Agares Auto-Attendant is for Skype software. If you’re familiar with Skype (owned by the same company that owns StumbleUpon, eBay, and PayPal,) you know that its a program that you install on your computer that allows you to make and receive actual phone calls to anyone across the globe. That means people can call your business on Skype by dialing your phone number, and from their end they have no idea that you’re not using a “real” hardware based phone. In this article, I’d like to explore different auto attendant setups and compare the cost of each one. If you’re company is trying to minimize cost while expanding its services, you’ll find that Agares Auto-Attendant for Skype software can and will save you thousands of dollars a year.
1. Using a hardware auto attendant and physical phone lines. The first option we’ll explore is the traditional route. Most brick and mortar businesses lease a phone line and use a hardware based auto attendant system. Prices range usually between $50 to $1000 a month for traditional landline phone service for many small and medium sized business. Combine that with a hardware auto attendant and we’re adding on either a one time cost between $150 and $2000, or even more if the hardware is leased. Based on these numbers we’re talking between $200 to $3000 upfront investment with reoccurring monthly charges.
2. Using Agares Auto-Attendant for Skype software, Skype, and physical phone lines. The next option is to keep your land based lines, but use Skype to route incoming calls and pass it through Agares Auto-Attendant so that you and your employees waste less time on the phone answering common questions or routing calls to the correct department. Following this path means you’re existing landline telephone system doesn’t need to be replaced, although your main business phone should be handled by Skype, eliminating that bill. In this example, you’ll simply use your SkypeIn phone number (under $150 a year last time I checked) to receive the calls, which will be answered by Agares Auto Attendant ($50) which will then forward your calls to the correct phone line.
3. Using Agares Auto-Attendant & Skype exclusively. Businesses that are really looking to save money will definitely want to go with this solution. Aside from the $200ish that it will cost for Agares Auto-Attendant and a Skype number, we’re looking at only one additional expense, a USB Skype phone (I bought mine at Walmart for $25.) You can also find adapters which will allow you to use any landline phone with Skype (including wireless phones.) With this option, you and your business will save thousands of dollars each year.
So in conclusion, Agares Auto Attendant can save you thousands of dollars over hardware based auto attendants, and Skype itself can save you thousands a year over a traditional phone line. Stop throwing money away, and wasting precious company time. Download a free 30 day trial of Agares Auto Attendant today.
Agares Auto-Attendant for Skype software.
Copyright © 2008 Agares Media. All rights reserved. This product uses the Skype API but is not endorsed, certified or otherwise approved in any way by Skype. Skype is a registered trademark of Skype Technologies SA. Other trademarks also belong to their respective owners.