Friday, October 4, 2024

Maximize Your Business with Gen AI


Are you tired of spending hours on tasks that could be automated? Generative AI (Gen AI) is here to revolutionize how you run your business.


What is a Gen AI power user?

A Gen AI power user is someone who knows how to use Gen AI tools to their full potential. They understand what Gen AI can do, how to give it clear instructions, and how to use it to solve real-world and/or business problems.


Why should you become a Gen AI power user?

  • Save time and money: Gen AI can automate repetitive tasks, freeing up your time to focus on more important things.
  • Improve your productivity: Gen AI can help you generate new ideas, brainstorm solutions, and create high-quality content.
  • Stay ahead of the competition: Gen AI is a powerful tool that can give your business a competitive edge.

How to become a Gen AI power user:

  1. Learn the basics: Start by learning the basics of Gen AI. There are many resources available online, including tutorials, articles, and courses.
  2. Experiment: Don't be afraid to experiment with different Gen AI tools and techniques. The more you use Gen AI, the better you'll become at it.
  3. Get help from experts: If you're struggling to use Gen AI, there are many experts who can help you. You can hire a consultant or join a community of other Gen AI users.

5 essential skills for Gen AI power users:

  • Prompt engineering: The ability to write clear and concise instructions for Gen AI. Gen AI, like humans, relies on context. Gen AI users provide clear instructions, including who's asking, background information, and the desired output format. They experiment with different prompts to achieve specific outcomes. For example, a business owner might ask Gemini to simulate a skeptical purchasing manager to identify weaknesses in a product pitch.
  • Idea generation: The ability to use Gen AI to generate new ideas and brainstorm solutions. Starting from scratch is challenging. Gen AI power users use it as a springboard for new ideas and to explore unconventional solutions. A business owner can generate multiple tagline ideas by providing product details and desired tone. 
  • Content creation: The ability to use Gen AI to create high-quality content, such as articles, blog posts, and marketing materials.
  • Data analysis: The ability to use Gen AI to analyze data and identify trends. Gen AI can quickly search the internet or documents for relevant information. While AI tools are still learning to evaluate source quality, Gen AI users cross-check results from multiple reliable sources. Effective prompting can also guide AI tools towards specific resources.
  • Automation: The ability to use Gen AI to automate repetitive tasks.

Conclusion:


Becoming a Gen AI power user can significantly enhance your business's performance. By mastering these essential skills, you can gain a competitive edge and drive growth.


Monday, September 16, 2024

Why Partnering with a Google Workspace Reseller is Your Business's Best Move

For small businesses, adopting Google Workspace can be a quick and easy transition. In a single day, your company and its employees can become familiar with the various applications offered by Google Workspace. 


When considering Google Workspace as your new collaboration and communication platform, or even if you're switching from another one, it's essential to evaluate your options. You can choose between purchasing directly from Google or working with a partner reseller. To make an informed decision, carefully consider the factors outlined below.


Direct Purchase from Google

You can begin a 14-day free trial using your credit card to assess Google Workspace. However, before entering your information and starting the trial, it's crucial to carefully consider the significant consequences involved.


After registering your company details and domain name on the Google Workspace website, your information becomes permanently linked to Google's system. This means you'll be unable to benefit from certain promotions that may be available through reseller partners.


Recent Changes in Google's Policy

Google has recently adjusted its margin structure for reseller partners. The new policy substantially decreases the margins for resellers when they acquire so-called 'transfer' customers from Google or another reseller. In essence, the margins are nearly non-existent after credit card fees. Consequently, resellers have little incentive to acquire existing Google Workspace customers due to minimal profit margins.


If you've decided to purchase your Google Apps for Work subscription through a reseller, here's what you should also be aware of:


Google Services Partners

Resellers participating in Google's Services Track 'offer services to customers, including sales, consulting, training, implementation, and technical support for Google for Work products.'


Google Technology Partners

Resellers that are part of Google's Technology Track 'develop products that complement, enhance, or expand the reach or functionality of Google for Work products.' In essence, if you're seeking a reseller to assist you not only with setting up basic Google services but also with app integration and custom development, you'll need a Google Technology Partner.


Benefits of Using a Google Partner

When you buy or start a free trial through a Google Workspace partner, several benefits become available:


Promotional Offers and Payment Flexibility: Resellers often provide promotional deals and more adaptable payment options compared to purchasing directly from Google.


Enhanced Support: While Google offers round-the-clock support, resellers generally provide better-managed support tailored to your specific requirements.


Additional Support Channel: If you're a direct customer and dissatisfied with Google Workspace support, your only option is to deal directly with Google. However, working with a reseller provides an additional support channel. This extra layer of support can be instrumental in resolving issues more effectively.


Flexible Options and Added Value: Resellers can offer flexible options and added value, such as negotiation opportunities, data migration, backup solutions, and supplementary features to enhance your Google Workspace experience.


Strategic Flexibility: Beginning with a reseller offers long-term strategic advantages. If your business needs to switch platforms in the future, a reseller can facilitate a smoother transition. If you transition directly to Google, resellers may have less interest in acquiring you again, limiting your future flexibility.


Long-Term Strategy

It's often more advantageous to begin with a reseller and transition to Google if you're dissatisfied. This approach enables you to experience the full range of benefits that resellers offer without committing to a direct relationship with Google initially.


Partnering with a reseller offers a strategic advantage as your business expands. If you need to transition from Google Workspace to a different platform, resellers ensure a smoother transition.


