Communications and collaborations are not the same things. Decision-makers need to look at how employees have been collaborating, how well current applications are supporting this, and what their collaboration needs will be going forward. Technology is changing so quickly, impacting not only the applications  but also end user expectations about using them. Jon Arnold (Principal of J Arnold & Associates) writes in his article about interconnected challenges for making the right decisions around collaboration, and the success factors. Read more at: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/voip-news/collaboration-buying-decisions-three-keys-to-success-70223

Many businesses are implementing VoIP over PBX as VoIP operates over your data network, instead of phone lines, which introduces additional network considerations when you implement this system. Another reason is voice data gets processed alongside other types of data, instead of through its own dedicated line, therefore, you need to approach network optimization to ensure a high-quality customer service experience. Read more at: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/voip-news/5-ways-to-optimize-your-network-for-your-voip-solution-70226

Nowadays, companies are using advanced technologies to improve their business processes. They are also using cost-effective communication technology like VoIP. They are taking care of customers by using CRM (customer relationship management) solutions. It is found that by integrating VoIP and CRM seamlessly, a business can draw meaningful benefits. Integration between CRM and VoIP systems can bring the following benefits to the business:

Ability to make high-quality, personalized customer calls

Better handling of increased call volumes

More productivity

Cost-effective customer communication

Easier call recordings and reduced data entry per call

Scalable, mobility-ready integrated customer management and communication system. Read more at: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/voip-news/10-excellent-tips-for-improving-voipcrm-integration-70227

Proximity marketing is becoming popular nowadays. It is a way of reaching in-store shoppers, trade show attendees, and other consumers through their smartphones with beacon technology. Beacons are devices that push messages to mobile apps when smartphones are within a certain distance. This technology meshes well with customer relationship management tools. It is another way to collect behavioral data and customer information. This article states some ways by which you can use CRM and beacons together. They are - Permission-Based Marketing, Customer Engagement, In-Store Product Recommendations, Loyalty Program Connection, and High-Value Customer Targeting. Read more at: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/insidecrm/5-ways-crm-tools-and-beacon-technology-work-well-together-70216

Nowadays, advancements in customer relationship management technologies are more customer-focused. Social media have created an environment where companies need to focus on delivering the best experience possible to their buyers. CRMs are now built to accommodate the insights from Internet of Things (IoT) connected devices, third-party vendors, and other sources for understanding the prospects and customers. This article explores different types of data necessary for customer understanding, and the way CRM can serve as a center for insights. Read more at: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/insidecrm/does-big-data-equal-huge-personalization-exploring-big-data-insights-for-crm-70218

 CRM can provide amazing benefits for your business. Companies can deliver a personalized experience by knowing their customers. However, by purchasing a CRM system will not increase your profits. You will need to put in time and effort to realize the benefits. In short, CRM is a science, not magic.  Read more at: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/insidecrm/9-reasons-why-crm-for-your-business-is-science-and-not-magic-70217

CRM is important for any business. The main options companies actually have when it comes to CRM: standalone static software and integrated cloud-based CRM. Earlier, companies chose dedicated CRM software to capture client information, such as telephone numbers, addresses, and other contact information. But, that didn't help companies connect with customers in a significant way. Integrated cloud-based CRM can be accessed from any mobile device. The advantage is that it covers a wider range of information such as customers past orders, past communications, and shipping information and this information can be captured and fully integrated with calendars, email, and other systems. So, customer information is a powerful tool for businesses, and trying to connect it without a proper system is like beating the bush. Read more at: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/insidecrm/making-integrated-accessible-crm-work-in-business-70220

Today’s sales organization depends on CRM systems. Marketing automation is gaining importance to deliver increasing value to marketing teams. Both departments are benefitting from automation, and analytics, but, they would benefit more if they both work together. Rose de Fremery (the founder of lowercase d consulting) writes in her article about some ways your sales and marketing teams can get on the same page, and then get to the next level using CRM insights. Read more at: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/insidecrm/4-ways-your-sales-and-marketing-teams-can-collaborate-effectively-using-crm-insights-70207

Strong relationships can be built by any company with the help of CRM. But, CRM system must be well-configured so that you can boost the impact of your engagement efforts by adopting a multichannel approach. Rose de Fremery (the founder of lowercase d consulting) writes in her article about some ways to engage with your customers more profitably in the long term. Read more at: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/insidecrm/4-ways-to-enhance-customer-engagement-using-multichannel-crm-70206

Many insurance companies have benefited from implementing CRM systems. But, some organizations don’t know which CRM tools to integrate into their systems to gain the best results possible. There are many tools to choose from, but not all of them are as beneficial as they are promised to be. In this article, the author writes about some tools that have proved to be beneficial for achieving CRM goals. They are - Web-based Project Management, Document and Content Management Capabilities, Contact Center Optimization, and Mobile and Social Capabilities. Read more at: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/insidecrm/4-musthave-crm-tools-for-insurance-agencies-70205

