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Enhancing the Body Opens the Door to Profitable Business

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When it comes to booming business fields in Australia,plastic surgery ranks high on the list. Men and women are flocking to their cosmetic clinics to find ways to improve their appearance. It could be a tummy tuck, a face lift, breast implants, or a nose job. The possibilities are endless as clients try to defy age or change a feature they have never liked.

There is Plenty of Room for Competition

Plastic surgeons don’t have to offer every type of procedure under the sun. While theAustralian Society of Plastic Surgeons offers a comprehensive list of procedures, what a surgeon decides to perform is a matter of choice and education. Surgeons may focus on reconstructive surgery, cosmetic procedures, or non-surgical procedures. Having an area of specialty can give a plastic surgeon an edge. Clients will tend to choose the surgeon who focuses on the procedure they want. If someone wants a breast procedure, whether it is a lift, reduction, or augmentation, they are going to look for a surgeon who is renowned for excellence for their procedure of choice. Plastic surgeons can also be at the other end of the spectrum as they offer every type of procedure that is imaginable.

How Successful are Plastic Surgeons in Australia?

Every year, more people are turning to plastic surgeons in Australia to transform their bodies. Looking at recentstatistics, over 313,000 breast implant procedures were performed in 2018. That number spiked nearly 14,000 from the previous year. Over a million procedures are completed each year. The increased use of social media may play a role in prompting men and women to put themselves in the hands of a plastic surgeon. When they aren’t happy with that selfie, they get professional help to polish their appearance.

Australia is in the Top Ten Countries For Cosmetic Procedures

The numbers don’t lie. With over a billion dollars spent on an annual basis on cosmetic procedures, plastic surgeons are doing well. The majority of clients are choosing liposuction, nose jobs, and breast augmentation as their top picks. However, non-surgical procedures, such as dermal fillers, are increasing in popularity as well. People are drawn to procedures that don’t involve the cost and healing that comes with surgery. They can dabble in dermal fillers to decide if they are happy with the results. If they are, they keep coming back for more every six months to two years. Plastic surgeons can count on a steady income from clients who come in for a touch up on a regular basis.

One Procedure Often Leads to Another

A successful experience with a plastic surgeon often opens the door to future procedures, another reason this field is doing so well. When a person comes in for liposuction that targets one area, there’s a good chance they’ll want to focus on another area in the future. The mother who had a tummy tuck after the baby was born could be back for a breast lift once nursing is over. For those who come in for anti-aging procedures, they’ll never stop getting older. Once they begin having procedures, they’ll be in an endless cycle to try and stay young.

Building a Reputation for Excellence is the Secret to Success

While there are many plastic surgeons in Australia, that does not mean they are all equal. Surgeons need to build a reputation that speaks for itself. Being a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons is a good place to start. Hiring staff members that meet a high level of expectations is essential. Maintaining a state-of-the-art facility is also a key component. The best plastic surgeons with thriving practices will pay attention to every piece of the puzzle in order to give clients a positive experience.

Look Before You Leap

For anyone who is considering a cosmetic procedure, it’s important to do research first. Choose a reputable practice, such as the Cosmos Clinic in Melbourne. Come in for a consultation to discuss the desired outcome of a procedure or a problem area. A qualified and experienced surgeon will perform an assessment and discuss any health concerns. Potential clients should be given several options, including the least invasive procedures. The procedure of choice should be clearly explained.

There should be no surprises when it comes to costs. If an individual isn’t happy with one surgeon, move on to another. Remember that having a cosmetic procedure is not about getting a bargain. It’s about getting optimal results. If that means paying a higher price, it will be worth it. Look for the practice that has been established, has many positive testimonials, and has a long waiting list. That is the sign of a successful business that is doing right by its clients.

What the digital banking revolution means for Australian banks

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The future of banking is digital, and the Australian financial services industry needs to brace itself for a transformative year ahead.

“A digital transformation is inevitable in the Australian marketplace,” says Myles Bertrand, Managing Director APAC for Mambu, “however many of our established institutions are in dire need of a cultural overhaul before they can really embrace this brand-new world. Banks need to start thinking and operating like fintechs in order to maintain their position at the forefront of the Australian financial services industry.”

