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Though COVID-19 is no longer considered a global health emergency, the impacts that it has had on the workforce are here to stay. Around 40% of workers now have the option to work part-time or full-time from home. Since workers are no longer tied to a desk, the way that they communicate has changed as well. iPlum is changing the world of business communication by allowing users to have separate business and personal lines, all from one device. Perfect for professionals who are on-the-go or just need more flexible communication, keep reading to learn why we recommend iPlum for any business phone needs.
What is iPlum?
iPlum allows businesses to get separate phone lines with calling and texting features on users’ existing smartphones without switching carriers. With more than 50 calling and texting features including auto-attendant, phone tree, and HIPAA & HITECH compliance capabilities, it’s an industry favorite for a reason.
iPlum at a glance.
- HD call quality: iPlum uses users’ cellular carrier network and VoIP options to provide the highest possible call quality
- Unlimited calls and texts: iPlum’s plans come with unlimited phone calls and texts from your business number.
- Auto-reply texts: Users can send an automatic text message after a missed call or outside of business hours
- Do Not Disturb: Being able to use your personal phone for work too is extremely convenient, but no one wants to be getting work calls after work is over. iPlum allows users to set business hours and turn on Do Not Disturb so they can unplug and unwind after business hours are over.
- Discounts for paying annually: When you pay for an annual subscription with iPlum you can save up to 35% as opposed to paying monthly per user.
- No desktop app: iPlum can be used on mobile with Android or iOS devices but currently doesn’t have a desktop application.
- Additional useful features come with a monthly add-on cost: iPlum comes with a suite of features included in your subscription, but features like HIPAA compliance security, call recordings, and voicemail to email transcription are separate add-ons ranging from $4.99- $5.99/month paid annually.
How does iPlum work?
iPlum eliminates the use for two separate devices for business and personal use. An iPlum line has its own texting, calls, voicemails, and ringtones, all through their convenient app. Users can transfer an existing phone number or get a new business number and set up a business phone tree with extensions and auto-attendant. iPlum works with users’ existing carrier networks to route calls and can also use VoIP to make sure everyone involved gets the best call quality.
Key features of iPlum
HD Calling
Unlike other business phone applications, iPlum has dual call reliability so your customers receive the best call quality. Users can make calls through their phone’s network or internet VoIP with WiFi or data.
HIPAA Compliance and Encryption
iPlum offers a HIPAA compliance add-on for texting so that practitioners and medical professionals can send secure, encrypted texts to their clients without fear of violating HIPAA regulations. Those in the legal field or others that need discretion with clients can rest assured due to the encryption and two factor authentication.
Texting & Autoreply
iPlum allows users to send automated text responses to customers in case of a missed call or text. Users can also set up business hours and send automatic text responses if someone tries to reach you outside of business hours.
Auto-attendant and Phone Tree
iPlum’s phone tree feature allows businesses to create virtual extensions to increase professionalism and make sure customer’s calls reach the right place.
How much does iPlum Cost?
iPlum has three different plans depending on where your business will be taking place; US, Canada, and Toll-Free. Each plan is unlimited and can be billed annually or monthly based on the number of users. For the United States, it’s $8.99 per user per month, billed annually for 35% savings, or $13.99 per user per month billed monthly. For Canada, it’s $11.99 per user per month, billed annually to save 20%, or $14.99 per user per month on a monthly pay schedule. For a toll free number, it’s $14.99 per user per month if you bill annually to save 25%, or $19.99 per user per month. International calls require international credits to be purchased and used.
If you prefer more flexibility, you can also use the measured plan that comes with 200 credits per month at a cost of $7.99 per user per month for the U.S, $8.99 per user per month for Canada, or $9.99 per user per month for toll-free. Additional credits are 1 cent each.
iPlum also has additional features for compliance for those in healthcare, financial or legal fields. Security and backup for HIPAA compliance costs an additional $5.99/month billed annually and allows access to the free iPlum app for clients for secure messaging.
iPlum vs Google Voice
Google Voice and iPlum are both popular phone solutions for business communications and you might be wondering which is best for your business. Google Voice offers VoIP phone services for mobile and desktop, whereas iPlum adjusts between users’ cell provider and VoIP to give the best call quality, even if the internet is down. Google Voice offers three different subscriptions starting at $10 per user per month with a limit of 10 users. In order to get the same level of features like an auto-attendant and phone tree that you get with iPlum, though, you would need to purchase Google Voice’s Standard plan at $20/user per month, whereas iPlum is only $8.99 per user per month when you pay annually.
For those who must follow HIPAA compliance, the only way to achieve compliance with Google Voice is through a full Google Workspace subscription to achieve a business associate agreement, or BAA. iPlum offers a BAA for free for businesses who purchase a subscription with their Security & Backup add-on. iPlum is a better option for those needing additional security or maintaining compliance.
Bottom line.
If you’re a busy professional on-the-go, having a separate work phone and personal phone isn’t always a great option. Carrying around two phones is inconvenient and can be expensive. If you need to stay in contact with your clients or customers, iPlum is a great and cost-friendly resource, especially for those in the healthcare industry or those who require more secure communication.