I’ve seen lots of buzz on the lawyer mailing lists regarding GrandCentral, a new sort-of-pbx system. Yes, it’s new. Yes, the NY Times had a story on it. Yes, the website is really pretty and has rounded boxes.
My take: GrandCentral = personal use, RingCentral = business use
Just because something is new and buzz-y, doesn’t mean it’s the best solution for everyone.
RingCentral: Tollfree numbers (or local), numbers you can transfer to another provider [all your numbers don’t belong to us?], internet fax (yes, with the same number – or dedicated), voicemail and faxes sent via email (attachments, not just links), voicemail and faxes download to desktop for archival, call forwarding, call screening, real-time control (including listening in, switching lines), answering rules (my biz phones shut off in the evening), desktop call controller (send calls you can’t answer straight to v-mail), click to call, integration with Outlook, extensions, click to call (check my firm site and click my phone number). And you can call out using your number through a phone, your desktop call controller, or through the Outlook integration.
GrandCentral: Custom greetings per number, switching lines, ringtones, listening in, emailed links to voicemail (attachments? it says that you can forward it), annotate voicemail with notes. Some neat stuff that makes any phone act like a cell phone, without paying those ridiculous ringtone charges.
But, um, using those MP3s as ringtones could get you into some copyright infringement hot water. The RIAA is probably not going to love it. Sure hope GrandCentral doesn’t get nailed for vicarious copyright infringement.
If you’re looking for a good voicemail system for your business, what would you choose? GrandCentral is really cool for individuals, especially individuals employed by a firm or company. Or for college students who need a local number that mom can call. There are any number of ways that GrandCentral is an awesome service. Although I think it’s really neat, it’s not the best choice for business (what happens when more than one person needs to take calls?). FWIW, I haven’t tried it. But I don’t really need it, either.
RingCentral could be better, of course. Automatic contact syncing and voicemail notes (by me, when I’m listening to the voicemails) would make it darned near perfecto.
The best part about either of these services is that the telcos aren’t in control of your communications, you are. Whether you’re using a landline or VOIP service, neither can futz with your number or your data. You can move anywhere and take the number with you, without any interruption in your business (or personal!) communications.
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