Mambu – launched in Germany but operating globally, including in Australia – works with banks, fintechs and telcos to help create a technology-first approach to banking, opening up new opportunities to optimise operations, ensure regulatory compliance and increase customer acquisitions.

In Australia in particular, it is the impact on regulatory compliance that is a key area of interest when it comes to the new era of digital banking.

“The good news is that digital banking is actually going to make it easier for financial institutions to comply with all of the different regulations,” says Bertrand. “It’s going to make it easier to track transactions, keep data safe and will also reduce duplication. So those organisations that make the transition from less secure legacy systems to cloud-based digital platforms, where security improvements are constantly made, can boast greater peace of mind and set themselves ahead of competitors.”

To stay in the game, banks need to be able to roll out products and services at a rapid pace, adding new features to platforms, while simultaneously enhancing existing ones. This kind of agility is next to impossible to achieve with most institutions’ legacy systems. However, composable banking architecture – the quick and flexible assembly of independent systems on a cloud platform – can provide the opportunity for organisations to create a dynamic platform with intuitive, responsive features that can be quickly and continuously updated.

A truly agile platform undergoes short, regular updates with a constant pipeline of improvements that are automatically layered on top of existing cloud technology and allows business to run uninterrupted on the front end. This allows financial institutions to make minor changes regularly, rather than major, infrequent updates that can cause significant disruption and draw the ire of customers, as has been the case with some traditional transformations.

With so many new players arriving in the marketplace looking to capitalise on the impending digital transformation of the industry, the key to successfully transitioning to digital banking is to look for proven, reliable fintech partners with experience and a successful track record in helping financial institutions make the switch. By working collaboratively with a proven digital engine, banks and financial institutions can build innovative integrations into new or existing product channels, creating simple, streamlined and automated customer experiences.

“I think the whole financial services industry – globally, not just in Australia or the APAC region – is going to be turned on its head over the next 12 to 24 months,” concludes Bertrand. “We really want to help banks take the leap and make the necessary changes to embrace the opportunities that digital banking can offer and set themselves up for success.

“As the looming fintech age forces institutions to digitise, innovate and scale to adapt to customer needs, those banks and financial institutions that can move at the pace of a technology company while remaining committed to strength, security and service will be the leaders of this new era.”

Myles Bertrand is the Managing Director, Asia-Pacific, for Mambu, the market leading cloud-based banking platform.

6 Tips for Selecting Folding Arm Awnings for Your Store

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As a store owner, you need to care for your customers all the time. This doesn’t mean offering quality products only but also protecting them from harsh environmental conditions such as sun and rain. Folding arm outdoor awnings are a great way to protect your customers by bringing temperatures down and covering them from rain.

Apart from regulating the temperatures, an awning will also be a great way to market your brand. All you need is to get the one that is customized according to your brand. There are different types of folding arm awnings in Melbourne, and when choosing one for your store, you need to be careful. This article will give you six tips to select folding arm awnings for your store.

1. Comply with the law

The first step before choosing an outdoor canopy is to check the council requirements in your locality. Different states will have different rules, thus checking with authorities in your area is essential. Make sure the design you choose and the message you display on your awning is not against the law. If there is any fee to be paid, ensure you pay before installing the awning.

2. Consider size

The point here is to choose an awning that is proportional to your storefront. This will not only give your shop an excellent look but also save you on the cost. There is no need of getting an oversize awning that will cost you extra dollars and add no value. Size doesn’t matter when it comes to branding.

3. Store design

Awnings have different designs and colours, giving you a wide range to choose from. When you need to get one for your store, picking the one that will match with your store’s design and the colour is very important. By considering design and colour, the two will easily blend and avoid the hustle of repainting your shop. If your store has a protruding roof, don’t forget to consider it.

4. Consider your brand or logo

Store design and colour only are not enough to determine the colour you will choose for your awning. The brand you are trying to display is also a key factor to check on when selecting your awning. The canopy should have the same colour as your brand or logo, and if possible, you can have your brand logo printed on the awning. There are ready-made awnings and custom ones, making it possible for you to get anything you want. Imagine having a green canopy while your brand colour is yellow. It makes no sense!

