped, then you can check the option. Similarly, you can easily configure other basic settings.‌‌

    Now you are good to go to record all your business calls. Keep in mind that I’ve taken the example of Nextiva but you can choose any provider, settings and features might be up or down but the functionality is the same.

    Conclusion

    Call recording is a widely used feature in the business. empower your business by leveraging the feature of call recording. Call recording, even today, is quite challenging if you don’t have the right tools. Follow our step-by-step guide to record your VoIP calls and run your business with full accountability. It helps individuals and companies maintain accountability for verbal commitments. Automatic call recording using your VoIP phone system helps you run a more successful business.

    FAQ

    Can VoIP phone calls be recorded?

    VoIP calls can be recorded via streaming audio recording applications. Streaming audio recorders can be useful for home-based recording.

    How do I record a VoIP call on Windows 10?

    The keyboard shortcut Windows+Alt+R allows you to record VoIP calls on your PC quickly.

    What is the best free app for recording phone calls?

    The List of some of the best software is

    • RingCentral
    • 8×8
    • Nextiva
    • Vonage

    Can we automatically record all calls?

    Some VoIP call recording software allows you to manually select which phone conversations you want to record, while others support automatic audio recordings of all phone calls.

  • Companies Providing Best Business Phone Services in India

    Business telephone systems can be used by companies of all sizes to manage internal and external calls. Their capabilities are vastly different from those of domestic phone services. A strong business phone system should be able to manage several calls at the same time as well as transfer calls inside the company.

    If you have an e-commerce website or a small-scale business site, integrating a formal business phone service could help your business expand. It can be used to improve client interactions by providing high-quality service and marketing over the call.

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    In this article, we’ll look at what a business phone service is, its types and some of India’s leading business phone services.

    What is a Business Phone Service?
    Types of Phone Services
    Best Business Phone Services in India

    1. Exotel
    2. CallHippo
    3. RingCentral
    4. eVoice
    5. Nextiva

    Conclusion
    FAQs

    What is a Business Phone Service?

    Business Phone Service
    Business Phone Service

    A business phone system is a multi-line mobile network designed to meet the specific communication demands of businesses. It can support enormous traffic and offers comprehensive call managerial functions. All incoming, outgoing, and local calls within a company are routed through a business phone system.

    If your firm has a proper business phone line, it will appear more legitimate to customers and will aid in the company’s growth. A solid business phone service allows for easy call length tracking, call forwarding, call holding, and caller Ids, among other features. The organization can use such resources, and also have the option to use them on landline phone systems, mobile phones, and even computers.

    Types of Phone Services

    KSU, PBX, and VoIP are the three most common forms of commercial telephone systems. There are hosted (cloud) and non-hosted (on-premises) versions of each of these programs. So this is how they are different from each other-

    1. Key System Units

    A phone system that uses the key system unit is by far the most fundamental (KSU). Because of the constraints on the number of phone lines, it can accommodate, this sort of system is really only useful for small firms with no more than 40 staff working as customer service staff. It’s a simple system that works similarly to a home phone. It contains all of the necessary functions for a corporation, but it limits flexibility and versatility. It selects a phone line manually using a central switching device called the KSU.

    2. Private Branch Exchange

    One alternative to a corporate phone system is a private branch exchange (PBX). This technology is more sophisticated than the KSU and KSU-free methods. It makes use of programmable switching devices to allow for automated handling. Because it’s entirely automated, this type of corporate telephone network is best for companies with more than 40 workers. Another key benefit of the PBX system is that it includes a continuous power supply, which allows a firm to operate without power for a longer length of time.

    The online PBX is a variation of this service. The sole difference seems to be that the programmable switching device is now maintained by a telephone company rather than being put on-premises. The biggest benefit is that you’ll save money on construction and repair while still getting all of the amazing tools that a traditional PBX system provides.

    3. Voice Over Internet Protocol

    Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a recent and more widespread corporate invention (VoIP). This seems to be the most sophisticated method, enabling a prospective customer and a phone operator to interact even if they are in separate nations. It necessitates the usage of the internet as well as a desktop. It is, however, the most expensive system, with the price based on the number of workers who will utilise it. The key advantage of this system is that all of its operations may be accessed via a computer connected to your firm’s internet connection.

    The VoIP system, like the PBX, can be online. Because the network operator maintains the central telecommunications network, the hosted model delivers the very same benefits as the standard VoIP system, with less construction and repair for the organization employing it.

    Best Business VoIP providers in 2022

    Best Business Phone Services in India

    There are a lot of different Business phone services that can be used by businesses of all scales and the following are some major business phone services in India –

    Exotel

    Best Business Phone Services in India - Exotel
    Best Business Phone Services in India – Exotel

    Exotel advertises a stable and dependable business phone system. The technology is cloud-based, allowing the company to have a single corporate phone number from which to make calls and send SMSs. Exotel also provides selling tools, marketing materials, customer service tools, business analytics, and insights, as well as everything else businesses need to operate their operations successfully over phone calls and messaging. The starting price is ₹5555 per 3 months.

    CallHippo

    Best Business Phone Services in India - CallHippo
    Best Business Phone Services in India – CallHippo

    CallHippo is popular amongst big giants like Byjus, TechMahindra and so many others. It claims to provide smoother support services with tools like call routing, live call monitoring and more. It implies that its services like PowerDialer and click-to-dial messaging will boost the productivity and the efficiency of the business, thus helping it grow and achieve its goals. The starting price for CallHippo is ₹1440 User/Month.

    RingCentral

    Best Business Phone Services in India - RingCentral
    Best Business Phone Services in India – RingCentral

    RingCentral claims to offer the best communication solutions and empower small businesses and their employees with better communications, calls, messaging, online collaborations and so much more. The starting price is ₹1439.28 User/Month.

    eVoice

    Best Business Phone Services in India - eVoice
    Best Business Phone Services in India – eVoice

    eVoice digital voice logging has been aimed at assisting smaller companies in managing inquiries more successfully, projecting a professional appearance, and allowing their customers to operate from just about anywhere. The starting price for eVoice is ₹935.28 User/Month.

    Nextiva

    Best Business Phone Services in India - nextiva
    Best Business Phone Services in India – nextiva

    Nextiva is a linked telecommunications firm that assists companies in expanding more quickly. It claims that its commercial VoIP phone service, online communication, messaging services, and CRM software enable individuals to operate more efficiently. The starting price of Nextiva is ₹1436.4 per month.

    Conclusion

    If a business utilizes a business phone service, it will benefit regardless of how big or small it is. The use of a business phone service leads to more efficient communication and collaboration. It makes the organization appear genuine and professional to everyday customers, and it aids in business growth. Before choosing a business phone service, it is usually a good idea to learn about it and comprehend it. It’s critical to pick the ideal one for your company.

    FAQs

    Is VoIP available in India?

    It is now permitted in India to use VoIP, according to new rules.

    Is Nextiva better than RingCentral?

    Both Nextiva and RingCentral offer good service, but Nextiva is often favoured since it is more adaptable to individual needs.

    Is it cheaper to have a business phone?

    As VoIP business phone services utilize the current internet connection instead of requiring any additional system or equipment, it is less expensive than on-premise landlines.

    What are the best business phone services in India?

    Best business phone services in India are:

    • Exotel
    • CallHippo
    • RingCentral
    • eVoice
    • Nextiva