Business Phone Systems and Unified Communications (UCaaS)
A unified communications (UCaaS) platform puts your business phone system, video meetings, team chat and texting in one cloud app that works on desk phones, laptops and mobile phones. AIS helps you pick the right platform from 400+ suppliers, moves your numbers, and manages the switch, at no cost to you.
Why businesses replace their phone system
Most companies we talk to aren't shopping for features. They have a problem:
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An aging on-premise PBX that's out of support, with parts that are hard to find
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Copper lines and PRI circuits whose prices keep going up
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Remote and hybrid staff who miss calls because the phones only work at the office
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Separate bills for phones, conferencing, faxing and texting
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Customers stuck in a phone tree that nobody has updated in years
A cloud phone system fixes most of these at once. Done badly, though, it just moves the same problems to a new vendor. That's where an advisor helps.
What we help you compare
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Cloud phone systems (hosted PBX): extensions, auto attendants, ring groups, call routing by time of day, voicemail-to-email and mobile apps.
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Microsoft Teams Phone: calling inside Teams for companies already on Microsoft 365, including direct routing and operator connect options.
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Zoom Phone and Zoom Workplace: AIS's founder is Zoom Phone deployment certified, so we can scope and manage a Zoom Phone rollout end to end.
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Other leading UCaaS platforms: we compare across our supplier list rather than pushing one brand.
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Business texting (SMS): shared text inboxes, appointment reminders and 10DLC registration.
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Fax, paging and analog devices: e-fax and analog adapters for devices that still need a line.
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E911 and compliance: dispatchable location for remote workers, plus recording and retention for regulated industries like healthcare and finance.
How AIS runs a phone system project
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Map your workflow. We learn how calls come in, who answers, what happens after hours, and what your team likes or hates about the current setup.
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Shortlist two or three platforms. Each one comes with real pricing, contract terms and the trade-offs explained in plain language.
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Check the network. Cloud voice only works as well as your internet connection. If your bandwidth or failover isn't ready, we flag it before you sign. Internet, fiber and SD-WAN
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Port numbers and cut over. We coordinate number porting, phone configuration and user training so the switch happens on a set date with no lost calls.
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Stay on as your advocate. After go-live, escalations come through AIS with C-suite access at the supplier, not a generic ticket queue.
Who designs it
Our solutions architect for phones and call centers designs the call flows. Our VP of CX and AI helps when the phone system also needs contact center or AI features. Meet the team.
Going direct vs. going through AIS
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Pre-sales cycle: Direct with a supplier: 2–6 months; Through AIS: About 2 weeks.
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Consultation and project management: Direct with a supplier: Often $1,000+; Through AIS: $0.
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Options compared: Direct with a supplier: One brand; Through AIS: 400+ suppliers.
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Escalation: Direct with a supplier: Standard ticketing; Through AIS: C-suite access.
Serving Brownsville, the Rio Grande Valley and clients nationwide
AIS is based in Brownsville, TX. We help offices, clinics, dealerships, logistics companies and manufacturers across the Rio Grande Valley, from Brownsville and Harlingen to McAllen, Edinburg and Mission, and we set up bilingual English and Spanish auto attendants where customers need them. Clients nationwide get the same process by phone or video. Rio Grande Valley Service Area
Frequently asked questions
What is UCaaS?
UCaaS (unified communications as a service) is a cloud platform that combines business phone calls, video meetings, team chat and often texting in one subscription and one app, so employees can work from a desk phone, computer or mobile phone.
Is a cloud phone system cheaper than an on-premise PBX?
Often, yes, once you count hardware maintenance, PRI or copper line charges, and separate conferencing tools. We price your current costs against two or three cloud options so you can see the real difference before deciding.
Can I keep my business phone numbers?
In most cases, yes. Local and toll-free numbers can usually be ported to the new provider. We check portability and schedule the port so calls keep coming in during the switch.
Should we use Microsoft Teams Phone or Zoom Phone?
It depends on what your team already uses and how your calls are routed. Companies heavily on Microsoft 365 often lean toward Teams, and video-first teams often prefer Zoom. We compare both, along with other platforms, against your workflow.
What does AIS charge to help us choose a phone system?
Nothing. Suppliers compensate AIS when you choose a solution through us, so the comparison, project management and post-install support are free to you.