5. Automatic or manual

Folding arm awnings come in two main types, that is manual and automatic ones. Automated awnings are operated using a remote, and they are easier to retract or wind out. They also have motion sensors which they use to sense excess wind and retract automatically. On the other hand, manual awnings are operated using the crank, and they are more challenging when it comes to withdrawing or winding out. Also, they require more attention as they don’t have motion sensors to sense strong winds.

6. Consider quality

Quality is always essential no matter what you are buying. Melbourne market is flooded with low-quality awnings that are sold at a lower price than the usual one. When shopping doesn’t go for cheaper awnings as they may break down after a few months after installation, costing you more than you would spend if you got good quality. It’s also a good idea to go for customized awnings although they may cost you more.

Summary

There are different types of outdoor awnings in the market, and when choosing one, you should be extra careful. Get your awnings from a reputable seller to get good quality that will last.

A Guide to Hiring The Best Web Designer in Brisbane

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Why Do You Need a Website Developer?

If you run a business you have likely been told that you need a website. It makes sense since the Internet allows your business to reach customers it could not otherwise. However, you may not understand why you need a professional web designer to do it for you and you may wonder what does a web designer do?

A professional web designer ensures that your website makes an excellent first impression. Without that, people will arrive, take a look at your business online and immediately exit. The average quality of websites has been improving for years and people’s expectations have risen accordingly. If you cannot compete, your business will struggle.

Choosing the Right Web Designer

Before you are able to choose the right developer, find one that meets your requirements. Ask yourself the following to narrow the field.

What is Their Service Area?

When you need web designers in Brisbane, the first thing you need to check is that the company you are interested in caters to your type of business. The requirements for startups, SMEs and large organisations are completely different. They also need to demonstrate that they are familiar with the particular niche that you are occupying or they will not deliver a suitable user experience.

How Experienced are They?

Do not let yourself be fooled by a dazzling sales pitch. You need a development company that has real experience. This is shown through an extensive portfolio which needs to demonstrate an understanding of the latest trends. Another test is to check their blog. Industry leaders are not afraid to show off their knowledge and will blog about it accordingly.

How Dependable Are They?

The greatest web development company in the world is no different from the worst if they do not do the work agreed. Look for recent reviews to get a feeling for their current status. Do not forget to check what people are saying on social media while also checking more formal review spaces.

Will They Meet Face-to-Face?

Part of finding web designers in Brisbane means finding people you can actually talk to. It may seem cheap or easy to outsource overseas but there are hidden costs. Chief among them is the breakdowns in communication that inevitably occur in purely digital interactions. Face-to-face meetings are the best way to communicate your concerns and ideas while getting a feeling for the type of company you may be about to hire.

Will They Meet their Milestones?

Developing your website is not a case of requirements turning into a working product with an indeterminate time in between. There have to be milestones along the way so that you can make sure that development is staying on track. They are the best way to catch mistakes or unforeseen issues early enough that they can still be remedied. So when you are outlining the project with your development company, make sure they are willing to set clear milestones that cover as many steps of the project as possible.

Will You Get Complete Website Ownership?

This is non-negotiable. Once complete, you need to make sure that your website is truly and wholly yours. Small web design and development tasks will occur after development ends and there is no point continuing to pay someone else to do what you can. This also lets you switch developers at a later stage if necessary without having to start from the beginning. This grants a vital measure of independence and there is no substitute for it.

About The Author:

Caroline Bird is a creative writer and digital marketer. She loves sharing her perspective, tips and how-tos related to home improvement, productivity, business, and technology through her writing. Connect with Caroline via @bCarolinebird12

What is a Surge Diverter and How Does It Work?

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A key safety issue in any home is to protect appliances, personal computers, and other sensitive electrical equipment from damage resulting from a spike in excess voltage.

This may occur during an electrical thunderstorm, for example. While most surge diverters will not protect from a direct lightning strike on the house — thankfully this is quite a rare occurrence! — they will help protect from the surge in energy caused by lightning strikes in the vicinity.

One way to keep your appliances safe is through surge protectors and plug adapters that cut out when a spike in electricity occurs. However, while there are many excellent surge protection devices, such as power boards and wall units that offer some protection for appliances, they will not give the whole house the protection against the power surge that you require.

