Why Should I Replace My IVR with an IVA?

“Why should I replace my IVR with an IVA?” I’m starting to hear that question a lot from companies that I work with on a regular basis, so I’d like to address the question more broadly.

Preparing and creating as much data as you can will help you build for the future and support more self-service efforts.

Most organizations are either just starting out on their cloud journey or are already well on their way. It’s no longer really an option for organizations to embrace cloud, as CEOs and boardroom executives have said that digital transformation is one of their top three priorities. At the same time, adopting cloud entails change, and change sometimes causes resistance, along with risk and fear of the unknown. Change is also a disruptor, and in the context of cloud, it’s the biggest business disruptor.

Continuing our discussion of Communication Modernization from my last post, I want to talk about migrating to SIP endpoints. What about SIP trunks, you ask? I’m not sure I’d consider SIP trunks a “modernization” thing anymore. Many made that switch a LONG time ago—it’s a complete no-brainer for most customers that I deal with. Reduce hardware, decrease cost, increase flexibility, easier redundancy… what’s not to love? No, instead I’m talking about hardphones and softphones. Using SIP as the signaling protocol is almost always the right answer. Let’s talk about why.

When people talk about endpoint modernization, everyone assumes that we’re referring to the elimination of hard physical phones. My response to that is a big MAYBE! If you’re telling me that you’re eliminating hardphones to enable a collaborative architecture that more easily supports a remote and mobile-first user-base, then you had me at hello. But sadly, the response I usually get is “We’re looking to cut costs.” And there, you lost me. I always suggest you recheck your math.

What role does the IT department play in your business? Does it contribute to strategic initiatives, or does it mostly provide day-to-day support for your users and systems?

In order to thrive in the coming years, most businesses must undergo digital transformation. According to Gartner, 67% of business leaders believe that in order to remain competitive, their organization will have to undergo significant digitalization by 2020. With digital initiatives serving as the top priority for 2019 according to Gartner's CIO Agenda 2019, it sounds like many organizations are already in the midst of successful digital transformation, right? Not so fast. Forrester Research reports a bleak state of digital transformation, with many companies failing to realize the full extent of their transformational opportunities.

Fourteen ConvergeOne thought leaders presented at Avaya ENGAGE 2019. They'll be sharing highlights from their sessions in a blog series over the next several weeks, so check back for the next installment.

Last week, 14 ConvergeOne thought leaders traveled to Austin to participate in 27 sessions during Avaya ENGAGE 2019. Many remarked upon the high level of enthusiasm that was present throughout the event, as attendees recognized exciting innovations with Avaya technologies and the IT industry that are making the technology of tomorrow available today. For ConvergeOne, the excitement continued all the way to the event’s conclusion, as we were recognized as Avaya’s 2018 U.S. Service Partner of the Year.

With Avaya ENGAGE quickly approaching, we decided to check in with ConvergeOne thought leaders—who will be presenting at 27 sessions during the event—to get a sense of what we can expect. These are the primary themes that emerged.