Kefcom Blog

Exploring The Benefits of Mobile Data for Small Businesses

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 10:32:01 GMT

In today's digital age, mobile data has become an indispensable tool for businesses of all sizes. While larger corporations may have the resources to invest in elaborate IT infrastructures, small businesses can harness the power of mobile data to level the playing field and compete effectively. Below are just some of the numerous benefits of mobile data for small businesses and how it can enhance their operations and drive growth.

Increased Connectivity:

One of the primary advantages of mobile data is its ability to keep small businesses connected wherever they go. With mobile data plans and smartphones, users can access emails, collaborate with remote teams, and manage their business operations on the go. Whether attending meetings, visiting clients, or participating in conferences, small business owners can stay connected and make critical decisions in real-time, thereby increasing productivity and responsiveness.

Flexibility and Mobility:

Mobile data enables small businesses to break free from the constraints of traditional office setups. Entrepreneurs can work from anywhere, whether it's a coffee shop, co-working space, or their own living room. This flexibility and mobility empower small business owners to adapt to changing circumstances. Additionally, mobile data allows employees to work remotely, promoting work-life balance and attracting talent from a wider pool.

Seamless Communication:

Effective communication is vital for small businesses to thrive, and mobile data plays a crucial role in facilitating seamless communication channels. With mobile apps and collaboration tools, teams can exchange information, share documents, and collaborate on projects in real-time, irrespective of their physical locations. Mobile data also enables small businesses to connect with customers through various channels, such as social media, instant messaging, and video conferencing, resulting in improved customer service and stronger relationships.

Access to Real-Time Information:

In today's fast-paced business environment, access to real-time information is invaluable. Mobile data allows small businesses to retrieve critical data and insights instantly, enabling better decision-making. Whether it's checking inventory levels, tracking sales figures, or analysing market trends, mobile data empowers entrepreneurs to stay informed and make informed business choices on the spot. This agility can give small businesses a competitive edge, allowing them to adapt quickly to market changes and seize opportunities.

Enhanced Marketing Opportunities:

Mobile data opens up a world of marketing opportunities for small businesses. With the majority of consumers using smartphones, businesses can leverage mobile data to reach their target audience effectively. Through mobile advertising, personalised notifications, and location-based marketing, small businesses can tailor their marketing strategies to engage customers in a more direct and relevant manner. Mobile data also provides valuable insights into customer behaviour, preferences, and demographics, allowing businesses to refine their marketing campaigns and optimise their efforts for better results.

Cost Efficiency:

Investing in mobile data can be a cost-efficient option for small businesses. Compared to setting up and maintaining traditional IT infrastructure, mobile data plans are relatively affordable and scalable. Small businesses can choose plans that suit their needs and expand or downsize as their requirements change. Moreover, mobile data eliminates the need for costly hardware and maintenance, reducing capital expenditure and freeing up resources for other business priorities.

Here at Kefcom we offer a variety of mobile data plans, across multiple mobile networks, so we are sure to be able to find a perfect fit for your business.

If you’d like to discuss your needs, please give us a call. We’ll get you Connected. Anywhere.

Apple Security Breach

tom.hemmings@kefcom.net (Tom Hemmings) — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 08:18:45 GMT

Urgent update - your action is required.

You may have seen in the news from Friday that Apple has identified two significant security vulnerabilities in its operating systems (iPadOS, iOS and macOS).

One of these issues - a flaw in Apple's web browser technology, Webkit - is being actively exploited by attackers.

This is a very serious issue. It could ultimately allow cybercriminals to take full control of an end user's device, giving a cybercriminal the same level of access as Apple itself. In response, Apple has released an urgent security update.

Software versions affected:
✔️ iPadOS prior to 15.6.1
✔️ iOS prior to 15.6.1
✔️ macOS Monterey 12 prior to 12.5.1

Recommended actions:
Check your OS version and update if required. To do so, navigate the menu as follows:

✔️ On your iPhone or iPad: Settings > General > Software Update
✔️ On your Mac: Apple menu > About this Mac > Software Update

We strongly urge you to take the steps highlighted above, regardless of which mobile network you are connected to.

New 'date based routing' feature added to our Hosted VoIP System!

tom.hemmings@kefcom.net (Tom Hemmings) — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 13:52:50 GMT

You can now follow these simple steps to pre-programme your Hosted PBX 'Time Profile' to route differently on specified dates:

Until now, it has only been possible to programme a weekly ‘Time Profile’ (with the exception of Bank Holidays, which we can set to automatically go into night mode).

However, it is now possible to pre-programme alternative routing on a particular date or dates. This is especially useful when, for example, you want to do something like pre-programme call diverts for out of hours on-call staff over a period such as Christmas, when admin staff will not be available to make changes.

To do so, please follow these steps:

1. Log into portal and go to ‘Call Routing’ --> ‘Time Profile’.

2. Select the ‘Time Profile’ you wish to adjust.

3. Select the ‘Calendars’ tab.

4. As shown in the screenshot above, you can then set an alternative destination for a particular date and time range.

5. Hit ‘Save’.

Now your system will over-ride any 'Time Profile' programming (including the 'Bank Holiday' feature), for those specific dates and times.

Work from anywhere with ‘Mobile Twinning’

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 09:57:52 GMT

Did you know that you can 'twin' your deskphone with a softphone on your mobile for complete flexibility?

One of the great features of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is that your phone system is no longer tied to a particular location because of the restrictions of traditional telephone lines. VoIP phones simply require an internet connection in order to work, meaning that during these trying times your team can continue to operate by taking their handset home and plugging it into their broadband router.

What many people don’t realise is that with softphone ‘twinning’ our system is even more flexible! Not only can you work from home… you can work from anywhere with WiFi or a mobile data connection.