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Many people think that power boards installed in the home are sufficient to protect against power surges. However, different power spike protection products perform different tasks. In redirecting power surges to the ground, a surge diverter can provide the all-round protection that your household needs.

If you’re a homeowner and you like proper protection from excess voltage, consider installing a surge diverter.

What is a Surge Diverter?

A surge diverter (or arrestor) is a device attached to the main power board which gives protection against damaging power surges, either from outside or from within (such as from faulty wiring or appliances).

The device prevents excess power from damaging or destroying sensitive electrical and electronic appliances such as computers and audio gear.

How Does It Work?

Surge diverters work by capturing the excess electricity that would otherwise be absorbed into the house’s electrical circuit. They will help protect the property by diverting this power away from the house by “shunting” it to the earth. Installed in the switchboard, the surge diverter will help protect against most excess energy spikes. Any electricity over 260 volts will automatically be diverted to the ground. This then renders the excess power harmless and prevents a damaging surge in your home.

Does a Surge Diverter Act as a Safety Switch for Your Home?

No. A surge diverter is not a safety switch or circuit breaker. It should be considered as a separate safety function and should work in conjunction with these devices to fully protect your home. A safety switch will monitor the electrical current through your home’s circuit and automatically cut the power within 0.03 of a second should it detect a fault.

However, a surge diverter does not act as personal protection, nor does it act through one power point. It goes further by protecting the entire property by diverting excess voltage before it travels through the circuit and causes damage.

A surge diverter is an excellent investment to protect you, your family, and your expensive electrical appliances from a dangerous surge in power. In conjunction with other surge protection measures such as power boards and safety switches, a surge diverter can play a central role in keeping your house safe. The cost of a diverter is small when compared to the problem of replacing expensive electrical appliances damaged by a spike or the frustration of having to deal with insurance companies to replace valuable equipment!

Remember to always practice electrical safety in your home; install a diverter as part of your overall safety plan and stop worrying about power surges today.

Author Bio

Ray Loh is the General Manager of Perth, WA based West Australian Power Protection dedicated to offering earthing, surge and lightning protection products aligned with the latest safety standards.

Contemporary Comforts – Key Inclusions to Modernising Your Home

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It’s easy to give your home an overhaul without breaking the bank and getting the builders in, and with the turn of the New Year there’s no better time than now to modernise your home. As such, follow these handy tips to taking a step towards a more modern home with a completely updated feel.

Window Coverings

If you get this wrong it can send your room back decades and with such a wide range of modern options available you can’t go wrong when it comes window coverings. Plantation shutters have made a big comeback as they give your room an open and airy feel whilst sheltering the room from the sun and keeping it nice and cool. There’s also an option to pick roman shades and wooden blinds that will give the same desired effect. As long as you stay away from the old heavy curtains and dark patterned fabrics you can’t go wrong.

Lighting

Carefully considered lighting can bring any room to life. You can convert dark and cramped rooms into open and airy spaces that are welcoming and desirable simply by purchasing some new lighting. Whether it’s a few strategically placed floor lamps to brighten a corner of the room or a some lamps on the side to create that cozy feel it’s a great way to easily change the vibe of any room and create that modern look. You could even take it one step further and replace the ceiling fixtures, there’s a huge range of modern masterpieces on the market for you to choose from that create a new interesting focal point for the room.

Outdoor Rooms

Who said rooms have to be inside? People often have outdoor space that can easily be transformed into an extra “room” even if it’s not a large space. You can add some outdoor furniture with some cushions for extra comfort along with some fairy lights to add that cozy feel. If you’re feeling slightly more adventurous why not add a pergola for a bit of privacy. That way you can sit back and relax with a glass of wine and the bbq on without a care in the world.

Repaint

Nothing instantly modernises your room more than a fresh coat of paint. Whether you repaint with the same colour to sharpen up your room or choose to be daring with a new bolder colour you’re sure to overhaul the look of your room and create that modern feel. When painting it’s vital to prep- you don’t want unsightly drips and smudges that will make you regret ever deciding to repaint in the first place. If you’re unsure about whether the colour will match the rest of your soft furnishings always do a test patch first, let it dry and then check you’re happy with it before painting the rest of the walls.

