How are DID numbers transforming SMEs?

Cost is a prominent factor when establishing any new business. SMEs usually struggle with capital generation when setting themselves up and an efficient communication channel is usually the last priority for them. However, most enterprises derive great benefit when they have a DID system in place as they can connect their employees and customers without depending on bulky hardware equipment. According to the annual TeleGeography Report and Database, international voice revenues are on the high with more than 5 billion monthly global OTT users. In the year 2019, the international OTT voice traffic reached 1 trillion minutes, compared to just 432 billion minutes of international carrier traffic. Let’s discuss what DID services or inbound VoIP services are and how they are easing the operational hassles for SMEs.  

What is a DID Number?

A DID stands for Direct Inward Dialing or Direct Dial-in (DDI). The main advantage of having a DID number is that they aren’t specific to any geographic location and are instead routed by the service providers through a Private Branch Exchange (PBX) to the destination of the number’s owner.

How did it start?

In the past, businesses had one telephone number for each of their offices. Any incoming call was then manually transferred to the concerned person or department by the switchboard operator on their extension number. The call transfer process was later automated as soon as the PBXs replaced switchboards. The caller would then get an option to enter the extension number when they dial-in, thereby reducing the call time.

When the direct inward dialing services were initially launched, companies purchased entire blocks of sequential telephone numbers. The last four digits of the number were the extension number to specific departments or individuals. In the PBX-driven scenario, the telephone company would direct all calls to any number within that block to the PBX, which sat on the main number for the office. The PBX would then detect the last four digits dialed and switch the call through to the relevant extension. That’s how the callers from outside the building would get direct access, bypassing a switchboard or receptionist.

What businesses can use them?

Cloud Service Providers: Cloud service is a technology-based offering with the users willing to use shared storage for their data. This bulk data needs to be transferred or shared among a group of users from the same organization and this requires superior collaboration features which can be offered through an efficient DID services.  

MVNOs – Mobile Virtual Network Operators have gained strong foothold across the world competing with the biggest names in the industry. It is important for the MVNOs to provide quality voice as well as reliable services to their customers. The MVNOs can liaise with global voice termination service providers to offer these services without incurring any exorbitant expenditure.

BPOs/KPOs: The outsourcing business is one of the biggest benefiters of the DID service with direct connections with customers across the world.  Call centres use one of the primary consumers of a DID service as it helps them connect with their global customers through an easily accessible number. Since the DID services are economical than the traditional telephone, they handle large call volume of call centres well.  

Software Solution Providers: The IT sector is on a roll and several companies now serve as software solution providers to large global audience. These software projects as well as post-delivery services are offered during the time zone of the customer for their convenience. A regular phone service would be cumbersome for both the provider as well as the customer and therefore a PBX-based DID service suits the need.

How are SMEs Benefitting from DID Services?
 

1. Connecting worldwide customers: Most SMEs these days are connected with a worldwide audience. With better connectivity options, it is easier to serve customers from any part of the world. This has led to the need for quicker communication mediums that allow both customers and the employees to connect with each other from any part of the world.
    
2. Allowing real-time connections: SMEs boast of a global client base and an effective business with them requires instant connection in their own time zones. DID services allow real-time interaction and collaboration features that help the users to use quality voice minutes, exchange documents as well as messages.
    
3. Cost-effective Communication – Looking to equip your staff with DID numbers without purchasing multiple lines? It’s easy with DID services that can trim down your telecommunication bills, hardware expenditure or physical phone lines. DID services can seamlessly connect multiple business locations and devices.  

It is imperative for any SME to identify a DID provider that can offer a comprehensive DID solution with features suitable for the businesses to communicate effortlessly with their customers.  BridgeVoice Pluto is one such solution that provides features like voicemail, conference calling, automated greetings and call logs to SMBs, Enterprises, ISPs and ITSPs. Pluto’s DID services are available in customizable packages with a variety of features and user plans to choose from. If you are looking to focus on your core business without worrying about expensive telecommunication solutions, buy DID VoIP numbers with BridgeVoice Pluto. Get in touch with our experts and learn more at [email protected].  

Manasi Mulasi

Manasi is a content creator and developer at Panamax Inc. A post graduate in Journalism, she has dabbled in various domains in last 10 years of her career. This includes celebrity interviewing, advertising, radio stints and project management. When she is not working, Manasi enjoys a cup of coffee, a Friends rerun and karaoke.
You can get in touch with her at [email protected].