This article is the third and final post of our three-part series about achieving greater productivity using the ShoreTel client app.
To quickly recap, in the first post we discussed the benefits of IM and Presence, stating in detail how these core features of the client are directly linked to increased worker productivity.
In the second post, we addressed the benefits of specialized call handling which the Connect client provides to each user allowing them to be more productive with their time management. Last but not least, in this post, we will address what the ShoreTel mobility app is, how it works, and why it can be a tremendous benefit to any business using (or looking to use) ShoreTel Connect.
In December 2016 Research and Markets put out a report stating that “growing mobility trends and Bring Your Own Device” were major factors behind their predictions that the UCaaS market would grow from 15.7 Billion in 2015 to 31.3 Billion in 2022. It is no wonder then that ShoreTel, being a major leading UC provider has put such focus on their mobility app for both their hosted and on-premise solutions.
Let’s explore…
What is the ShoreTel Mobility App?
Mobility is what provides your employees the right tools to work just as productively and efficiently in a remote environment as if they were sitting right inside the office walls. The ability to make all this possible is due to ShoreTel's Connect mobility client, aka their mobility app.
Employees install the mobility app onto their cell phone or another mobile device just as they would install any other app whether Mahjong, AccuWeather, or multiplayer community game. Once installed and configured, users can start using their mobile device just like they would use the desktop client counterpart.
How Does the Mobility App Work?
For on-premise users, the mobility app requires a mobility router to work properly. When a user uses the mobility app on their mobile device, the app connects to the onsite mobility router. It is the router which controls the ability to make and receive calls using the company’s network through a local Wi-Fi or cellular network. The router will determine which network to use based on call quality, cost, and battery life.
For users of the ShoreTel Connect Cloud platform, the mobility features are automatically included in the Standard and Advanced bundled packages (at the time of this post). There are no mobility routers to install locally as this is handled by ShoreTel or your ShoreTel Partner.
Do You Lose Availability States in the Mobility App?
Just as users can utilize IM and presence for instant business communications through the desktop client/app, the same functionality can occur with your mobile app. For example, if a sales rep is out meeting with a client, they can change their availability to 'In a Meeting,' and once the meeting is over, change it back.
Using Call Handling on Mobile Devices
In the desktop client, as explained in our second post, users can control the way calls are routed based on their availability states. This is just as pertinent with mobility app users as it is with desktop users.
The traveling sales rep can direct calls immediately to voicemail so there are no interruptions during important meetings. Once the status is changed to 'Available,' calls can be configured to ring directly to their mobile device.
The options go on and on with one goal in mind: making it easier to work and be more productive.
Using the Mobility App to Create and Join Conference Calls
As a mobility app user, there is no reason why effective collaboration should be sacrificed. Users can utilize conference features such as setting up instant conferences, schedule future conferences, and even conduct video conferencing between multiple users.
With this functionality, users can join conferences while on the road with a click of a Join button. They can still organize meetings without waiting to get back to the office to set up the conference configurations. Everything can be done quickly and simply through the ShoreTel mobility app.
Displaying Your Business Phone Number When Using Your Mobile Device
One of the most appreciated benefits of the mobility app is the ability to make outbound calls from a personal mobile device yet have it display your business number for the caller ID.
For on-premise users, this is handled through the mobility router and is configured through the Admin policy which knows how to determine which calls are personal and which are not. For the hosted platform Connect Cloud, you will most likely need to work with your phone system’s admin whether ShoreTel or another party to adjust these settings.
Are Calls That are Made Through the Mobility App Charged as Personal Phone Usage?
Calls made through the mobility app do not use up personal minutes and usage. Instead, calls are processed through the business network as if you were in the office. The configurations within the App will route calls automatically, and you will not incur any charges or usage on your personal account.
Having the freedom to use the mobility app for business calls without the stress of tracking personal usage enable employees to avoid juggling multiple mobile devices, thus streamlining work processes and communications.
ShoreTel’s mobility client is a win-win for all parties. It affords the ability for workers outside the office to communicate and collaborate as if they were in the office thereby reducing delays and inefficiencies otherwise often experienced. It helps employees maintain a professional appearance with outside contacts by utilizing features on the road that were once limited to take place only in the office.
Likewise, business owners can save money knowing the BYOD (Bring your Own Device) compatibility allows for employees to utilize their own cell phones and devices instead of devices provided and bought by the company.
Unified communications is always evolving, and as business consultants in the field of telephony, we work with small to large businesses helping them design their networks to accommodate the right tools to help increase productivity thanks to the benefits of a powerful UC solution.
We hope you have enjoyed this article series as this concludes our three part series regarding the top three productivity-enhancing features of the ShoreTel Connect client.
If you would like to learn how ShoreTel’s phone and communications solutions can benefit your business, please contact us today.
Suellen Meyers: December 21, 2023
