Posts Tagged ‘Highest Quality’

With a Conference Call Provider Service makes all the Difference

Thursday, October 27th, 2011

Conference call services all look very similar to one another these days.  They all provide a dial in number and a pass code and allow you to access the service without a reservation.  So how do you distinguish between different providers?  You will find, maybe the hard way, that with a Conference Call Provider Service makes all the difference.  With a conference call provider service means the quality and reliability of the conference call itself as well as the kind of support they offer their customers.  Here are some of the areas where conference call provider services are different.

  • Conference Call Quality – The quality of the conference call provider service is determined by a number of factors.  First the connection to the worldwide telephone network should be as direct as possible.  Where the conference call provider is located helps determine the kind of connection they can get to these networks.  And the telecommunication providers they utilize will also determine the quality of the conference call.  With Zip Conferencing we use only top tier telecommunications providers and use direct digital connections to their networks to ensure the highest quality connections possible.  The second factor is the type of conference call equipment being used by the conference call provider service.  If the equipment is older or of inferior quality it will impact the quality of the conference call.  Zip Conferencing uses the latest conference call equipment to help ensure the highest quality of the conference calls.  
  • Conference Call Reliability – The reliability of the conference call provider service is determined by the steps the provider has taken to provide back ups to its conference call network.  Has the provider gone to the expense necessary to back up all of their systems in the case of an outage or emergency?  Zip Conferencing has battery and generator power back ups on all of its systems to ensure consistent power availability.  We have also installed back up conference call equipment that can be immediately deployed in the case of an outage.  We also use more than one telecommunications provider so that our services will remain available even in the event that the telecommunications provider has an outage.  These steps add up to our ability to have our conference call systems available over 99.9% of the time.
  • Conference Call Support- If you need support from your conference call provider will they be able to deliver?  Zip Conferencing has support available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  We even provide support while you are on your conference call by pressing *0 on your telephone while in the call.  Conference call support is not something you may need all the time but when you need it you will want it to be available.

So if you are looking for a conference call provider service is what makes all the difference.

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A Conference Calling Company is your Partner

Tuesday, July 26th, 2011

A conference calling company takes on a role in your company’s business that you may not realize.  When you think about what is discussed on conference calls in your company and who is on the calls you start to understand why the decision on which conference calling company to use is so important.  Many times a company’s most important and sensitive discussions are on conference calls.  And many times the top executives in a company use conference calling services extensively.  So, in today’s environment where there are a lot of conference calling companies and they all seem like they offer the same services how do you choose the right conference calling company?  Actually the most important attribute to look for in a conference calling company are hard if not impossible to see.  But here are some of things you should look for if you are looking for a high quality, reliable conference calling company.

  • Reliable Network – Since you and your participants need to call into any conference calling company to connect to your conference call you should make sure they are connected to a high quality network.  Zip Conferencing, for instance, using only top tier long distance providers and has direct connections into their networks.  Also, the reason we have multiple carriers is to make sure that if one of the carriers has an outage we have a back up network in place to carry our traffic.  The direct connections make sure that we have the highest quality connection possible.
  • Back Up Systems – For a conference calling company, back up systems are expensive.  But I have been in the teleconferencing industry for over 15 years and I can tell you first hand that occasionally the technology will rear its head and you will have issues.  It is inevitable.  The only way to avoid an outage is to put back up systems in place that can take over when the primary systems fail.  At Zip Conferencing we have back up conference call equipment that is live and ready to handle traffic in the case of an outage.  We also have power back up systems to keep all of our equipment powered up in the case of a power outage.  If an issue arises our customers will not be affected. 
  • Full Featured – Some conference calling companies will cut corners on the services that they offer.  This makes it easier to manage and the equipment they use does not need to be as sophisticated.  But the customer experience is not as good.  At Zip Conferencing we use the latest conference calling equipment with all of the features you should expect from a conference calling company.  In fact, our equipment and online account management allow you to customize your conference calls unlike most other conference calling companies.
  • Support – And when you have an issue you need your partner to be able to support your needs.  A conference calling company that takes their partnership in your company seriously will back it up with the kind of support you would expect from such an important service provider for your company.  Zip Conferencing offer support 24/7 365 days a year and can even join you on your conference call to assist if you need assistance.

If you are looking for a true partner to provide conference calls to your company you need to look closer than the rates they offer.  Once you look “under the hood” you will see that Zip Conferencing is the best value in conference calls today.

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Why doesn’t Zip Conferencing offer a Free Conference Call Service?

Thursday, July 7th, 2011

When I started Zip Conferencing I formed the company around a strong foundation of offering a high quality, reliable conference call service with outstanding customer service.  And the idea of offering a free conference call service just did not match up well with these principals.  So why doesn’t Zip Conferencing offer a free conference call service?

