If you’re reading this blog you’re considering whether to use an IT company for your telecoms, which is an important decision to make. Your telecoms systems are vital to your business and you want to work out whether you should get your current (or new) IT company to look after your telecoms.
After reading this blog you’ll have an unbiased view of whether to choose an IT company, whether that is your current IT company or one that has contacted you, as your telecoms provider. We’ll also arm you with some questions to ask them so you can put your trust in them or possibly not.
A quick caveat before we get into this blog… there are a lot of good IT companies that do an excellent job at installing and supporting telecoms solutions. The main reasons include: they have merged with a telecoms company or have hired in-house telecoms specialists.
The IT companies we are talking about are the ones that tack telecoms to the list of solutions they offer. They think IT and telecoms are the same.
Why you shouldn’t use an IT company for telecoms
Specialisation
Each area of technology requires a specific set of skills and knowledge. Companies that specialise in a particular area, such as IT, have a deep understanding of that area but may not have the same level of expertise in other areas, such as telecoms.
Choosing a company that specialises in telecoms will ensure that the company has the necessary knowledge and experience to handle your telecoms projects.
Telecoms is such an important part of your business, you want to know it is in safe hands.
Different technologies
Telecoms and IT are two separate and distinct areas of technology, each with its own set of hardware, software, and infrastructure.
An IT company may not have the necessary equipment or resources to properly handle telecoms projects. Sometimes they outsource the support and installation to a third party, which can cause delays, poor service and a lack of accountability.
Additionally, telecoms projects often require specialised equipment and software that an IT company may not have access to or be familiar with.
Compliance
Telecoms is a heavily regulated industry, with strict rules and guidelines governing the installation and maintenance of telecoms equipment. An IT company may not be familiar with these regulations, which could lead to compliance issues.
Non-compliance with telecoms regulations can result in fines, legal action, and damage to your company’s reputation. PCI Compliance is essential to any company taking payments over the phone. Your company may also need to record calls for compliance purposes.
Choosing a telecoms company that is familiar with the necessary regulations will ensure that you are compliant with all applicable laws and regulations.
Different Skill Sets
The skills required for IT and telecoms are not necessarily the same. An IT company may not have the necessary skills or expertise to install and support telecoms solutions. This could lead to subpar results and a lack of efficiency.
Telecoms projects often require specialised technical skills and knowledge, such as an understanding of telecoms infrastructure, networking, and communications systems.
Different Project Requirements
Telecoms projects often have different requirements than IT projects. For example, telecoms projects may require the integration of multiple systems and the coordination of various stakeholders, such as service providers, government agencies, and customers.
An IT company may not have the necessary experience or resources to manage these types of projects effectively.
Different Project Management Approaches
The way in which telecoms projects are managed can differ from the way in which IT projects are managed.
Telecoms projects often require a more comprehensive and strategic approach to project management, including the ability to plan for and adapt to changing circumstances and requirements.
For example, a key part of completing the installation of a new phone system is training the end users. This requires intimate knowledge of the installed phone system. Most IT companies won’t have a specialist in-house trainer.
Different Goals
IT and telecoms projects may have different goals and objectives.
For example, an IT project may focus on developing a specific software application, while a telecoms project may focus on deploying and maintaining a telecommunications network.
Each type of project has its own set of goals and objectives, and an IT company may not be equipped to understand and effectively manage the goals of a telecoms project.
We recommend choosing a company that specialises in one technology area, such as telecoms. This is because each technology requires a specific set of skills and knowledge, and different technologies, regulations, skill sets, project requirements, project management approaches, and goals are involved.
Choosing a company that specialises in telecoms to handle telecoms projects will ensure that the company has the necessary expertise and resources to complete the project effectively.
Why you should use an IT company for telecoms
Familiarity
If your IT company is already familiar with your business and has worked with you on previous projects, they may also be well-suited to handle your telecoms projects.
This can make working on the project smoother and more efficient, as the IT company will already have a good understanding of your business and its needs.
Integration
Telecoms and IT can overlap in certain areas. An IT company may be better equipped to handle telecoms projects that require integration with other IT systems or applications.
Suppose you want to upgrade your telecoms system and integrate it with your customer relationship management (CRM) system. In that case, an IT company may be the best choice to handle the project.
Cost
Choosing an IT company to handle your telecoms projects may be more cost-effective than choosing a telecoms company. This is because your IT company is already familiar with your business and may be able to offer more competitive pricing.
Additionally, by choosing a single vendor to handle both IT and telecoms projects, you may be able to negotiate better pricing and streamline the procurement process.
One-stop shop
Choosing your IT company to handle your telecoms projects can provide the convenience of having a single vendor for all of your technology needs. This can make it easier to manage projects and resolve issues, as you will only need to deal with a single point of contact.
Flexibility: An IT company may be more flexible and willing to adapt to your specific needs and requirements. This can be particularly useful if you have unique telecoms needs or if you are looking for a customised solution.
Conclusion
It’s important to keep in mind that telecoms and IT are two separate and distinct areas of technology, each with its own set of hardware, software, and infrastructure.
An IT company may not have the same level of expertise in telecoms as a telecoms company and may not have the necessary equipment or resources to handle telecoms projects properly.
While there are several reasons why you may want to consider choosing your IT company to handle your telecoms projects, it is essential to carefully assess the capabilities and expertise of the IT company to ensure that they are able to handle the project effectively.
If you have complex or specialised telecoms needs, or if the IT company lacks the necessary expertise or resources, it may be a better choice to choose a telecoms company to handle the project.
Critical Questions to Ask Your IT Company Before Choosing Them for Your Telecoms
• Do they have in-house experienced telecoms support staff?
• How long have they been install and supporting telecoms solutions?
• Do they have in-house trainers who can help train your employees on your new phone system?
• Do they have telecoms case studies and testimonials?
• What are their SLAs to fix a fault?
If you require a telecoms specialist for your next project our team of specialists would be happy to help. We start our process with a Discovery Call where it’s all about you and your telecoms challenges and requirements.
Fill out the form below for specialist telecoms company you can trust.
