Carry on mobile

Fixed mobile convergence (FMC) may not be all that

Francois Mazoudier: Everything is moving online and being made available in pay-as-you-go form

Employees and customers in many businesses expect to be able to reach each other wherever they are and not only have access to voice, but also to email. A slow response can be negatively interpreted.

Hosted, managed services ­ from exchange servers to CRM systems ­ are also on the increase. Everything is moving online is being made available in pay-as-you-go form with no equipment to buy, install, maintain or risk.

This mobility has seen a range of technologies enter reseller portfolios, including fixed mobile convergence (FMC). FMC was developed as a single solution covering fixed and mobile communications.

Complex features
The more cynical among us might say that it was the hardware industry’s last-ditch attempt at staying alive. FMC offers the ability to combine calls from the landline on your desk and your mobile handset, has one number for both handsets, the same features and functionalities irrespective of device or location and is easy to install.

FMC promoted a single dual handset for anywhere, any-time use. However, integrating mobile and fixed-line networks in one handset is complicated and may result in poor quality of service as well as inconsistent results generally.

FMC solutions were complex to install and maintain, and required a lot of figure fiddling to appear financially viable for customers.

Today, GSM phones can offer the common features of advanced PBX on the go, and for a reasonable price. Competition among mobile operators means it is now cheaper to use only one phone and to call mobile to mobile.

If you can get the features you like from your office phone system on your mobile, and if employees prefer their mobiles, why have a landline on every desk in the first place?

Separation required
A solution is required, though, that allows companies keen to keep their office number and phone system separate from their mobile contract to do so, so they do not lose the advantages if they have to change operators.

Femtocell and picocell technologies are making mobile phones more desirable indoors too. By controlling call and data revenues, while remaining in contract, resellers maintain closer customer relationships.

We think that, like voicemail machines, the hardware PBX is no longer fit for purpose, while FMC just adds complexity, cost and frustration.

Francois Mazoudier is chief executive of telephony provider GoHello, which specialises in alternative communications options.