By simply downloading our softphone to your Android or Apple device and entering your login details, the softphone will become your extension, with all of the same features and functionality of your desk phone and both of your devices will work in parallel!

If you are interested in using the Softphone feature, get in touch !

VoIP with Microsoft Teams integration is a perfect fit for Home Working.

tom.hemmings@kefcom.net (Tom Hemmings) — Thu, 14 May 2020 10:43:07 GMT

Maximise productivity for Home Workers during the Coronavirus pandemic period

We are able to set up an emergency VoIP phone system, straddling multiple locations, enabling your business to operate as if under the same roof, on a short term, 7 days “rolling” arrangement, which includes all outbound calls to UK landline and mobile phone no’s, to cover the period for any business that may be concerned about the inability of staff to attend their normal place of work due to the need for “self-isolation”.

We can set up a complete functioning phone system, with MS Teams integration within just a few hours, without even needing to visit your offices, and provide your business with a complete “home worker” solution, to enable your business to continue to function during the period when the Coronavirus will be most prevalent.

Our solution can be set up and operate without Cap-Ex, utilising your employees’ smart-phones and an App that will replicate your existing telephone system’s functionality. We can alternatively provide desk phones (at cost), preconfigured and shipped directly to your staff, if that is preferable to using a mobile App.

The business will be able to receive multiple simultaneous calls with internal transfers, voicemail etc. and the mobile App will display your business phone no’s. when making outbound calls. We can also provide video conferencing via the same App if required.

Should this be of interest at this time then please contact us on 0117 9717722 or 01726 250025 and we can provide the advice, support and a solution to minimise interruption to your business during these ongoing and uncertain times.

VoIP can help you to stay connected during the Coronavirus Pandemic.

tom.hemmings@kefcom.net (Tom Hemmings) — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 08:43:37 GMT

Home working telephony solutions delivered within 24 hours, no matter your business size or need.

It is becoming evident that there is considerable concern about keeping our business’ operational during the looming Coronavirus crisis.

We’re able to provide access to our Hosted VoIP phone system, with however many extensions your business might need, on an informal 30 days “rolling” agreement with Nil Cap-ex required, thus enabling your business to function in the event of office closure due to “self-isolation”.

In essence we can replicate the functionality of your existing phone system so that your business can continue to function uninterrupted, with staff being able to work from home, making, taking and transferring calls via an App on a smart-phone that connects to our system, providing your business with all the functionality that you already enjoy (Voicemail, Auto-Attendant, Conference calls etc.) for as long as you need it.

We can also provide Video Conferencing to some or all users via the same medium if appropriate. Alternatively we can supply video-phones, enabling desk to desk video conferencing between key members of staff, these cost typically £150.00 per phone, which may be a consideration, and can be despatched directly to your team and employees, preconfigured to operate as a complete functioning phone system.

Forwarding of your existing phone lines/no. to a mobile is one solution, but it’s limited to a single call, and with no onward forwarding or transfers etc. Equally, making outbound calls from a mobile displays your mobile no., which may not be desirable in the longer term.

Should this prove to be of interest we would be most pleased to offer best advice.

We have now expanded our services portfolio to include the other main utilities, Gas & Electricity.

tom.hemmings@kefcom.net (Tom Hemmings) — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 12:20:36 GMT

We have now expanded our services portfolio to include the other main utilities, Gas & Electricity.

Have you tried out our Softphone yet?

Thu, 26 Sep 2019 10:47:47 GMT

Did you know that our Hosted Telephone Systems include the option of a free Softphone in addition to a full range of desk and cordless handsets?

What is a Softphone?

A Softphone is an application that can be installed on your Android or Apple mobile, tablet, or your PC, that enables you to use that device as your office extension.

When would I use it?

The softphone can be used anywhere where the device it is running on has a good internet connection; either via WiFi or mobile data. So, whether you are in the office or working remotely, you don’t need to be tied to your desk; any calls that you would normally receive on your desk phone will be delivered to your softphone. That means that you and your colleagues can make internal calls to each other, transfer calls, place calls on hold, etc, etc… everything you can do from your desk phone, but from anywhere in the world!

Does it really work?

Yes. Recently a member of our team was away in the Greek islands and a particularly complex support call came in that required his input. The mobile signal was poor in the area where he was staying, but the hotel had WiFi. He used the Softphone installed on his mobile to logon to his extension on our Hosted PBX and then call the customer to talk them through the steps required to resolve their issue. The customer was unaware that they were being supported by an engineer that was abroad as the call appeared to emanate from our office.

Problem solved within 15 minutes of the original support call coming in!!!

If you are interested in using the Softphone feature, get in touch !

Siplicity saves Bath based charity for the elderly 45% on their telephony overheads!

tom.hemmings@kefcom.net (Tom Hemmings) — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 08:44:11 GMT

Kefcom saves Bath based charity for the elderly 45% on their telephony overheads!

We were recently approached by an existing telephone system customer to analyse their phone bills. At the time we did not look after their lines and calls for them as they were a long standing customer of Chess Telecom.

Upon analysis of their bill it became apparent that we could save them a phenomenal 45% on their current overheads!

Their lines were duly transferred to Kefcom (a process that causes no disruption to service and that is managed by us), and they began to enjoy the savings, freeing up valuable funds for the charity.

Could we save you even more? Give us a call to find out.

New Hosted PBX Tutorial Videos Uploaded!

Thu, 20 Jun 2019 08:39:06 GMT

We have uploaded a selection of easy to follow tutorial videos to help you get to grips with the many features of your Hosted PBX System.

To view the videos, please visit our support page either by clicking the pink 'support phone' above or the following link:

http://www.siplicitygroup.co.uk/telephone-and-it-support