  • Quality – The first thing to suffer when a company offers a free conference call service is the quality of the conference call.  In order to be able to provide a free conference call service the conference call service provider needs to keep their costs way down.  That is because they only earn money from the local phone company where their equipment is and the rate they earn is very small.  That is because the conference call service provider makes money on a free conference call by getting paid to terminate long distance calls on the local provider’s network.  And you and all of your participants are required to dial long distance to get to the conference call bridge.  The local phone company is paid by the long distance carriers to terminate calls and they in turn pay the free conference call service company.  So, typically the conference call equipment is not the best available and many times it is VOIP based and believe me you will hear the difference.  Zip Conferencing uses the latest conference call service equipment directly connected to the long distance carrier networks to insure the highest quality conference calls possible.
  • Reliability- Quality and reliability go hand and hand and if you are not using the best equipment you tend to have more issues than if your equipment is top of the line.  In addition, to keep costs down the free conference call service companies usually do not have as extensive a back up network in place in case there is an issue.  It cost money to have back up equipment on standby and to have back up generators and other systems in place to insure the conference call service is in place when you need it.  Zip Conferencing has back up systems and power in place for the highest standard in reliability.
  • Cost- Lastly is the cost.  But it is Free right?  Actually no.  A free conference call service makes you call a long distance number to connect to it.  So you and all of your participants are going to pay a long distance charge to connect to the conference call.  Do you really want your participants to have to pay to get on your conference call?  This hidden cost is the main reason to avoid using a free conference call service.  With rates for toll free conference calls as low as Zip Conferencing’s why make your participants pay?

So why should Zip Conferencing offer a free confernece call service when it can provide the highest quality, most reliable conference calls at rates that beat even the free conference call service providers?

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What is the difference in Conference Calling Providers?

Friday, June 24th, 2011

If you are shopping for a conference calling provider it can be pretty maddening on trying to tell the difference in the services.  Some of that is created by the conference calling providers themselves.  When I look at some of the ads that are used to attract new customers and then look into the actual offers it is easy to understand how people can get confused.  Here are some of the things you should look for when shopping for a conference calling provider.

  • Quality and Reliability – It is funny, but when I talk to customers I rarely get asked about the quality of the conference call service.  Maybe conference calling has really become a commodity in customer’s eyes and they simply assume that the service will work no matter which conference calling service provider they choose.  Having been in the teleconferencing industry for over 16 years I have intimate knowledge of what goes into making sure that there is quality and reliability in a conference call service.  And I can tell you that not every service is the same in respect to quality and reliability.  It takes a real commitment on the part of ownership to make sure you do everything to insure the service is available and ready when people need it to be.  At Zip Conferencing we have done everything possible to make sure we are delivering the highest quality and reliability available.  After all, isn’t this the most important aspect of the conference calling service?
  • Toll Free Service- When you look at many of the advertisements of the conference calling service providers out there you will see some pretty low rates and even “free” conference calling services.  The last thing you want is to have your participants paying hidden charges to attend your conference call.  Imagine inviting prospects to your presentation only to have them paying to get there.  It certainly takes something away from your presentation.  Nothing beats the convenience and peace of mind that toll free conference call services can provide.  And at the low rates they are available today why would you want to do anything else?
  • Features- You may not use every conference calling feature that is out there because there are many.  But there is also no reason to try to save money by signing up with a service that has only limited features available.  Zip Conferencing is a conference calling provider that offers low rates with a full featured service.  Many of the features simply make your life easier before and during your conference call and some are essential conference call tools.  Why not have them and a great rate too?
  • Support – Hopefully a conference calling provider service will not require a whole lot of support because it works and is easily understandable.  But if you should need support, especially when you are in the middle of an important conference call, wouldn’t you want it to be there?  Zip Conferencing is a conference calling provider that has support available 24/7 and can even join your conference call for assistance if necessary.  You may never need it but isn’t it nice to know it is there if you do?

Conference calling services are an important communications piece of your business.  Make sure you look closely under the hood before you buy and get a service you will be happy with for years to come.

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The Conference Call Company makes a Difference

Wednesday, March 30th, 2011

Conference calls have gone the way of long distance with ever decreasing prices and a seemingly endless list of providers.  But there is a lot more to a conference call than you think and the right conference call company can make a big difference in the quality of the call and the features available that can greatly enhance your experience.  Zip Conferencing has taken great care in creating a network that can deliver the highest quality conference calls to its customers and built a platform that provides an extraordinary amount of features that make our conference call service easy to use but feature rich.  Here are a few of the things we have done to ensure that we are the best conference call company in the industry.

