A system originally intended for call centers could enhance your team’s communications and even replace your office phone system. Google has partnered with Twilio, a cloud communications provider, to introduce Twilio CX for Chromebooks.
The idea is to provide a complete cloud-based communications system with inbound phone numbers (some of the them toll free) for a few dollars a month and costing just a few pennies per minute on each call.
The system has other features too. For instance, it includes text messaging, conferencing with up to 40 callers and the ability to create recordings or transcriptions of a call, again for pennies per minute.
The system could also be set up in minutes, according to Twilio, and could be run through the browser of an average Chromebook.
A quick video introducing the new service explains why it may be attractive to both those setting up call centers as well as small and medium sized businesses looking for inexpensive but flexible communication options:
The idea is to change communications systems, a big part of your IT budget, from a capital investment to a monthly subscription that can be part of your regular operating expenses.
There are two reasons this might matter to you, depending upon the cost and complexity of your current communications system:
- First, it seems likely that U.S. businesses will need to expense a lot less in capital investments in years to come. So big investments in IT could have to be depreciated over time instead.
- Second, cloud services are constantly updated for as long as you are a subscriber, so your communications system won’t be getting obsolete over time.
There are certainly many business communications options out there today. But, if your business involves customer service, sales or other calling in or out, it’s possible a cloud-based communications solution might fill your needs.
It’s Google. It’s a system developed for Chromebook. It makes me nervous (well, not for me personally, as I don’t have a Chromebook) because, from my observations, Google products tend to be vulnerable to attacks (security-wise). I’d be concerned that something similar might happen with this product.
Aira Bongco
This is quite cool. Though I cannot wait for a company to try it first before I have a go at it. Technology can be quite tricky. Some may look useful and can be quite promising, it can still be a problem as the actual is often different from the imagined outcome.
Well hopefully they’ve tested it out thoroughly before rolling it out. And perhaps the roll-outs are also tentative, with a strong support base. Either way, I guess we’ll find out soon enough.
This is exactly what I’ve been looking for! Twilio CX can actually make interactions between me and my employees a lot more fruitful. And as Google is its partner, it can be safely said that this one tool is going to play a big role for SMBs in future….
Michael Gillin
Proven technology is already there. Access the cloud phone system through your Smartphone via cellular channel (not mobile data). Most carriers already provided unlimited voice with their mobile service. Why buy more hardware? You already have the most advanced phone in your pocket. About 40% of US households are mobile only- it just makes sense for business to do the same. Check it out