PanTerra Networks vs. Skype (discontinued)

One of the main draws of PanTerra Networks Streams is the unlimited calling, which was very enticing. We chose the platform over other models (per-call for example) because they simplified billing. While the video conferencing and messaging feel bare-bones or underdeveloped in comparison to other players in the market, the fact that the messaging is seamlessly integrated into the PBX makes it easy to use. The call routing systems are especially robust, which in the collections world is very important to be able to segment calls to different users.

Incentivized

Having interacted with a new replacement tool, Microsoft Teams, it is challenging to recommend Skype, as it lacks some essential features, such as being less equipped with the latest updates, and it is not platform-independent, causing issues on PCs and phones, as well as during calls that might hinder work.

Incentivized

• Attended or un-attended answering of incoming calls
• Transfer calls to appropriate person
• Integrates with cell phones for always available
• Keeps a log of phone calls
• Allows me to use messaging on my phone system and desktop
• Allows me to manage user accounts

Incentivized

• The instant chat function is great. Very straightforward, easy to use, easy to learn, no technical issues.
• Video calls are pretty easy also, user friendly and a mostly stable connection with no issues.
• Voice calls are easy also, eliminates the need for an external landline or the need to use your cell phone. Clear connections, not really any dropped calls.

Incentivized

• Integration with Gorgias software
• Accounting had asked me to mention the way the bills are shown in the invoices can be confusing as to how it is broken out and what each charge is for. She mentioned wishing it was a little more detailed.
• Virtual test environment would be nice. When testing if there is an outage or testing updates, it would be cool to either be able to hear what a customer would hear and make sure things are working in the system without interrupting customer service. This is small, but a feature that would be cool to utilize.

Incentivized

• Skype is a RESOURCE hog. People who have limited bandwidth will have poor call quality.
• It is hard to figure out how to use emojis and upload images in the chat.
• The background images do not fool anybody....it is clearly not your real background.

Incentivized

In all likelihood, we will remain Panterra customers for many years. VoIP phone and messaging is a rapidly expanding and evolving market, however, and its possible a better solution will come along, but for now, Panterra Streams offers a compelling solution combining leading features, great customer service, and affordable pricing.

Incentivized

I have given this rating as this need to give more than that as it's very helpful for us and makes our work more efficient and fast.

PanTerra Networks needs to make the interface more user friendly and make it easier for the users. Like saving message templates or saving phone numbers for the fax directory.

Incentivized

Skype is not as good as Facetime in terms of ease to glance at it and figure out how it works. I think that's a result of Skype trying to be too many things at once. A lot of the menu and UI could be streamlined, and I would jettison some of the additional functions that have been tacked on over the years to simplify. That being said, while some options are slightly hard to find, they all work flawlessly once found.

Incentivized

We have not experienced any outages or issues during business hours

Incentivized

Fantastic. Very happy!!! We love it and haven't had any issues.

Incentivized

Always available and quick to respond. The team is also very knowledgeable so no waiting for a fix or an answer. At times they just go in and fix the setting vs telling you how to do it and sending you on your way. It's also done via text so you don't need to drop your call or be on hold

Incentivized

I am not aware of the current support level for Skype for business, as I have never used even though I have the product. However, the support for Skype's personal paid users is not where it could be. Users who pay for Skype features do not have a clear path to reach out to support. So, rating 6, can be better as soon as I need to use Skype for business support and get a good experience. I will say that I will renew Skype for Business subscription, which is a significant inconsistency on my end. The explanation is that Skype for Business comes bundled with Office for Business, with no additional cost, so why not.

Incentivized

Everything was fantastic. Training was sufficient and everything was easy to use. It was provided on our schedule and was very clear. I did the training myself. Training person was very knowledgeable. We are very happy. Only two users. very happy very happy very happy very happy very happy very happy

Incentivized

The implementation was very smooth. They assisted in getting phones tied to the various lines and getting everything set up in the admin portal. It's been a few years since our implementation, but there were no issues at the time.

Incentivized

It can be used on the phone via mobile application as well as on the desktop by logging in to the website. Easily installed and ready to use.

Incentivized

PanTerra Networks is viewed as more competitive, and close enough to win. Those other companies do offer more integrations off the shelve, and do have a more user friendly portal. Panterra does give the client a more personalized experience when it comes to the presentation, so the customer feels like they're getting a more personalized experience.

Incentivized

We use Skype in combination with Grasshopper. While Grasshopper acts as a routing toll free number with extensions, if we are making calls directly, we do it through Skype. Skype's desktop and mobile apps are easier to use, and provide unlimited local calls at a flat, affordable rate. Allowing our team to use their existing mobile or desktop devices without additional hardware for business office phone calls is important, and Skype makes that possible

Incentivized

Best pricing available. VERY HAPPY. Has not increased much at all.

Incentivized

We only have three phones and two users

Incentivized

The service provided is up to date, as discussed before buying.

• Very reliable. We make hundreds of calls outbound and there has never been a connectivity issue or otherwise
• We decreased our monthly expense for reliable service by several hundred dollars
• The onboarding support was the best we've ever experienced. They were on the phone while we hooked up every phone, tested, and got it all set up with ease.
• Any changes needed after onboarding were difficult to accomplish without a call to customer service. Some of those calls to customer service made things more confusing

Incentivized

• Skype made keeping in touch with an advisor in Mexico very easy. The initiative there resulted in 5 new partnerships.
• Skype has helped me with account management for at least 3 customers in LATAM--usually it's a fast way to answer a question about a support renewal.
• For about 9 months Skype helped me stay in touch with a colleague in Prague. We would meet once a week to go over sales activities.

Incentivized