SMB Now: Ooma Office Q&A

Responses from Jim Gustke, Vice President of Marketing, Ooma, Inc.

Q.) Ooma is known for its consumer phone service, why did it enter the SMB space?

A.)Simply put, we hate seeing people pay too much for their phone service. As a leading home phone service provider, we saw a need for a high quality yet affordable business phone service in the small business community. We’re bringing ourconsumer track record of crystal-clear voice quality to small businesses by launching Ooma Office. Ooma Office uses a high-speed Internet connection to deliver a high quality and affordable business phone system with advanced features typically found in far more expensive options, which helps small businesses save money and present themselves professionally.

Q.) What is different between Ooma Office and Ooma's home phone offering?

A.)Our business and home phone solutions both offer crystal-clear reliable calling at a fraction of the cost of other phone service options. Unique to Ooma Office is a cloud-based PBX feature set designed specifically to support the needs of small businesses. These features include a virtual receptionist, extension dialing, music-on-hold, ring-groups, conference bridge and many other features small businesses need. Ooma Office also supports up to five physical phone extensions, 15 virtual extensions and 10 phone lines to support even the busiest small business.

Q.) What are the advantages for a small business having a professional, business phone system rather than just using a home phone system?

A.)The features offered by Ooma Office, such as a virtual receptionist, extension dialing, conferencing and music-on-hold, are important in establishing a positive first impression among potential customers – the first call often has a lasting impact and the features provided in a business phone service portray professionalism. We believe these features are fundamentally important to running a successful business and small business decision-makers shouldn’t have to compromise on quality and features in order to cut costs.

Q.) How much do typical business phone systems cost?

A.)Many small businesses with traditional landlines spend as much as $100 per month for each line of phone service. Other small businesses using cloud-based phone services pay per user, requiring a line for each employee with a phone. Ooma Office offers the same advanced features found in these more expensive options with unmatched voice quality at about a third the cost of other providers.  After purchase of the Ooma Office base station and Linx remote phone jacks, Ooma Office costs just $19.99 per line per month for unlimited calling in the US and Canada, many small businesses could use the savings to attract more customers by increasing their marketing budget.

Q.) How do you install Ooma Office?

A.)Installing Ooma Office couldn’t be easier. Ooma Office offers easy, do-it-yourself wireless installation. Setting up the system takes just a few minutes and requires no on-site tech support. Once installed, it’s easy to set up greetings using the virtual receptionist, assign extensions, ring groups and other preferences through an intuitive administrative dashboard accessible online, wherever and whenever you need it. The administrator can easily manage the office even while away. Additionally, you can use a regular phone, no special IP phones or equipment is needed.

Q.) What if my business grows?

A.)Ooma Office provides the flexibility to grow with your business with up to five physical phone extensions, 15 virtual extensions which can be directed to phones off-site, and 10 phone lines so your customers will never hear a busy signal.

Q.) When will Ooma Office be available and how much does it cost?

A.)The Ooma Office starter pack, which includes the Ooma Office Base Station and two Ooma Linx remote phone jacks supporting one phone line and up to three physical phone extensions, will be available in May 2013 at www.ooma.com and select retailers with an MSRP of $249.99. Additional phone lines can be purchased for $19.99 per month and additional Ooma Linx remote phone jacks can be purchased for $49.99 to support up to five phone extensions.