NEC Solutions, a leader in the communications technology space, has recently announced that they are phasing out their on-premises phone system products. They have even provided a timeline for withdrawing from the Unified Communications (UC) industry altogether. This started with the end of manufacturing on April 15, 2024.
For those who are experienced in the UC industry, this is big news. NEC currently commands 16 percent of the industry market share, meaning that it’s not unlikely that your business utilizes an NEC system, especially if you’re based in the UK.
For businesses that depend on an NEC phone system, the time to take action is now. This end-of-life announcement provides a great opportunity to upgrade to a more advanced VoIP or Unified Communications solution.
The Impact of the NEC End-of-Life Announcement
Thousands of businesses all over the world depend on NEC for their phone solutions. This means that change will have to happen on a larger scale over the following couple of years. Some systems have already been sunset, but the remainder will be set at end of life over the next few years. Here is the timeline:
- End of New Deliveries: The last day that you will be able to place new orders is December 31, 2024.
- End of Shipment: The last day that any shipments will be made by NEC for orders placed before the End of New Deliveries date is March 31, 2025.
- End of Service: The last day that NEC will offer technical support for their phone systems is March 31, 2026.
This news is big. For so many businesses that have their communications built on outdated systems, this NEC end-of-life announcement is a wake-up call and a bit of forced change. An organization’s communication system has major internal and external implications, and an older system can impact your interactions with stakeholders, teammates, clients, and prospects.
The Advantages of Cloud-Based Solutions
It goes without saying that, when it comes to business, communication is key. This is even more true here in the age of work-from-home and remote solutions. Gone are the days when you could simply walk over to a co-worker’s desk to explain a process or hash out a project hiccup. Now workforces are spread all over the country, if not across the globe. In light of the NEC end-of-life announcement, having a cloud-based unified communication solution is critical to making sure your business runs smoothly no matter what.
Physical hardware definitely has its place, but it’s important to pair it with cloud-based software to consolidate your communications platforms. Your video calls, email, messaging, phones, and file sharing can all be brought under one proverbial roof for better tracking and more effective communication. Plus, you don’t even need specialized hardware if you’re using cloud-based mobile softphones.
These VoIP solutions are flexible, scalable, and more affordable, affecting your bottom line in more ways than one. Streamlined meetings, more client touch points, less frustrated employees, and leaner operations are just a few of the advantages that come with making the switch to cloud-based communications options.
Make the Switch with Unitel
Unitel is dedicated to providing cloud-based solutions to businesses for their communications needs. With the NEC end-of-life announcement, Unitel is in a unique position to help organizations make the switch to advanced VoIP systems that take full advantage of unified communications.
We know that communication is the backbone of any business. That’s why setting your system up and getting support shouldn’t be painful. Our phone solutions are the perfect way to upgrade if you’re wondering where to go next after NEC. Stay connected with your team and clients no matter where you are and take the next step toward better business communications with Unitel. Contact us today to get started.