In April 2024, NEC (Nippon Electric Company) announced that they will be discontinuing on-premise telephony services outside of Japan. The reason for this decision is because most global markets are moving to cloud-based services, which makes it not profitable for the company to sell non-cloud VoIP outside Japan. Now, many users are seeking NEC alternatives.
| “Service discontinuation is a frustrating situation for non-Japanese NEC users. However, NEC closing operations outside Japan doesn’t mean you’re out of options.” – Sean Schoenberger, President, Sunco Communication & Installation |
No matter the reason for the NEC corporation’s decision, thousands of North American users are now in need of an alternative. If you’re one of them, this inconvenient situation may be an opportunity to reassess your business communication strategy. Instead of simply seeking another on-premise competitor, now might be the right time to consider if switching to cloud is right for you.
This article is here to help. We’ll explore the pros and cons of switching to cloud-based unified communications solutions over on-premise solutions and why Mitel could be a good long-term alternative to NEC.
Choosing Between On-Premise vs. Cloud-Based Phone Systems
Before you choose an NEC alternative, you first need to decide whether you want to stay on-premise, move to the cloud, or choose a hybrid solution. It’s also worth noting that NEC will still continue to provide cloud services outside Japan, they’re only discontinuing on-prem.
Here are the questions you should ask yourself to help you decide whether it’s time for your business to move away from on-premise solutions.
Do You Need Strict Control Over Your Business Data?
If your business operations require high levels of security and compliance, retaining control over your data is crucial. In this case, staying on-premise or choosing a hybrid solution may be the best option. These solutions offer greater control compared to fully cloud-based systems.
Are You Comfortable With Third-Party Data Management?
If you are open to external management of your data, cloud hosting could be a viable option. This approach is less resource-intensive and can reduce operational costs. It’s suitable for businesses that prioritize flexibility and scalability over direct control of IT resources.
Is Investing in Physical IT Infrastructure Feasible for Your Business?
One of the biggest challenges with on-premise solutions is cost. An on-premise phone system may cost an average of $10,000 to fit. Opting for cloud-based is much more affordable by comparison. If you need strict data control of on-prem but can’t afford the infrastructure costs, hybrid is your best option.
Whichever You Choose, Sunco Can Help!
What Makes Mitel a Good Alternative to NEC?
If you have decided to move away from NEC instead of switching to their cloud option, Mitel is an excellent alternative. Additionally, Mitel offers hybrid and on-premise solutions if you would prefer to stay on-premises despite NEC’s service discontinuation.
Here are some of the reasons why.
1. User Friendliness
Mitel’s user interface is notably more intuitive to use than NEC’s. Therefore, Mitel may be a good option if your business employs many new users. It’s also comparatively more customizable, which makes it suitable for businesses with fluctuating needs.
2. Scalability
In 2023, 50% of Canadian SMBs saw a spike in revenue and 24% of them experienced a growth rate over 10%. Mitel is designed to accommodate growth without the burden of extensive system overhauls, making it a better choice than NEC. Comparatively, NEC requires more substantial modifications to handle similar growth, which can be less efficient.
3. Integration Capabilities
Mitel offers better integration with modern cloud-based applications. While NEC also has some integration capabilities, Mitel provides more options and more flexibility in this regard.
4. Community Support
Mitel offers a robust support network and an active user community that provides extensive resources and troubleshooting support. NEC’s support is somewhat less accessible by comparison, although good support options are available.
| Get More Tips on Making an Informed VoIP Decision |
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Are You Interested in Switching From NEC to Mitel?
We encourage you to do additional research beyond the scope of this article. Although, if you’ve made the decision that Mitel is the best NEC alternative for your business communication needs, you’re in the right place!
Sunco Communication & Installation is a Mitel Platinum Reseller partner. That means that we can help you select, implement, optimize, and manage the perfect MItel phone system for you. Additionally, if you happen to be in the hospitality sector, we’re also one of Mitel’s Hospitality Specialization Partners for 2023 and 2024, as well as a Finance Specialization Partner for 2024.
If you think you’d benefit from moving to the cloud, there’s no better time than now. Contact us today to learn more about your options.