Update your Bathroom

I’m sure everybody will agree that bathrooms get dingy and outdated very quickly. But even if a whole new bathroom suite is not an option there are ways you can modernise your bathroom at a fraction of the price. Changing Faucets and door knobs instantly give you an updated look. Changing from a scratched old gold tap fittings to new shiny chrome ones will have a huge impact. You could also change the shower curtain and scrub the grout in between the tiles- an easy and affordable way to instantly modernise your bathroom.

Summary

All in all, making small changes to your home can have dramatic improvements to the look and feel of your interior. By following these handy tips and dedicating a few weekends to a good cause you can overhaul your home and give it a fresh modern look without breaking the bank.

Australia’s New Workforce is Driving a Change Amongst Employers

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It may be surprising to find out that life expectancy can be dramatically reduced for labourers who are not doing what they love. This could be the reason why things within the labor force are changing, especially amongst younger generations.

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How Career Affects Life Expectancy

There are a lot of things that affect life expectancy, and most of those things are obviously linked, such as the food consumed or the quality of healthcare a person receives, but the career a person has may seem a little ludicrous. The reason a person’s life may be cut short by doing something he or she does not love has to do with the stress linked to such a job. A person who hates going to work yet still goes is bound to build up negative feelings, which will likely manifest into stress.

 

This stress seems to affect a person’s health, especially when exposed to it for long periods of time. Most people stay in a particular job for years, making it pretty clear how it can affect this labourer’s health in the long run. Stress releases cortisol, a stress hormone that is meant to help the body in “fight or flight” situations but can do harm if the body is overly exposed to it. Too much cortisol in the body can lead to things like elevated blood sugar levels, weakness, or rapid weight gain just to name a few things.

Career Loving is Changing Today’s Workforce

There is no doubt that more people in today’s workforce want to do something they love more than anything else. This is especially true for millennials, which are slowly becoming a major group within the workforce. Older generations seem to care only about the paycheck made from any given career, but it seems that younger generations see the value in doing something meaningful.

 

It is a drastic change that will likely get some criticism, especially from older generations, but there is no stopping this trend. All one needs to do is pay attention to some of the other values that millennial’s hold close to their hearts like experience over things in order to understand this strange trend. Perhaps, this is the reason many young Australians are turning towards impactful careers rather than pure money-making ones.

 

Most people might mistakenly believe that careers that serve a human purpose would be relatively scarce, but that is not the case. There are a number of careers that young people are turning to, most of which come with degrees that can be attained online, making them both affordable and accessible. One of the most meaningful careers out there is a nursing career.

 

It is one that comes quite varied with some nurses working in hospitals while others taking up residence in a person’s home as a home nurse. Some nurses become travelling nurses who end up blending their love for travel and helping people. Another career worth highlighting is that of a social worker. Again, this is a career that can touch people’s lives in priceless ways; for example, some social workers can dedicate their lives to helping children who might have been mistreated. Social workers can also be helpful to adults like women who have been victims of domestic violence just as an example.

 

Another popular career that many young people looking to contribute to society might look into is police work. Granted, police work can put a person in harm’s way, but Australia’s crime rate is relatively low compared to other developed countries like the United States. This does not mean the people donning the uniform are any less brave, but it surely feels better to know that the profession is not as dangerous as it could be. Earning a degree within this field can be done online, which is surprising, but it does open doors to a workforce that is eager to contribute positively to society.

 

These are just some of the professions giving young Australians fulfilment. This is likely to drive change within other companies out there if they want to attract employees who want to feel like they are doing more for people, which could create even more effective corporate citizens. Companies that take active steps towards helping society or local communities may attract younger employees and may even retain them longer.

5 of the most common mistakes people make while scrapping metal

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Let’s face it – the world of scrap metal is quite a tumultuous one. After all, scrap metal prices are rarely stable for a long period of time and are constantly changing. Most importantly, even experts are unable to gauge whether or not where the prices are headed and whether they will increase or decrease. That is a fact, whether you are visiting a wrecking yard in Sydney or anywhere else.

