Companies that use Skype see immediate returns through productivity gains, cheaper phone bills, and a better team environment.
To give an example of the benefits, here is a case study of a fictitious company named “OnEdge Tokyo Solutions”, headed by Country Manager John Smith.
Skype for Business - Case Study
OnEdge is a 15 person company located near Akasaka Mitsuke. The staff is 50% Japanese, and 50% foreign. Three quarters of the staff is made up from sales people, who are constantly traveling around Japan, Asia and America to see customers and meet with vendors.
Before Skype Business implementation, all Staff Members used mobile phones and email to communicate with each other. The Mobile Phone bill and Roaming Charges totaled on average 280,000 yen every month.
After reading an article about Skype Business, John Smith began exploring new options for telecommunications. After doing some online research and learning more about Skype, he called his local IT Support company, Netweb IT.
Netweb IT came for a meeting, and they explained the benefits of Skype, the areas where money can be saved, and how a team can work together more effectively, irrespective of their physical location.
Netweb IT produced a quotation for Skype Business Implementation, including cost for for installation, and the ROI based on mobile phone/data charges for 280,000 yen per month.
The Proposal
Netweb IT proposed the following :
- Setup Skype on all PCs
- Setup Wireless Internet for mobile sales staff which is compatible with Skype
- Purchase and install headsets for all users
- Setup a backup plan for Skype generated information
- Train users on how to use Skype
- Follow up after implementation
Based on the costings, John Smith made a decision, and commissioned the IT Support company to setup Skype for all 15 users.
Netweb IT followed the following process :
- Worked with John Smith to decide a naming convention for the users – ie, John_Smith_at_OnEdge.
- Setup all Skype accounts.
- Installed and configured Skype on all local computers in the office.
- Helped OnEdge sign up for required mobile internet cards and services.
- Setup Backup Services for Skype information.
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- Trained office users on Skype functionality, explained how to make cheap phone calls, how to use instant messaging with other OnEdge members and how to create and participate in conference calls.
- Contacted all traveling staff, and used special meeting software to install Skype and setup their Skype account on their laptop. Trained staff on usage.
- Determined that one particular Sales Consultant was frequently calling New York to talk with OnEdge’s biggest customer.
To help this customer, setup a local New York (212) SkypeIn number. Now the customer simply needs to call this New York local number, and the Sales Consultant receives the call in Skype.
- Helped the company distribute a memo to key clients advising them of OnEdge’s Skype implementation.
Provided clients with simple instructions for installing Skype, so that they can contact any member of OnEdge immediately through free voice, free video or instant messaging.
- Trained users on how to set up Conference Calls between OnEdge consultants, and the regular telephone system.
- Provided follow up support and help.
Initial Setup Costs
- Skype account setup – Free
- Netweb Consulting – 12,000 yen * 15 users = 180,000 yen
- Headsets for all staff – 3,000 yen * 15 users = 45,000 yen
- Online Backup for Skype Information = 20,000 yen per month (optional)
- SkypeOut International calling – 1,000 yen per user – 15,000 yen per month
- SkypeIn number for Sales Consultant – 4,000 yen (12 months)
Total Initial Cost : 264,000 yen.
Ongoing Monthly Cost
1,000 yen for all staff (420 minutes of international land-line calling) :15,000 yen
Result
After implementation, mobile phone bill and roaming usage dropped from 280,000 yen to 113,000 yen, achieving a 40% cut in phone bills, and a saving of 2,004,000 yen every year.
Customers reported increased satisfaction in responsiveness, since they're able to view if a consultant is available, and then directly contact staff for free through Instant Messaging and voice.
Return on Investment
Without even considering the intangible benefits of the teams improved ability to work together, a pure monetary ROI was achieved in 7 weeks.
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