Channel Partners need to outline the effects of the PSTN switch off on end-users, rather than IT professionals, so more businesses are ready for the 2025 switch off.
That is according to Dominic Martini, Senior Manager of Hosted IP Voice and Unified Comms at BT Wholesale, who told UC Today that hannel partners need to stop explaining the technical advantages of different telephony systems and focus on making sure that organisations know the effects the PSTN switch-off will have on employees.
A recent report by BT, Cisco, and Gamma, found that only eight per cent of businesses are ready for the switch-off, with over half of businesses aware of the change but yet to act.
Martini said that channel partners have a role to play in the transition to a “future-proof” IP system by “helping businesses think more strategically about their needs understand the benefits offered by hosted voice and collaboration tools".
“For organisations to migrate to cloud communications, especially with the 2025 PSTN switch-off looming, it’s important they understand what it means for their business. Channel partners have a role to play in helping them gain that understanding and making it easier for them to adopt the right products and services.
“But when explaining the benefits, partners should focus less on the advantages for the IT Manager, and more on those for the end-user who will be using products day in, day out"
“Partners can talk as much as they like about the technical features of SIP-based phone systems or hosted solutions but, in the current climate, businesses just need to know how hosted voice and collaboration solutions will help them weather the storm and, by ensuring they’re prepared for the future, enable them to thrive.”
Martini went on to say that many businesses have discovered the advantages of migrating PBX phone systems to collaboration platforms, as a result of the coronavirus.