No matter how much scrap you may have, you can be sure of the fact that you have to make the most out of your scrap heap. No two ways about that, really. If you don’t end up making the most money from all of your scrap, then you will never know the true value of certain scrap materials. Avoiding some of the most common mistakes will help you go a long way in finding out just how much your scrap heap is truly worth.

On that very note, let us get into some of the most common mistakes people make while scrapping metal:-

– Not preparing your materials properly: This can lead to you not getting the proper amount of money with respect to the amount of materials that you have. Remember to strip the copper wire once you bring it into the scrap yard. No scrap yard will tell you to do that as that would mean that they would have to give you more money than usual. Also, make sure that you read up some basic guidelines about how to prep your metal for the yard.

– Visiting a scrap yard with a bad reputation: Although this may seem like an obvious thing to avoid, a lot of people don’t bother doing their homework and prefer to just rely on word-of-mouth interactions. That alone is not enough. You need to dig deeper in order to weed out all of the bad scrap dealers so that you can get to the good ones.

– Being mislead by the different grades of scrap metal: You will need to do a great deal of research in order to figure out the exact scrap metal grades and which of them your scrap falls under. Like stainless steel grades and the like. You don’t want to land up at the yard only to find out that what you thought was a copper cable is actually a bright wire.

– Not separating your materials beforehand itself: Make no mistake – none of the scrap yards are going to allow any metal separating process in their yards because that will lead them to make less money from you. Hence, you need to classify every material in your scrap heap and then make the trip to the yard. The money you end up making in the yard just by the prior process of separation really does add up in your favour.

– Forgetting to check on the price first: Before you rush down to the nearest scrap yard, make sure that you firstly call ahead to check on their prices. And also remember to go to the scrap yard that very day if you are asking the scrap yard to honor the price. Since prices tend to change quickly and often without warning, you can’t expect them to honour the same price a few days later.

At the end of the day, you can be sure of the fact that you need to do your homework thoroughly before even thinking of paying your local scrap metal yard a visit. Not having a clue about the content of your scrap is certainly not a good way to start negotiations with the scrap dealer at hand. You can be sure of that.

As long as you keep the above list in mind at all times, you are bound to get your scrap metals worth. Since most aspects of the scrap metal market are constantly in motion, checking and making sure that everything is set beforehand itself would be a smart and recommended move. That way, you can make sure that you are not getting cheated in any way.

Guidelines to Choose the Right Phone System for Your Business

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Choosing a business phone system is a very important decision. A decision that requires a lot of research and consideration. Different businesses have different needs, especially when it comes to a phone system. A small coffee shop could probably get by on a personal landline and mobile phone combo. On the other hand, a city centre hostel with 100 plus beds will need a business phone system, such as a virtual PBX, to handle multiple incoming calls, facilitate call transferring and be ever reliable with no downtime. If you need a business solution there are plenty of options out there for you. Read on for 3 of the most popular business phone systems along with pros and cons of each.

Traditional Landline

When you think of a traditional landline we think of our home phone line. They are slightly different when talked about in a business sense. Business landlines are typically supported by a phone company. These are analog systems that run on the phone companies existing technology. This technology is usually traditional copper wiring.

To run a traditional landline, you need local PBX hardware. This hardware is what enables you to use business phone system features such as call transferring etc. They enable the use of multiple phone extensions.

Some business landline systems run as a hybrid with VoIP systems (more on them so). The traditional phone line comes into your business and then connects to your data network. The data network is then responsible for connecting the multiple business phones to the central line.

Many landline systems are now being phased out by most system providers.

Pro: Landline systems have been around for ages so are reliable and time-tested. A lot of companies like what they know, which is the traditional landline.

Con: With the prevalence of the cloud most providers are moving away from landlines. This means they are more difficult to purchase and, more importantly, repair should something break.

VOIP Systems

Where landlines use copper wires to get you connected, VoIP systems use the internet. They tap into your companies existing connection to enable your phone system. VoIP systems provide great business features such as automated attendants, call queues and computer integration. Some of the highlights include allowing voicemails left over the phone to be sent to email inboxes and computers to be turned into "softphones."

VoIP systems give remote employees and users access to the business VoIP phone system from their mobile device so they can work on the go without the hassle.