  • Reliable Network – Like the foundation of a building, a conference call company needs to build their business on a network that can support the traffic they generate and be able to avoid outages at all costs.  But not all conference call companies have taken all of the steps that Zip Conferencing has because a solid network can be expensive.  Zip Conferencing has multiple telecommunications carriers installed in cae one of the companies has an outage.  We only will accept companies that can provide a direct digital connection to their network so we can have the clearest connections possible.  Our equipment is powered by a back up battery and generator supported power grid to avoid any power outages.
  • State of the Art Equipment – Our conference call company uses the latest conference call equipment that is more reliable than older equipment.  It also offers features many conference call companies don’t have because their equipment is out of date.  We also have spare conference call equipment that is powered up and connected to the network available to take the place of any piece of equipment that experiences any issues.  Most conference call companies don’t do this because it is expensive.
  • Feature Rich Services – Our conference call company has built features that enable our customers and make it easier to do business with us.  As a customer of Zip Conferencing you have access to your account online that enables you to access your account and see usage, add/edit moderators and conferences and order additional services.  But we also give you the ability to customize your conference call experience by being able to control many aspects of the conference call.  For instance, you can decide whether a tone should play when a participant joins or exits the conference call.
  • Superior Customer Support – If there is one area many conference call companies will try to save money it is in the area of customer service.  Our conference call company still provides personal service to its customers 24/7 and you can even get support while on a conference call by hitting *0 on your telephone. 

A conference call is not just a telephone call and many times the conference calls your company does are some of the most important communications you will have.  So, shouldn’t you deal with a conference call company that takes their role in your business communications seriously?

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Should you buy a Teleconferencing Bridge?

Wednesday, January 19th, 2011

As companies start to use a lot of conference call services the question will often come up as to whether they should buy a teleconferencing bridge.  And like many services that you can bring in house a large part of the argument is born from economics.  If you are spending thousands of dollars a month on a conference call service provider doesn’t it make sense to buy a teleconferencing bridge and you will save money?  Well, this argument used to hold a lot more weight when conference call services cost 50 cents per minute and you could buy the long distance connection for 5 cents or less.  But these days it is hard to build a compelling argument for a company to buy a teleconferencing bridge.  Here are some of the reasons you may want to stay with a teleconferencing services provider.

  • Capital Cost of the Teleconferencing Bridge – The first expense you will have to incur with a teleconferencing bridge is the expense of the equipment itself.  Today there are some low cost teleconferencing bridges available in the market but given the importance of the conference calls you probably won’t risk your business on a low priced teleconferencing bridge.  A high end teleconferencing bridge like the ones used by Zip Conferencing can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. 
  • Telecommunications Cost to connect to the Teleconferencing Bridge – The next thing you will need to do is connect the teleconferencing bridge to a telephone network so you can dial into it and conduct your conference calls.  You will need to spend a monthly fee to have a connection that can handle hundreds or thousands of callers whether you use it or not.  Depending on the type of connection it can cost thousands of dollars a month.  In addition, you will also pay the per minute charge for participants to connect to your teleconferencing bridge toll free or they will pay a long distance charge to connect to conference calls.  Zip Conferencing uses only the highest quality digital connections tied directly to the telecommunications network.
  • Maintenance Cost of the Teleconferencing Bridge – In order to keep your teleconferencing bridge up to date and within a warranty you will need to spend money on maintenence for the teleconferencing bridge and its software.  You also may want to have a back up teleconferencing bridge or at least components in case something happens to the equipment.  Zip Conferencing has hot stand by backup teleconferencing bridges and maintains all of its equipment regularly.
  • Personnel Cost to Manage your Teleconferencing Bridge - No matter how automated the teleconferencing bridge is you will still need someone in your company to be the administrator.  This person will need to access the teleconferencing bridge to configure the system and manage settings within the teleconferencing bridge regularly.

As you can see, it is difficult these days to make the argument that a teleconferencing bridge will actually save you money.  With a company like Zip Conferencing available that provides full featured conference call services for as little as 2.4 cents per minute for toll free access why would you want to take on the headache of managing a teleconferencing bridge.  Like most service provider arguments it is probably best to concentrate on what you do for a living and let the experts worry about the rest.

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Our Conference Call Service offers Service Beyond the Call

Monday, November 16th, 2009

I am sure there are several conference call service companies that offer a good conference call from a technical point of view.  What I mean is that you can call into the conference call without too many problems and the conference call quality once connected is decent and so forth.  But what happens if you need help?  Is the conference call service company there for you when you need them to be?

At Zip Conferencing we pride ourselves on not just providing the highest quality audio conferencing and web conferencing services available, but we also want to make sure that your needs are taken care of as well.  That is why we provide customer service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  And, because we know that people like to communicate in different ways we have supplied many different ways to communicate with us.  You can call us on the phone to speak to a representative or if you prefer, you can also chat with one of our representatives 24 hours a day as well.  The representatives that are available by chat are the same representatives that answer the phones and are well schooled in all of services and features of Zip Conferencing.  Or you can send us a Support Request Form via the web site to get an answer to your conference call question if you do not need an immediate answer.

In addition to the people behind the scenes at Zip Conferencing that are ready to assist you, you will find a helpful knowledge base of important conference call and web conferencing information.  The information is organized between conference call FAQs, How Tos and Billing questions.  You can even search the plentiful knowledge base or ask a question. 

We believe that just providing a conference call is not enough.  Standing behind the audio and web conferences that we provide with service is one of the important differentiators between us and other conference call service companies.  And if you ever have a questions about your conference call service I am sure you will agree.

www.zipconferencing.com

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