Bandwidth Simplified

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the VP of sales and marketing for Switchfast Technologies. We’re an IT managed services providers for SMBs. I’m responsible for topline growth via new client acquisition and partner programs.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Bandwidth Simplified?

We don’t sell VOIP or ISP solutions, so we needed an outstanding partner that could deliver high-quality solutions to our clients. They also had to provide a top-quality client experience that's similar to ours.

What were your goals for this project?

We needed a single telecom technology partner that understood the industry inside and out. They needed to represent a broad spectrum of solutions, not just the one or two that provided the best margin. It’s critical that our clients receive an extraordinary customer service experience when introduced to any partner.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We’ve been searching for a great partner since we launched in 2001 and even tried selling those solutions ourselves. In our experience, it’s easy to find poor- or average-performing partners, but Bandwidth Simplified is a diamond in the rough.

Describe the project in detail.

We refer all of our clients' VOIP and ISP (data) needs to Bandwidth Simplified. Our client is usually upgrading their data services to fiber or broadband or adding a backup connection, in addition to their main phone system or provider. There’s often a fair amount of consulting required to recommend and provide the right services and products, especially with phones.

What was the team composition?

We worked with Al (Telecommunications Manager, Bandwidth Simplified) and his team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Our close rate and client satisfaction with Bandwidth Simplified are well over 85%. Our clients love the experience, and we’ve developed a nice revenue stream. They’re a competent, high-quality partner.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Al and his team understand how to provide high-quality service. They either work with our account team or engage directly with our client in order to develop a solution. Their communication is top notch and their CRM system allows them to keep all the balls in the air. They also send backend reporting to our finance team so we can track and take advantage of our opportunities and recurring revenue.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their service is outstanding. They recognize they’re an extension of our team and understand the responsibility they have to represent us well to our clients.

Are there any areas for improvement?

As they continue to grow, Bandwidth Simplified should pay special attention to maintaining high-quality customer service. So far so good, but it’s always good to monitor. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Computing Technology Solutions is a managed services firm. I’m the CEO.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Bandwidth Simplified?

We engaged them to help us find, select, and implement voice and data solutions for our customers and clients.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We have an entire team that works with them to fulfill various requirements and find solutions for our clients. They work with our clients directly and gather information through a needs analysis. Then, they return with all the available options that will suit the project. They take responsibility for all the legwork and save us considerable time and resources.

What is the team composition?

There is an account manager, but I interface directly with the owner, thanks to my long-term relationship with him. He has a team behind him who support his work.

How did you come to work with Bandwidth Simplified?

Before he started Bandwidth, I worked with their owner in a similar capacity. I was a huge fan of his work, and he had no particular loyalty to any one vendor. He was willing to offer several suggestions to a client and allow them to pick the vendor and the technology that worked best for that client’s needs.

How much have you invested with them?

They work on commission with the various vendors he suggests. The engagement has no direct costs to us or to our clients.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working in January 2012 and the relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

In addition to the labor savings we derive from them, we also reap the benefits of having them act as an escalation point. If a client has issues with one of their large service providers, Bandwidth’s access to master agents who work with those providers helps us get in direct contact and find resolutions. It makes us look fantastic in front of our clients, and we have lots of different options to offer substantial cost savings on an ongoing basis. Two years ago, we saved our clients an average of 17%.

How did Bandwidth Simplified perform from a project management standpoint?

Their responsiveness and documentation for the project is great. We’re very happy with the services they provide.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They are knowledgeable about new products and technology. When something appears in the market, they bring it to us. That proactivity is really beneficial to us and helps us stay on the cutting edge.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t have any improvements for them at this time. They do a good job.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Sign up for their newsletter. It has valuable information in it, and I’ve learned a lot about technical options I wasn’t aware of.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the IT director for a property management investment and development firm. We have projects all over the country.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Bandwidth Simplified?

We needed help setting up internet service and plain old telephone service (POTS) in different properties.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I contact Bandwidth Simplified whenever we require internet, POTS, or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). After they provide quotes for different service providers, we would figure out which ones we want to use and sign the contracts. Once they get approval from our legal department, we get the installation dates set up. If it’s VoIP, Bandwidth Simplified programs and sets up the phones, then conducts user training. They also have a sister company that provides more specific IT functionality, which is definitely helpful. Currently, they’re replacing the old analog phone system at one of our properties with hosted VoIP.

What is the team composition?

I have one main point of contact, a representative. We also work with several other people on their team.

How did you come to work with Bandwidth Simplified?

I worked with their owner Al (Telecommunications Manager/Partner, Bandwidth Simplified) when he worked at a previous company. Since I had a good experience, it made sense to go to him again.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in January 2012, and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

Everything they’ve done has gone well. Their work helps make our process more efficient and frees up time on my end. I don’t have to worry about their work.

How did Bandwidth Simplified perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re available and responsive. We use email and phone to communicate.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They stand out because of their level of service.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Make sure you tell them exactly what you want and what your timeline is.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the technical lead at a full-service hospitality company with multiple bars and restaurants.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Bandwidth Simplified?

We hired them to source the best possible pricing and value for our Internet and phone needs.

What were your goals for this project?

We needed to identify best in class pricing and service. Manage the project from identifying solutions to implementation.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We'd received guidance from Bandwidth Simplified before, and trusted their opinions.

Describe the project in detail.

They helped us find an internet service provider that could also provide Cloud and VOIP phone services.

What was the team composition?

We had a small team. A team member and I worked with one representative from Bandwidth Simplified.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The project succeeded. We were happy with the service and options they offered.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Communication was key. We felt informed and prepared during each step of the project.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We appreciated their proactive communication, which prepared us for the next steps.

Are there any areas for improvement?

They exceeded our expectations.