Pro: VoIP systems provide the complete business phone package. These VoIP systems are easily set up and configured, and are a lot more cost effective than landline systems.

Con: The downside, however, is that these systems rely on your internet connection. So, if you’re in a community with spotty internet service, this type of phone system wouldn’t work for you.

Virtual PBX

Virtual PBX phone systems are the next step in the evolution of business phone systems. The Virtual PBX phone systems differentiate themselves by being hosted in the cloud instead of being on-premise. And that eliminates many of the challenges associated with traditional systems and provides all the benefits of the cloud technology it is based on.

A virtual PBX phone system is securely stored in the cloud on a server that is accessible and configurable via a web interface. Virtual PBX phone systems uses internet protocol or IP communications, allowing businesses to make calls over the internet. The difference is mostly invisible to the average user. The only change you’ll see is that instead of plugging your phone handset into the wall socket, your plug your IP phone directly into your modem.

Pros: Cloud-based systems like virtual PBX mean no local hardware to purchase and maintain. Your provider takes care of that for you. You can set up and configure the system for your business, all from your computer.

Cons: Not having your own hardware means that if there are any problems it is out of your control and up to your provider to get them fixed

Think about the services we’ve talked about here and align them with your business needs. Choosing the right system for your business will help it thrive while avoiding headaches down the track. If you need some more advice ask the team over at https://www.cloudtelecom.com.au/ what would be best for you. The right phone system for your business is right around the corner.

Things to Consider Before You Switch to Hosted PBX

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Are you one of the businesses that is considering a move to a hosted PBX phone system, but are not sure if it is a smart decision? You know that you are not happy with your current outdated system and you see competitors using hosted PBX systems to add a number of really cool benefits that help them be more efficient and effective. But with every change, there are plusses and minuses to consider. So you would like to know: Is it a smart move to get a hosted PBX phone system now? Here are some important things to consider:

The Size of Your Company:

Generally speaking, Hosted PBX phone systems provide the most advantages for small businesses with 12 employees or less. If your employees are spread over several locations, this will put less strain on the overall system and more employees can be accommodated.

Bandwidth Costs: In terms of cost of the phones and flexibility, hosted PBX cannot be beat, but you need to also consider additional bandwidth costs that will become costly as you begin to add more people on the system. This will cause a spike in your bandwidth costs and you need to calculate how much this will add to your bills every month.

Call Quality: Another consideration is call quality. Today most company’s employees are on the internet all the time. There is information going in both directions and this is taxing on the connection. Calls through a hosted PBX phone system are routed through the Internet and as with all such connections are affected by unknowns in the cloud.  These events can lead to issues like latency that affect call quality or worse events that in-effect cause outages due to loss of signal or call routing.  Although generally short lived in duration, these issues can and do occur. You obviously need to have a consistent amount of bandwidth in order to get great and consistent call quality. Depending on the Internet speed available to your business this may be a problem.

The Cost of Set-up:

Router and Lines: When you decide to purchase a hosted PBX system, technicians will visit your office to test your connections to ensure you have enough power and data speed to support the system. If you do not, you’ll have to first upgrade your power and high-speed internet connection. Once this is done, you will have to purchase and have installed routers and equipment in order to make the system function properly. Therefore you will incur set-up costs that depending on the size of your company can run into the thousands.

Handsets: Hosted PBX requires that you purchase IP phones for the system. These phones vary in price from a low end feature phone costing about $100.00 to higher-end full featured phones costing up to $300.00 each. Each phone has a built in Ethernet port where the PC can then be plugged in.  It is better though to have each phone connected to its own switch or router port for more throughput and better consistency and you will be able to separate voice and data.

As with any purchase for your business you need to do your homework and research the different types of packages that hosted PBX providers offer. There are some packages that take into account multiple business locations, others that take into account fast growth, and some that have plans to compensate for areas that will likely experience Internet outages. Be clear about the specific needs of your business so you can decide which package serves your company best.

Hosted PBX provider like Cloud Telecom provides free handsets on the monthly packages above $20 AUD . Visit our website https://www.cloudtelecom.com.au to check out our competitive hosted pbx pricing or call 1800 358 339 for more information.