IP PBX Featured Article

Broadvoice Goes Apple Native with IP PBX

By Steve Anderson
Contributing Writer

The use of the mobile office is increasingly popular in a growing number of markets these days, and as such, the use of mobile communications tools like Internet protocol private branch exchange (IP PBX) has risen along with it. Broadvoice recently modified its lineup of mobile tools to be Apple (News - Alert)-native, allowing iOS mobile device users to be able to better incorporate Broadvoice tools into a working day.

Regardless of the platform involved, Broadvoice's IP PBX (News - Alert) apps provide complete access to an office communications array no matter the physical location, as long as there's some breed of Internet connection on hand. With the new updates for iOS, Broadvoice uses Apple's CallKit on iOS 10, and that further improves the options set for users. Those using Broadvoice for calling on an iPhone (News - Alert) will see an incoming caller's picture on the lockscreen, much as would be seen normally. A voicemail sent to the IP PBX system is transcribed to allow users to read rather than listen to the message, and calls can be made directly from the iOS device's standard contacts, including both recents and favorites.

Those going particularly mobile with office operations—like in the car—will even be able to put Apple's CarPlay system to work, which allows users access to hands-free operations, making distracted driving a much lower risk, on par with talking to someone already in the car.

Broadvoice's COO, George Mitsopoulos, commented, “We're excited for how this integration adds to the amazing experience we provide for customers using our app on Apple devices. Broadvoice calls now behave seamlessly within the iOS native UI, so that the experience feels just like making or receiving a traditional phone call. It's one more example of the technology investments we continually make in order to support efficient communications for businesses.”

It would be easy to wonder why Broadvoice bothered; after all, many of these same features are built directly into an iPhone itself. Broadvoice, however, is taking the ball and running with it, not only bringing in many similar features, but also several others that are never seen in such circumstances. Think of it like a Venn diagram; sure, there's some overlap, but there are also enough differences to make having Broadvoice worthwhile. With the mobile office becoming increasingly in vogue, having the necessary tools to keep in touch regardless of location becomes especially vital. Moreover, having tools beyond the necessary helps businesses explore new options and potentially generate new sources of revenue.

New opportunities and a better pursuit of current ones—that's what the Broadvoice move to iOS represents for businesses today. There's a lot of need out there for more opportunities to go after, and with IP PBX tools, finding these becomes much more likely.