Fixed Mobile Convergence

Today’s business environment is fast paced and flexible. In order to succeed in this environment, businesses are increasingly embracing mobile communication technologies. What began as something of a trend for flexible and remote working is now becoming the norm. Employees are rarely in one place for very long these days, and an increasing number are seeking to work remotely. Workers, therefore, need mobile devices that provide them with the same functionality that they would have in the office. This way, they can work effectively anytime and anywhere. With Fixed Mobile Convergence (FMC), workers can access the organisation’s telephone system and data from their mobile device.

FMC is a software communication application that allows mobile devices to be integrated seamlessly with an organisation’s fixed network infrastructure. This means that employees’ smartphones will offer the features and functionalities that are usually only supported by fixed office phones. With FMC, your staff will be able to make and receive calls in the same way that they would with a fixed office phone. You can benefit from features such as simultaneous ringing, with which calls ring through to both the mobile and the fixed phone. This reduces the occurrence of missed calls and allows calls to be answered much more efficiently. When employees make outgoing calls, they will appear as calls made from the business line to the person being called. This helps to create a professional image of your company and increases the chances of calls being answered, as customers will know who is calling them. Calls on mobile devices can use VoIP technology or the mobile network.

Essentially, the ‘fixed’ element refers to the existing wired systems in your premises such as telephone lines, internet and your wireless network. The ‘mobile’ element simply refers to mobile phones and other mobile devices.

The key benefits of FMC

There are many benefits to FMC including:

• Flexibility – your employees can use their mobile phones from virtually anywhere in the world as an extension of your company network. Staff can remain connected when they are travelling, away on a business trip or working from home.
• Reduced costs – with FMC, you can take advantage of VoIP services which can save you money on mobile calls.
• Business continuity – Your employees can be reached on a single number, and any outgoing calls will be displayed as your business number.
• Phone system features on the go – mobile workers can benefit from the same office features such as voicemail, call transfer, call directory and operator assistance.
• Connectivity – staff can connect to the business WIFI network when they are in range and calls can be transferred between the WIFI network and public mobile network. This can reduce the cost of mobile plans.
• Future-proof – FMC technology helps to future-proof your business as it is part of a range of technologies that are defining the future of business communications. FMC is a significant element of Unified Communications, which is revolutionising the way people do business.

 

If your business is looking to utilise mobile communications then FMC technology is a must-have. FMC can make your entire communications much more seamless, benefiting your staff, your business and your customers. Your business can benefit from FMC by adding both the smartphone client and the FMC controller elements of the software. All Smartphones will be represented as SIP extensions in the PBX. Both the technology and the levels of integration will vary depending on the provider. FMC is available on an increasing number of business telephone systems, so consult your telecoms provider for more information about how your business can benefit from Fixed Mobile Convergence.