Contact Interlock IT

Since 2009, we've successfully migrated hundreds of organizations and thousands of users to Google Workspace. As Canada's pioneering Google Partner, we're your trusted experts in agile, cost-effective solutions for businesses of all sizes.


Interlock IT empowers your business with tailored billing options, from flexible monthly plans to cost-saving annual subscriptions. Enjoy the freedom to choose from a variety of payment methods that suit your needs.


Be part of the millions of businesses and billions of monthly active users who rely on Google Workspace. Boost your team's productivity and present a professional image with ease.




Friday, September 13, 2024

Calling All Microsoft Teams Users: Choosing the Best VoIP Partner

Your business thrives within the Microsoft ecosystem, leveraging Teams for seamless communication and collaboration. But to truly take your communication to the next level, you're considering adding VoIP calling. However, with so many VoIP providers out there, picking the best fit can be quite difficult.


This article dives deep into two popular VoIP solutions designed to integrate flawlessly with your existing Microsoft environment. We'll compare voip.ms and RingCentral, focusing on pricing (considering both annual subscriptions) and key features, to help you make an informed decision and select the ideal VoIP partner for your business needs.


1. RingCentral: The All-in-One Powerhouse

Pros:

  • Effortless Integration: RingCentral seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Teams, offering a plug-in for a hassle-free connection. This means minimal setup time and a familiar user experience.
  • Comprehensive Features: RingCentral offers a wide range of features out of the box, including voicemail transcription, call recording, and analytics. Businesses looking for a feature-rich solution won't be disappointed.
  • Dedicated Customer Support: RingCentral offers readily available customer support for any issues that may arise.

Cons:

  • Higher Cost: RingCentral is generally more expensive than voip.ms, with tiered pricing based on features and user count.
  • Less Customization: While offering plenty of features, RingCentral provides less customization compared to voip.ms.


Microsoft Licenses + RingCentral Pricing

Microsoft License

Currency

License Price

Teams Phone Standard

RingCentral Core

Pricing (Starts at)

Business Standard

CAD

$17.00

$10.90

$30.00

$57.90

USD

$12.50

$8.00

$20.00

$40.50

Business Premium

CAD

$29.90

$10.90

$30.00

$70.80

USD

$22.00

$8.00

$20.00

$50.00

*All prices below are annual subscriptions. Monthly cancel at anytime pricing for Microsoft licenses are a 20% premium


2. voip.ms

Pros:

  • Unbeatable Pricing: voip.ms offers the most flexible and cost-effective option, only $4.95 for unlimited calls. Perfect for businesses with fluctuating call volume or those on a tight budget.
  • No Teams? No Problem! Even without Microsoft Teams, voip.ms offers the flexibility of a full PBX solution. Utilize softphones and enjoy all the features for just $4.95 per user per month. No RingCentral or Microsoft licenses required! 
  • Customization: Users can tailor the system to their specific needs with a wide range of features and add-ons, like call recording (at a nominal cost of a quarter penny per minute in USD) and auto attendants.
  • Microsoft Teams Integration: Integrate voip.ms with Teams using Teams Voice Connector, enabling seamless call management within the familiar Microsoft interface.
  • Tailored for Your Needs: Advanced users can customize the system extensively with a wide range of features and add-ons. This includes call recording, auto attendants, IVR (Interactive Voice Response) systems, call queues, SMS integration, and more. Essentially, you get a complete phone system without managing your own PBX server.
  • User-Friendly Management: The voip.ms customer portal allows easy configuration of call queues, creation of voice prompts, management of on-hold messages, and customization of call handling during business and non-business hours.
  • Responsive Support: Benefit from 24/7 customer support that offers prompt assistance.

Cons:

  • DIY Setup: Setting up voip.ms might require some technical knowledge, which could be a hurdle for businesses with limited IT resources.

Microsoft Licenses + voip.ms pricing

Microsoft License

Currency

License Price

Teams Phone Standard

Teams Voice Connector

Voip Calling Plan

Pricing (Starts at)

Business Standard

CAD

$17.00

$10.90

~$6.17

~$6.78

~$40.85

USD

$12.50

$8.00

$4.50

$4.95

$29.95

Business Premium

CAD

$29.90

$10.90

~$6.17

~$6.78

~$53.75

USD

$22.00

$8.00

$4.50

$4.95

$39.45

*All prices below are annual subscriptions. Monthly cancel at anytime pricing for Microsoft licenses are a 20% premium


Ringcentral vs voip.ms savings per employee/month/year

Microsoft License

Currency

RingCentral Core

voip.ms

Savings per Employee/month

Savings per Employee/year

Business Standard

CAD

$57.90

$40.85

$17.05

$204.60

USD

$40.50

$29.95

$10.55

$126.60

Business Premium

CAD

$70.80

$53.75

$17.05

$204.60

USD

$50.00

$39.45

$10.55

$126.60


Still need more data? Take a look at softwareadvice.com’s comparison.


The Verdict: voip.ms Takes the Cake 


For small businesses already using Microsoft Teams and seeking the most budget-friendly VoIP solution, voip.ms is the clear champion. Its unlimited plan allows for maximum control over your communication costs, and the customization options give you the flexibility to grow with your business. By leveraging voip.ms, you can stretch your hard-earned dollars further and unlock a powerful communication solution for your thriving Microsoft ecosystem.