A change like that can be daunting. There's a lot to think about, from the logistics of moving, to choosing a suitable platform and appropriate features, to planning, implementing, and training on your new system.
Thus, it would be completely understandable that you'd want to dip your toe in the water before making a long-term commitment when getting into something new. We've all been there.
That, however, might be one of the biggest mistakes you could make. Here's why shorter-term telecom agreements (often 24 to 36 months) do not make sense:
Full Transition Takes Time
More often than not, your migration to a cloud-based platform will come in phases. Not all departments, divisions, or locations will change simultaneously. This is especially true for enterprises.
Thus, optimization and full adoption can take years for large organizations. Would you really want to get to the point where you're finally up and running smoothly, only to think about negotiating a new contract a few months later?
With everyone comfortable, that's the worst time to think about switching to another platform. It is throwing any potential ROI straight out the window while also sapping your team’s efficiency.
With longer contracts, you won't have to worry about that, leaving you more time to think about what matters most in your business.
Longer Contracts May Mean Better Terms
What's another benefit of a longer-term contract? Savings.
Most vendors offer better initial pricing and may even offer incentives if you commit long-term. Plus, that better rate is locked in for the length of the agreement. Longer-term contracts often open the door for other incentives as well.
Typically, getting a better rate upon renewal is more challenging, so the more time you can take advantage of that lower pricing, the better.
Which brings us to the most important aspect of all—how do you ensure you're satisfied with your platform so you don't regret that longer agreement?
The Right Partner Means Everything
When adopting a new communications system, there are many considerations:
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What features align with your unique needs?
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What are the costs, both upfront and monthly?
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How will the staff learn about the new system?
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What happens if you have a problem?
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Does the vendor offer support?
The list goes on, but you get the idea. It's a big task. And the right kind of partner would never offer you a short-term contract on a major project like UCaaS or CCaaS. It’s just one of the ways your best interests are protected.
Whatever your current situation, we've been leading the way and helping businesses migrate successfully to the cloud for years.
Want to know more about migration, your options, and the process? Contact us here.
As additional details of the Mitel RingCentral acquisition emerge from our partners, we will continue to update our news feed here. Or, if you need immediate support, please reach out to one of our cloud procurement specialists.
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