Adding social listening to any customer relationship management solution is a natural progression. But, many criticized the solution as a violation of their customers’ privacy rights. Nevertheless, the technology has advanced and can save companies millions on marketing costs. Social listening enhances a CRM solution by giving the business an opportunity to acquire knowledge and insight about what customers are saying and their feeling toward the company or its products. It can also enhance marketing campaigns by giving marketers an awareness of what messages may be better received and can gauge how current marketing efforts are performing. It also helps human resources personnel and the company to monitor employee performance, gauge their reputation among the workforce, and help identify disgruntled employees. Read more at: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/insidecrm/should-social-listening-be-part-of-my-crm-solution-70204

Nowadays, a lot of marketers face the challenge of using all of the data generated by the CRM solution and assembling it in understandable forms. To overcome this, it’s essential to choose an advanced CRM platform that can pull in information from various sources and has powerful analytics and reporting capabilities built in. Read more about the marketing benefits of CRM-driven Big Data at: http://www.business2community.com/big-data/leveraging-big-data-analytics-from-crm-01357102#8UDzqw31MbUEzSzX.97

Data analytics can extract patterns, trends, and information from large sets of data. We often use the term “business intelligence,” for data analytics. But, it’s useful to distinguish the terms. Business intelligence uses data to improve management and operations. Data analytics improve that data before acting on it; further, you can slice the data to extract insights that in turn provides a competitive advantage to your organization. Data analytics can put any company ahead of disruptions, leveraging the data to augment your competitive position relative to others in your field. Read more at: http://www.business2community.com/business-intelligence/company-needs-data-analytics-01359169#pd3tMLVLOM7fcY29.97

Nowadays, the demand for home-based agents and hosted contact services is increasing and is affecting the dynamics of the provider ecosystem, which results in contributing new challenges and opportunities. According to a survey, it was found that the employee population, as a whole, grew by 1.8% from 2014 to 2015, while the employee population that telecommutes grew an impressive 6.5%. A new forecast issued by International Data Corporation (IDC) estimates that U.S. spending on customer care BPO using home-based delivery resources is increasing at a CAGR of 25.1% to $6.1 billion in 2017. Dave Walsh (StatesideBPO), writes in his article about why businesses are embracing the home-based agent model. Read more at: http://www.callcentertimes.com/Home/tabid/37/ctl/NewsArticle/mid/395/CategoryID/1/NewsID/1087/Default.aspx

Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is being used by VoIP to convert voice to data and transmit this data over public or private IP networks. VoIP is used to cut costs, add features and capabilities, and make more efficient use of their IP networks. In this article, the author writes about some methods by which the process is better. Read more at: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/voip-news/5-ways-you-can-successfully-implement-sip-70186

It is the age of bring-your-own-device or BYOD, where employees use their personal smartphones, tablets and laptops for work in conjunction with company issued kit. The business is progressive when it supports BYOD use. Supporting BYOD requires different skills. The author writes in this article about the five skills necessary for IT departments that support BYOD. Read more at: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/voip-news/five-skills-it-needs-for-successful-byod-support-70167

Voice calls are still the most important mode of communication for any businesses. Research shows that the phone has a significant lead over any other method of communication for customers, with 68 % of buyers, says that it's their preferred way to communicate with businesses. Voice over Internet protocol, or VoIP, is a powerful way for companies to maintain a high quality of voice-call service while cutting costs. It is also found that VoIP installation can save 90% over the installation charges of a traditional phone system and save 40-90% of future calls. But, there are some myths about VoIP's call quality, pricing and complexity which can overrule its benefits. In this article, the author has debunked a few of the most common whispers. Read more at: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/voip-news/voice-over-ip-myths-debunking-the-most-common-whispers-70154

Gartner research has found that CRM is back on many CIO and CTO's top-10 lists for the year to come, and 25% of them also plan to implement the tool soon. But, some CRM implementations are not successful. There are initiatives which can fail for a number of reasons, but, companies always hope to deliver the project on time and within budget. There are 7 critical success factors for launching CRM. Read more at: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/insidecrm/7-oftenforgotten-steps-to-a-successful-crm-launch-70140

Technological landscape is changing and so does CRM processes. But, first we must know, what is CRM. Customer relations management is a process that combines marketing and sales in order to direct customers to products that they want. CRM software is playing an important role in providing marketers and sales teams with information about customers so that they can provide the best service. CRM is also adopting new technological trends, and there are also internal trends that drive changes within the process to provide better customer experiences. Read more at: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/insidecrm/whats-in-store-for-crm-in-the-next-year-70157

Nowadays, predictive analytics is becoming common in daily life. People come into contact with the results of predictive analytics, but they do not know. It is found that within business operations, predictive analytics is slowly adopted. Using customer relationship management data in predictive analytics processes helps companies who want to improve operations and sales. Well-organized data are the foundation of predictive analytics. Read more about organizing and storing CRM data to make the first predictive analytics projects easier to start at: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/insidecrm/4-tips-for-setting-up-crm-data-for-predictive-analytics-70162