When considering a business solution, it can be easy to assume that some are just glorified alternatives to customer solutions that do the exact same job. So is the premium for a business solution ever really justified?
If we are looking at the differences in detail, then the answer has to be yes.
Over the last couple of decades we have seen consumer goods – such as digital cameras and MP3 players – improve in quality and capability, while also becoming more affordable. This has ultimately somewhat blurred the distinction between consumer and professional or business-aimed products. In certain cases, it is perhaps true that consumer solutions will be adequate for your business, but these approaches have to be considered carefully.
It’s certainly possible to purchase a bargain consumer grade communication that satisfies your business’ needs. However, should a problem develop, you can soon find yourself in trouble as you won’t receive the required support to solve the issue. Poor or failing connectivity can seriously harm your business, so the question you need to ask yourself is: is it really worth the gamble?
The first thing you expect when you acquire a business strength data communication product is exclusivity. Just as a business ticket for travel enables you to bypass queuing, business data communication solutions offer traffic preference over consumer data, making them much faster and more reliable. In addition, business solutions are also designed to be more resilient and to grow alongside your business.
In the unlikely event of them failing, teams of dedicated engineers are there to get you back online much more quickly than consumer level support. Some providers are even proactive in monitoring your systems, ensuring a support team will be ready to fix any network issues, even before they impact your service.
There are also lower grade communication providers that offer business connectivity at rock bottom prices. These are often consumer products positioned for the business market, so you need to understand what you’ll get for your money. If an offer looks too good to be true, it usually is!
It is always good to create a business case and redefine the cost of connectivity per employee, or per sale. In many cases it will become clear that the premium you pay is only marginal. This also helps you to understand what the cost and impact of downtime is to your business. Ultimately, customers who can’t complete a sale on your website, for example, will go elsewhere. And should they experience a positive process with your competitor – you may have lost them forever.
Employees who experience slow and failing connections may also feel frustrated, ineffective and experience stress – especially when they’re on target-based earning schemes. As an employer it is only fair to give your employees the tools they need to effectively fulfil their role.
So it is not a question of going cheap, but making sure that your connectivity solutions is up to the demands of your business, whilst offering you real value for money.